Visited this attraction about two days ago and we enjoyed ourselves. It's simply walking through caves, however, I still enjoyed it and the kids in the group seemed to have enjoyed it. We saw one bat fly across and a few other were sleeping. You normally will not see any bats unless it gets too loud for them or the tour guide shines a light on them. Our tour guide was Shanagaye I believe her name was. She was very pleasant and very knowledgeable. She definitely had a sense of humor.
What to expect: Once your group arrives you will be given a wristband and then led to one of the caves. You will be given a hair net and a hard hat which you will DEFINITELY need. The caves have some low points where you have to bend down a bit as to not bang your head. Be very very cautious bc it is easy to hurt yourself. Nothing worth being scared about though. Only the adults need hard hats btw. Kids are not tall enough to hit their heads. I saw comments about bending, which concerned me bc I have noodles for legs but we didn't have to bend too far. The ground is uneven so mind your step. Also note, there is no AC. It wasn't unbearable, however, a neck fan would have helped. Dress accordingly. (Keep in mind we visited in Feb 2024)
The most important thing to note that may be helpful for someone with disabilities is that there will come a point where there are stairs. Some of them are steep, some are short, but there are railings and as long as you take your time going up and down you're fine. It is totally optional though. It's about 65 steps and it takes you down to the water. Going back up wasn't as bad as I thought and I'm not in shape so that should tell you something. If you choose not to do it, you can wait at the top while everyone goes down.
The trickiest part was, there is a small hole you have to get through to get to the other side. I was traveling with someone who had limited mobility and she struggled, as most of us did, to get through the hole. I had to stretch myself out and crawl on all fours on the rocky concrete. With the help of another gentleman I had to help my friend up. She and another heavy set man also struggled to get through and we lost our group.
That information, above all, would have been very helpful to know prior to the excursion. Yet, we made it successfully and were given refreshing fruit punch on...
Read moreGreen Grotto Caves: A Cool Underground Adventure in Jamaica
The Green Grotto Caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Jamaica's geological wonders and historical significance. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
The Good:
Cool and refreshing: Escape the Jamaican heat and explore a network of caverns with a constant cool temperature. Unique geological formations: Be amazed by stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Historical significance: Learn about the caves' role as a hideout for pirates, runaway slaves, and even a Spanish governor! Guided tours: Knowledgeable guides share interesting facts and stories about the caves, keeping the tour engaging. Family-friendly: The well-maintained path and informative tour make it suitable for most ages. Photo opportunity: Capture the glistening green algae lining the cave walls (photo restrictions apply inside the caves).
Things to Consider:
Accessibility: The cave floor can be uneven and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. Limited mobility: Some sections require bending or navigating narrow passages. Tour duration: The tour lasts around 45 minutes, which might feel short for some visitors. Location: The caves are about an hour and a half drive from Montego Bay, so factor in travel time.
Overall:
The Green Grotto Caves are a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in Jamaican history, geology, or seeking a cool underground adventure. The informative guided tour and unique formations make it a fun and educational outing.
Tips:
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Bring water, especially if you tend to get hot easily. Cash is accepted for entrance fees and souvenirs. Be mindful of the photo restrictions...
Read moreThis excursion is only 45 minutes long. It takes about an hour to get there from the Cruise terminal at faulmont. You have to be able and ready to do some walking. I took a tour that included transportation but no food. We purchased our own food and drinks after the tour. The driver was good and attentive. He made sure the AC worked properly for everyone in the van. He made several stops for people that needed to go to the bathroom. He also took the time to stop at several places where we could take scenery pictures. Some of the persons in the group took advantage of the stops and took some family pictures to remember the trip. This is a very informative tour because you are able to learn things about the local culture and history of the way people used to live a long time ago. You learn how the caves were used by the runaway slaves to hide before going to Cuba. The guide also goes out of his way in explaining about geology, history and answering any questions people will have about the rock formations. Be ready to have fun and lots of walking. Our tour guide also made some jokes to me. He turned the lights off at one point to show how dark is down there and he used a stick to touch my legs that scared the day lights out my body. I thought for a second that I was being touched by an animal or by a bat. It was all in good fun. It was a real cheap tour well worth the time and money. You are also shown how they found water to be able to survive. Definitely I will recommend this tour because it is fun, informative inexpensive and you learn a lot and also get to spend time with the local people and learn directly from them...
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