Plizio Visual Lab
Harrison's Cave
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Harrison's Cave is a premier natural attraction in Barbados, located in the central uplands of the island. This extensive limestone cavern system was formed over millennia through the erosion of coral limestone by underground water. Visitors typically traverse the illuminated galleries via an electric tram, which allows for a safe view of the massive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave features crystal-clear streams and subterranean waterfalls that collect in deep emerald pools. The Great Hall is a highlight, boasting cathedral-like ceilings adorned with intricate mineral formations. While historical records mention the cave as early as 1795, it was not fully explored or developed for tourism until the 1970s. It stands today as a vital educational site for understanding the unique karst topography of the Caribbean and remains a protected geological wonder.
- Location: Barbados
- Top sights: Saint Thomas, Barbados · Hopewell, Saint Thomas · Windward Islands xeric scrub
- Nearby: Mapp Hill (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 34 | 19 | 19 | 28 | 52 | 72 | 74 | 95 | 98 | 132 | 107 | 49 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Harrison's Cave is a cave that can only be visited with a guide. Entry is paid. The tour goes through kilometers of passages and shows impressive karst formations.
Typical hours
The cave is typically open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with tours every 30 minutes. Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends. Holidays may vary.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed during the tour. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted for safety reasons. The cave lighting is good, but a camera with good low-light sensitivity is beneficial.
Time needed
The tour lasts about one and a half hours. Allow a total of two to three hours including travel and waiting time. The cave is open year-round.
Combine with
The cave is near other karst formations like Welchman Hall Gully. Combine the visit with the Barbados Wildlife Reserve or a drive through the central hills.
Getting there
The cave is well signposted and accessible by car. There is a large parking lot and a bus stop nearby. Taxis and rental cars are the most common options.
Insider tip
Wear non-slip shoes as the paths in the cave can be wet. Book the first tour in the morning to avoid crowds.
Geography
Facts
- Length: 2.3 km
- Discovery: 1970
- Opened to public: 1976
- Number of underground lakes: 4
- Annual visitors: 120,000
- Cave temperature: 27°C
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Harrison's Cave (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How does the visit work?
Most visitors take a guided tram tour through the cave system.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking is highly recommended, especially during the cruise ship season.
Is the cave accessible?
Yes, the tram tours are designed to be accessible for people with limited mobility.
What is the temperature inside the cave?
It is pleasantly cool inside the cave, but the humidity is very high.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, photography is allowed, but the use of tripods may be restricted.
Harrison's Cave: where is it located?
Harrison's Cave is located in Barbados.
Harrison's Cave: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Thomas, Barbados, Hopewell, Saint Thomas, Windward Islands xeric scrub.
Harrison's Cave: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Harrison's Cave: why is it worth visiting?
Harrison's Cave is a premier natural attraction in Barbados, located in the central uplands of the island.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
Nearby cities
Hothersal Turning
Hothersal Turning is a busy suburb on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Warrens
Warrens is a major business and commercial district in the parish of Saint Michael.
Haggatt Hall
Haggatt Hall is a busy traffic hub and shopping area on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Clermont
Clermont is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Green Hill
Green Hill is a centrally located residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Bush Hall
Bush Hall is a historic residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Oxnards
Oxnards is an established residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint James.
Bank Hall
Bank Hall is a suburb in the parish of Saint Michael, located just north of Bridgetown.
Tudor Bridge
Tudor Bridge is a busy commercial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
The former home of Sir Grantley Adams is now an open-air museum showcasing traditional Barbadian architecture.
Grazettes
Grazettes is an important industrial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Wanstead
Wanstead is a quiet residential community in the parish of Saint James.
Fairfield
Fairfield is a residential suburb north of Bridgetown in the parish of Saint Michael.
Historic Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011 for its British colonial architecture.
Cave Hill
Cave Hill is best known as the site of one of the main campuses of the University of the West Indies.