Whether you're an avid cave rat or you simply can't remember if stalagmites are those things that go up or hang down, caving in the Caribbean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering something for everyone. The combination of unique cultures, tropical surroundings, and a fabulous variety of caves makes Caribbean cave exploration the adventurer's "can't miss" experience.
Jamaica
Ya, Mon! Jamaica is the perfect place for caving, with nearly two-thirds of the island made up of limestone and over 1,100 recorded caves to explore. Simply hire a local guide, inquire with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, or contact the University of the West Indies at Mona for further details.
Cockpit Country, the historic home to the island's Maroon society, is also home to Windsor Caves. Brimming with caves and underground rivers, local guides are a must. Just south of Windsor lies Nonsuch Cave. Offering fossils and evidence of Arawak occupation, Nonsuch is another caving "must see."
Aruba
Sun-drenched Aruba is home to three notable and tourist-friendly caves.
*Huliba is the island's Tunnel of Love and a perfect 20-30 minute hike. Helmets and torches are available for $3US.
*Guadirikiri Caves offer a unique, nearly architectural experience complete with sunlit, bat-filled passages, huge pillars, a 100-meter tunnel, and two large chambers.
*Fontein Cave, one of the most well known on the island, offers a 100-meter tunnel and numerous pillars with historic Indian paintings.
Anguilla
Amerindian petroglyphs are the major attraction of Anguilla's two major caves.
Fountain offers these historic petroglyphs as well as constant fresh water and a tranquil trek. A museum housing artifacts from his site and others is planned for a location just outside the cave.
Similar to Fountain, Big Spring Cave is an Amerindian ceremonial center offering petroglyphs and a peaceful, historic experience. For further information, contact the National Trust at P.O. Box 12344 or T3041.
Trinidad and Tobago
One of the Caribbean's most tourist-friendly set of caves is the Gasparee Caves. The most noted of this set offers naturally lit steps leading down to a breathtaking tidal lake surrounded by stalactites. Complete with numerous, well-informed guides and easy trekking, Gasparee Caves are the perfect experience for beginning cavers. Start your journey from the Crews Inn Marina, where a 20-minute boat ride will transport you to a docking area. From here, a 20-minute walk through dense woods will deliver you to the cave and the guide house. Hire a guide, lace up your hiking boots, and you're off on the experience of a lifetime.
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