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Green Grotto Caves & Attractions:
Welcome to the experience:
The Cavern of Melancholy, An Ode
While in the Grotto's gloomy cells
We pressed the devious way
Through many a chamber that expels
With fretted roofs the day;
Where darkness dark'd with extent
Seen by the rays our torches lent,
On one just struggling from above
That night's deep visage distant show'd
Black'ning the arch of her abode
A vast Cimmerian grove.
Robert Charles Dallas, Circa 1778
The first verse of Robert Dallas' poem captures the sentiments of his experience upon visiting, what we know today as the Green Grotto Caves. Indeed, the Caves figure prominently in Jamaica's history and culture -- Indians, Runaway Slaves, Pirates, the Spanish, the English and modern day Jamaicans and visitors to the island all have their own experience at the Green Grotto Caves.
Runaway Bay Caves, Cave Hall Caves, Discovery Bay Caves, Harbour Caves, Hopewell Caves, Rum Caves, Dairy Caves -- these are various names which Green Grotto Caves once bore.
Situated on 25.9 hectares of Jamaica's beautiful north coast, 3.2 km from Discovery Bay to the west and 4 km from Runaway Bay to the east, the central feature of this natural attraction is the large labyrinthine limestone cave with numerous rock formations, its stalactites, stalagmites and an abundance of overhead ceiling pockets.
With a length of 1,525 metres and a depth of 12 metres, the cave is characterized by numerous chambers and light holes and a subterranean lake (the Grotto Lake) occupies its bowels.
The cave is rich in history and can be identified with different groups of people. Our ancestors, the Arawak Indians (Tainos) found shelter in the caves initially. Proof of this is evident in the multiple fragments of pottery and adzes that are unearthed from time to time. During the period of take-over by the English, the caves were used as a hideout for the Spaniards who were being driven out of the country. The caves can also be identified with that period between the two World Wars, where they were used by smugglers running arms to Cuba. In the latter years during the second World War, the Government of Jamaica used the entrance of the cave as a storeroom for rum in barrels. The caves have been seeing visitors since the 18th Century. In the 1960's they fell into possession of the Kirkners, who sought to enrich the product offerings by improving the passageways and adding features such as a bar and guided tours.
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) acquired the Green Grotto Caves in October 1999 and is developing the attraction into a nature park and reserve to include hiking, fishing, and picnicing.
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