Green Grotto Caves

Named after the glistening green algae that lines the cave walls, the grotto is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours take you through a network of caverns that stretch over 64 acres (25.9 hectares), during which you’ll learn about the caves’ geological and historical significance. Visit the caves as part of a half- or full-day tour from Falmouth or Ocho Rios, which sometimes include a stop at Dunn’s River Falls and lunch.

• You must pay admission and enter with a guide; children enter for half price and admission fees are included in most tour packages.

• Look out for little bats as well as the hidden, crystal-clear lake made famous by the James Bond movie Live and Let Die in 1973.

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the floors can be uneven and slippery.

• Photos and recordings are prohibited inside the caves.

• There are snacks and souvenirs for sale on-site.

The Green Grotto Caves are located right off the A1 road in Falmouth, on Jamaica’s north coast, just west of Ocho Rios and close to Discovery Bay. Because you must have a guide to visit the caves, most people visit as part of a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

The cave is open daily all year round—including on public holidays—from morning through to the late afternoon. Visit early for a quieter experience.

The caves were originally occupied by the native Taínos, and you’ll be able to see some of their paintings, tools, and pottery fragments at the site. Then the Spanish colonized the cave, hiding from the invading British in 1655; some even used the tunnel linking the caves to Runaway Bay to flee to Cuba. Escaped enslaved people have also used the cave to hide and, during WWII, rum runners stored their booze-filled barrels here for safekeeping.

There are plenty of ways to experience the Green Grotto Caves. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Triple Action-Packed Combo (Blue Hole, Horseback Riding, and River Tubing)
• Dunn’s River Falls and Green Grotto Caves
• Private Tour from Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay to Negril Seven Miles Beach and Rick’s Cafe
• Dunn's River Falls
• Private Transportation from Montego Bay to Green Grotto Caves Attraction

Ticket prices for the Green Grotto Caves in Jamaica are US$20 for adults (ages 13 and over), with discounts for younger visitors and Jamaican residents. Guided tours of Jamaica that also include a stop at the Green Grotto Caves start at around US$150 and usually include admission fees.

Yes, the Green Grotto Caves are a popular family-friendly attraction in Jamaica. Generally, children ages 4 and above can participate, although the tour is most suitable for kids who can easily walk on uneven surfaces. The tour offers educational insights into the natural and cultural history of Jamaica.

To get to the Green Grotto Caves from Montego Bay, you can take the A1 highway about 1.5–2 hours east toward Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay. To avoid the hassle of driving, book a private transfer or guided tour that includes roundtrip transportation and the entrance fee.

When visiting the Green Grotto Caves, wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the cave paths can be uneven and slippery. The caves are usually cooler in temperature than the outside air, so bring a light jacket. Also, don’t forget insect repellent, since the caves are home to bugs.

No, the Green Grotto Caves are not fully accessible to people with disabilities. The caves have uneven and sometimes steep paths, and there are steps and areas with low ceilings that might make navigation difficult. However, paved paths lead to the entrance and some viewing areas that might be accessible.