Harrison's Cave

## Overview Harrison's Cave is a spectacular crystallized limestone cavern located in the central uplands of Barbados, near the parish of St. Thomas. Renowned as one of the Caribbean's most impressive underground cave systems, it features a stunning network of streams, pools, and dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations carved out over thousands of years by the natural flow of underground spring water. The cave takes its name from Thomas Harrison, a landowner who is believed to have first documented the cavern in the 1700s. Though locals were likely aware of the cave long before, it wasn't fully explored until 1974 when Danish speleologist Ole Sorensen mapped its passages. The cave was subsequently developed as a show cave and opened to the public in 1981, quickly becoming one of Barbados's most popular natural attractions. The underground spring that feeds Harrison's Cave is a remarkable feature of the island's coral limestone geology. Rainwater percolating through the porous limestone over millennia has dissolved the rock to create vast chambers and flowing subterranean waterways. The spring water emerges crystal-clear, pooling in underground basins and cascading over formations in small waterfalls. While the spring water has historically been admired for its clarity and purity, visitors should note that it is not officially designated as a public drinking water source. ## What to Expect Harrison's Cave is a privately managed attraction, so visitors should expect a structured experience rather than a wild spring visit. The main tour takes visitors through the cave aboard an electric tram that glides along a paved path deep into the limestone chambers. Along the way, you'll encounter towering stalactites, rising stalagmites, and flowing streams of spring water that have sculpted the rock into breathtaking formations over countless centuries. Highlights include "The Great Hall," a massive chamber with soaring ceilings, and a stunning underground waterfall where the spring water cascades into a deep emerald pool. The cave maintains a cool, humid atmosphere year-round — a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat above ground — with temperatures typically hovering around 27°C (80°F). The site is located at approximately 13.18862°N, 59.574823°W in the heart of Barbados. As a private attraction, admission fees apply, and it is advisable to check current opening hours and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season (December through April). More adventurous visitors may want to inquire about the "Eco-Adventure" tour option, which allows for a more hands-on exploration of less-visited sections of the cave on foot. The surrounding area in the St. Thomas parish offers lush tropical scenery and is close to other natural attractions such as Welchman Hall Gully, making it easy to combine a visit to Harrison's Cave with a broader exploration of Barbados's interior highlands.