Animal Flower Cave


Useful Information

Location: North Point, Conneltown, Barbados.
At the northernmost point of the island, at the sea.
(13.334288, -59.613243)
Open: All year Tue-Sun 9:30-16.
[2023]
Fee: Adults BBD 40, Children (-12) BBD 20.
[2023]
Classification: Speleologysea cave
Light: none.
Dimension:
Guided tours: yes
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address: Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant, North Point, Conneltown, Barbados, Tel: +1-246-262-9535.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1780 discovered by two English explorers.
~1912 steps to the cave built.
1961 private cottage built above the cave.
1970 restaurant opened.

Description

This sea cave is famous for its yellow sea anemones called sea flowers. These short, cylindrical marine animals feed with the tentacles attached to their tops. The tentacles contain nematocysts, stinging cells, which paralyze prey. The tentacles move their captured prey to their mouth where they sink down their gullet. Down in the cave, you can see a small number of small purple anemones, although their numbers vary with the conditions, they are diminished in number these days.

The cave itself is quite an intriguing place: it has formations which resemble a turtle, hand, and a lizard, and the view through the cave and out to sea is splendid and worth the visit.

Although currently barren, the surrounding land once produced cane under the name of Animal Flower Plantation. Today the Animal Flower Cave is a restaurant. Cave tours are offered by "a group of real Bajan characters". We are actually not sure if this is a bathing spot, a diving spot, a show cave or just a restaurant with a nice view. However, it definitely is a cave, and probably you will get a decent meal too.

This is located at the northern point of the island. Twenty seven huge coral steps lead down to this cave at the base of the cliffs. These were built around 1912 and are a reminder of the dance hall days, when people from around the island arrived by horse and buggy for a weekend of seaside relaxation and fun. It is possible to paddle amongst the stalactites and stalagmites with the guide and watch the green and orange sea anemones wave their tiny tentacles in the rock pools. The locals call these anemones Animal Flowers, hence the name of the cave.

The cave is an interesting study in geology, local history and stunning sea activity. The cave's coral floor is estimated to be 400,000 to 500,000 years old and the younger coral section above the floor is about 126,000 years old. The dating was carried out by the German Geographical Institute, and visitors can see a map of the time scale in the bar/restaurant. The cave now stands some six feet above the high tide mark even though it was formed at sea level. This is because Barbados is rising about 25mm per 1,000 years, which is yet another indication of the cave's age.

Artefacts from bygone days, including the braces in the coral ceiling where the lanterns once hung. The ‘windows' to the ocean (cave openings) make for stunning views. On calm days you can also go into a ‘room' off to the right and perhaps swim in the natural pool, or at least take in yet another awesome view of the Atlantic through this larger craggy sea window.

The A-framed bar and restaurant has been on the site since 1961, first as a private cottage, then as a business in 1970. Outside the bar area they are a few cannons from sunken ships. You can also walk along the edge and see the ruggedly-carved bay for added views of this awesome coast.

Well-trained and amiable group of guides take visitors into the cave at a nominal fee.


Text by Tony Oldham (2002). With kind permission.