Overview:

Harrison's Cave is located in Saint Thomas, Barbados. It is an amazing show cave, which has spectacular and unusual array of geological and hydrogeological formations, along with seven different streams and pools. The caves were discovered in 1795 by Thomas Harrison, and it is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Caribbean. The cave system extends over several thousand feet underground and visitors can take tour of the caves in either a tram car, mini-train, or on foot. The cave feature a number of limestone formations, including towering stalagmites and stalactites. The cave systems is also home to a number of native species, including bats, spiders, and blind shrimp. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

Some of the prominent features of Harrison's Cave in Saint Thomas, Barbados include its massive underground caverns, panoramic views of the surrounding forest, crystal clear pools of water and diverse array of wildlife. The cave, a natural phenomenon, boasts impressive limestone formations and an underground river system accessible by boat or train. Visitors to the cave will also discover the amazing geological features of the island and learn about the eco-system of the area. Wildlife such as the Green Monkeys and Long-tailed Greater Antillean Grackle are often seen around the area. In addition to exploring the cave, there are also other activities to enjoy such as hiking, birdwatching, swimming, and fishing. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

Harrison's Cave is a unique underground adventure which was founded as a result of a chance discovery in the year 1795. Situated in the central uplands of Barbados, the natural wonders of this Caribbean paradise have captivated visitors for centuries. The limestone cave is home to spectacular crystal clear pools and cascading waterfalls as well as endangered species such as the Barbados Ruff which makes its home within the cave. Early accounts of the cave speak of a nine-year-old boy, Thomas Harrison, discovering the entrance to the cave in the early 1800’s. Initially referred to as the ‘Ghost Cave’ due to the eerie echoes heard within, the cave became more widely accessible by the 1880’s as the Harrison family opened up the site to the public. In 1981, the Barbados Government stepped in by establishing a statutory board which was tasked with the responsible management of the cave. In the following year extensive renovations began, and Harrison’s Cave as we know it today opened to the public in the year 1985. Since then the cave has become a popular tourist attraction and continues to fascinate and enthral visitors. Today, Harrison’s Cave features an electrically operated tram which transports visitors through the caverns allowing them to fully experience its wonders. The cave is a living, changing landscape which offers a unique and wondrous experience to all who visit. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Harrison's Cave is a natural limestone cave located in the heart of Barbados in the parish of Saint Thomas. 2. The cave, which was discovered in 1795 by Thomas Harrison, has been developing over thousands of years. 3. A 400 meter tram ride takes visitors through the magnificent underground cave and gives them the opportunity to explore its many wonders. 4. The cave's interior is made up of an amazing array of crystal-clear pools, towering columns, deep chasms and extraordinary limestone formations ranging in color from white to yellow amber. 5. Inside the cave, there are a number of sights to see including the Crystal Lake, where visitors can admire the almost perfect reflection of the surrounding limestone formations in the still waters. 6. There are also several underground waterfalls throughout the cave, as well as the 'Cave of Inception', a mysterious underground chamber home to an astonishing array of intricate and delicate calcite formations. 7. In May of 2011, Harrison's Cave became the first natural attraction in the Caribbean to be appraised by both Reader's Digest and the British-based travel guide, Rough Guides. 8. Harrison's Cave has been included in the provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2009. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era