Ocho Rios Heritage and the Green Grotto Caves

Excursion Highlights:
  • Venture into Green Grotto Caves, Jamaica's subterranean wonder, for an expedition through emerald passages filled with history and natural beauty.
  • Explore the caves' storied past, from Arawak Indians to their use as a hideout for Spaniards and a storage site for rum during World War II.
  • Marvel at a geological masterpiece, with limestone caverns adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, bat habitats.
  • Discover expansive chambers and natural skylights leading to Grotto Lake, a serene body of water nestled within the cave's depths.
My Itinerary
My Cruiseline:Norwegian
My Ship:Norwegian Pearl
My Sail Date:May 20, 2025
Trip Duration:11 nights
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Price: $93.00
Children (ages 0 to 3 years old) are free but must be accounted for below at the time of booking.
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Standard
Shore Excursion Type Active, Cultural
Shore Excursion Duration 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Easy
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that can get wet. A hat, sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen are also suggested.
Restrictions This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, guests with limited mobilty, or back issues. The minimum age to participate is 4 years old.

Ocho Rios Heritage and the Green Grotto Caves

Uncover the captivating charm of Green Grotto Caves, a subterranean marvel that beckons spelunkers and adventurers alike, offering a dazzling display of emerald passages rich in intrigue and steeped in the annals of Jamaica's storied past. Shrouded by dense foliage and nourished by the clear streams that whisper through its hidden chambers, Green Grotto Caves presents an extraordinary voyage into a secret realm etched with historical significance.

Within its depths, the caves hold echoes of various civilizations. The Arawak Indians (Tainos) were the first known dwellers, their legacy etched in the remnants of pottery and ancient artifacts. As the tides of conquest turned in the 17th century, the English pursuit drove Spaniards to seek sanctuary within these silent witnesses to history. The caves' shadowy corners later played host to covert activities, serving as a clandestine conduit for arms smugglers en route to Cuba in the mid-20th century's early decades. World War II saw these caverns repurposed by the Jamaican government as a storeroom for rum barrels, further enriching its diverse narrative.

Through the ages, this enigmatic labyrinth has been known by many names - unaway Bay Caves, Discovery Bay Caves, and more. The Jamaican government, recognizing its value, placed the stewardship of Green Grotto with the Urban Development Corporation and the St. Ann Development Company, who transformed it into an iconic destination. Honors followed, with Green Grotto Caves attaining Green Globe 21 Certification and eventually reaching the zenith of environmental accolades in 2009 with platinum-status recognition.

At the heart of Green Grotto is a magnificent network of limestone caverns, a geological masterpiece adorned with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a canopy teeming with bats. Spanning over 1,500 meters, with a depth reaching 12 meters, the cave system unfolds into a series of expansive chambers, blessed with natural skylights and home to the serene Grotto Lake, a mirror-still body of water cradled in the cave embrace. Don't miss this ethereal adventure - reserve your spot today!