About Animal Flower Cave

Standing at the northernmost tip of Barbados, the Animal Flower Cave is a complete departure from the calm, turquoise waters of the South and West coasts. Here, the Atlantic Ocean crashes against massive limestone cliffs, creating a dramatic, rugged landscape that feels more like the coast of Scotland than the Caribbean.

For cruise passengers looking to see the “wild side” of the island, this is the spot.

What is the Animal Flower Cave?

The cave is named after the tiny sea anemones (locally called “animal flowers”) that live in its rock pools. When you touch them, or even get close, they retract instantly into their stalks.

The cave itself is located right under the cliffs. You’ll head down a set of coral stone stairs through an opening in the ground. Inside, the floor is made of smooth, water-worn coral, and several large “windows” open directly out to the ocean. If the tide is right and the swells aren’t too high, you can swim in one of the natural rock pools inside the cave—a surreal experience as you watch the waves break just a few feet away through the cave opening.

Beyond the Cave: The Clifftops

Even if you aren’t a fan of enclosed spaces, the area above the cave is worth the trip. The views from the clifftops are arguably the best on the island.

• Whale Watching: If you’re visiting between December and April, keep your eyes on the horizon. This is one of the best spots in Barbados to see humpback whales migrating.
• The Photography: The contrast of the dark rock, the deep blue Atlantic, and the white sea spray is incredible. It’s a very different look for your vacation photos than the standard palm-tree-and-sand shot.

Eating and Drinking

There is a family-run restaurant on-site that sits right on the edge of the cliff. It’s open-air and catches a constant breeze. They are famous for their Barbadian Blackbelly Sheep tacos and fresh lemonade. It’s a great place to grab a local Banks beer and just watch the ocean.

Essential Info for Cruise Passengers

Getting There from the Port:
The cave is located in the parish of St. Lucy, which is about as far from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal as you can get.

• By Taxi: A taxi will take about 45 to 55 minutes depending on traffic. It’s best to arrange a round-trip price with your driver or ask them to wait for you, as it can be hard to hail a fresh taxi from this remote location.
• By Bus: While there are “yellow buses” that head north, it’s a long journey with multiple stops. If you’re on a tight cruise schedule, a taxi or an organized shore excursion is much safer.

Timing Your Visit:
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for the whole trip (including travel time). This gives you an hour for the cave tour and some time to walk the cliffs or have lunch.

What to Wear/Bring:

• Rubber-soled shoes: The cave floor can be slippery and the rocks on top are sharp. Flip-flops aren’t ideal for the descent.
• Swimwear: If you want to dip in the cave pool, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. There are small changing rooms available.
• A little cash: There is an entrance fee for the cave tour (the clifftop views are free), and there are usually a few local craft vendors nearby.

A Note on Weather:
Because the cave is at sea level on the windward side of the island, it occasionally closes to swimmers if the sea is too rough. Even if the cave is “closed” for swimming, the clifftop views and the restaurant stay open, and they are still worth the drive.