Fun Exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park In Barbados

A Great Cruise Excursion Exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park In Barbados

On our Caribbean cruise stop in Barbados with Oceania Cruises, we spent the afternoon exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park.  We booked this excursion to Harrison’s Cave Signature Parkto explore the amazing cave formations.  But found so much more to enjoy at this great outdoor adventure spot.

Return To Bridgetown In Barbados

We visited Bridgetown in Barbados many times when cruising in the Caribbean.  On one visit we explored the island and its history.  On another cruise port stop, we had fun on a submarine underwater excursion.  One time we just wandered around and explored the area close to the cruise port.

On this visit to Bridgetown, we wanted to do something completely different. Many of the cruise excursions went to sites we already visited. So when we saw the trip exploring the Harrison’s Cave Signature Park we thought that would be the perfect way to see something else on our visit to Barbados.  

A Little About The Harrison’s Cave

The main attraction at the Harrison’s Cave Signature Park was the massive cave system. It was named for Thomas Harrison, a prominent 18th-century landowner.

We learned a little about the caves at the exhibit centre and with an introductory film at the site. The cave system was known to local explorers as early as the 18th century.  But the caves were not really explored or mapped until 1970. The Barbados National Trust hired the Danish speleologist Ole Sorensen for this work. In 1981 the cave system was opened as a tourist attraction. 

The cave entrance was situated about 700 feet (210 m) above sea level. The caves are one of the largest known stream caves and measure approximately 1.3 miles (2.3 km) long. The caves were naturally formed by water erosion. Water running through the limestone rock created quite unusual stalactites and stalagmites formations. The running water created waterfalls and formed deep emerald pools.

Once we learned more about the cave system, we were definitely excited to start exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park.  

Exploring The Harrison’s Caves By Tram

After learning a bit about the cave system, we headed down the high elevator to the cave entrance.  After putting on a hair net and hard hat, we boarded electrically operated trams and headed down through the extensive system of caves. We had a good tour guide who provided historical information as we travelled deeper and deeper.

We slowly passed through the main attractions in the cave. People on either side of the tram got close-up views of the cave structures on the way in or out the same route. One of the main areas was a huge cavern (“The Great Hall”) which was over 50 feet (15 m) in height.  

We passed by “The Village” and saw the column formations created over thousands of years. Other areas we saw included “The Chapel,” “The Rotunda,” and “The Altar.” Everywhere we looked we found such interesting sights.

We passed by underwater pools. And then we made a stop and got off the tram at the underground waterfall. Our guide said that the water was known to make you younger. Of course, everyone wanted to put their hand under the waterfall!

We enjoyed our tram ride exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park in Barbados.  The caves truly were an amazing sight.

Wandering In The Nature Trail And Bird Aviary 

After we exited the cave system, we had one more thing we wanted to see before our excursion ended. We found the high set of stairs that took us up to the Nature Trail and Bird Aviary. Wandering along the path we stopped at signs identifying local plants.

When we found the Bird Aviary, we went through the gates that kept the birds inside. There was an interesting mix of birds in the enclosure. We found a peacock wandering along the paths.  And he made sure to give us a show!

We were running out of time so we headed back down the stairs and then back up the elevator. It was a very different experience exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park. 

The Harrison’s Cave Signature Park Adventure Area

After our cave exploration, we wandered around the Harrison’s Cave Signature Park . There were food concessions on the lower level.  We checked out the other fun activities offered on the site. Overhead we saw the zip lines and people whizzed past. There was a large climbing area that went across the park area.  

When we returned to the upper level we found the on-site Mount Gay rum museum and a bar offering tastes of this local rum. We looked at the different posters and learned a little. But did not sample the rum on this visit.

It looked like the Harrison’s Cave Signature Park offered a great variety of activities for a lot of fun. But sadly this was not part of our excursion ticket and we simply did not have time on this visit exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park.

Enjoy Exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park In Barbados

On our Caribbean cruise with Oceania, we were glad we booked an excursion in Bridgetown for exploring Harrison’s Cave Signature Park in Barbados. The cave structures we discovered were very cool and well worth a visit. The park offered so many more fun outdoor adventures. But these were not included on our excursion and we did not have enough time to enjoy more. It would definitely be worth a return visit to Harrison’s Cave Signature Park if we visit Barbados again.

The bus trip from the cruise port was about 30 minutes. We were not sure if there were bus routes to visit on our own. Or if we could book a private tour and be picked up at the cruise port. This was something to check out on a return visit.

Have you visited Harrison’s Cave Signature Park in Barbados?  Did you get to enjoy all they had to offer? 

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