Summary
Dave and I love movies almost as much as we love to travel. We especially love combining our two passions together. When we learned that Jamaica’s Green Grotto Caves were the location for James Bond’s Live and Let Die, we had to go!
About the Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves are easily accessible from Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. Many visitors experience it on a tour; however, if you are able to hire your own driver or taxi, it costs only $20 per person and offers a more intimate experience compared to joining larger cruise groups.
The tour provides a fascinating walk through geology and history, lasting approximately one hour.
Our guide met us at the entrance, and after donning our helmets (with hairnets included), we embarked on our journey into the deep underground. The caves include two areas to explore: the Runaway Cave and the Green Grotto Cave.
History of Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves played a significant role in Jamaican history. These caves are believed to have served as dwellings for the island’s first inhabitants, the Arawak Indians known as the Tainos.
During the Spanish invasion of the island in 1655, these caves provided refuge for the Spaniards from the English forces.
In the 18th century, runaway slaves also utilized these chambers as hiding spots from the English. Throughout history, pirates have concealed their treasures here, and during World War eras, arms dealers smuggled weapons from this location to Cuba. Interestingly, the government even stored rum within these caves.
Runaway Cave Nightclub?
One of the more peculiar uses of the Green Grotto Caves is when a wealthy American family owned the land and transformed it into a nightclub. It was the father’s dream to own such a venue, and thus the nightclub was born! During the 1980s, this location featured bars, dance floors, fish ponds, and cement benches for guests to enjoy their nights.
Unfortunately, the vibrations of the music adversely affected the delicate environment, leading to the destruction of many stalactites and stalagmites within the main chamber.
Fortunately, in 1999, the Jamaican government regained control over the Green Grotto Caves and has since developed it into one of Jamaica’s premier attractions. The site was even awarded EarthCheck’s highest accolade of Platinum Certification, marking it as the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
Runaway Cave Tour
We commenced our tour in Runaway Cave, the largest chamber amidst a backdrop of easy cement pathways suitable for exploration. Remnants of the nightclub days are still visible, including cement barstools, pools, a stage, and the dance floor.
Fortunately, not all sections of the cave suffered damage from the past nightclub owners. As we traversed further, we were greeted by stunning geological formations. Bridges, staircases, and illuminated pathways led us to different chambers, accentuated by green and yellow lights showcasing the stone pillars, narrow caverns, and deep openings.
Throughout the caves, there are many openings created by collapses, where trees grow and bats find their escape to hunt every night. An estimated 10 million bats inhabit the caves. According to our guide Kevin, only a small portion of the system has been investigated, meaning the exact number of bats remains unknown.
It is crucial to protect these bats, as they play a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding on insects and assisting in pollinating crops.
Escape Route
We were shown the escape route utilized by the Spaniards when the British discovered the caves. This narrow escape route stretches for approximately 3 miles, leading directly to the sea. I cannot fathom the bravery it must have taken to enter such a tiny, dark passage.
James Bond and the Green Grotto
After completing our tour of Runaway Cave, we stepped outside and proceeded to the second part of our exploration, The Green Grotto Cave.
Upon taking a breath of fresh air, we reached the entrance to Green Grotto, where 45 feet below (15 meters) lies an underground lake. The tour involves descending 65 steps into a vast cavern filled with water. With the lights illuminating the stalactites, the reflections in the pool create a stunning visual.
As I reflected on the cinematic moment where James Bond and Jane Seymour were lowered into Mr. Kananga’s shark tank, I struggled to picture it. After watching the segment again, Dave and I speculated they must have filmed from a different angle, likely capturing the view of the platform we were standing on.
They certainly missed a more picturesque filming opportunity!
The guides illuminate the chamber and then surprisingly turn off the lights, demonstrating the profound darkness that exists below. I finding it astonishing how early settlers managed to discover anything under such conditions.
Additionally, we learned that the bat guano is flammable, which explains why they didn’t bring torches for exploration, as it would have posed a significant fire hazard. Every aspect of this cave had to be discovered and cleared manually.
Personally, I prefer the guided tour. It allowed me to appreciate the darkness without having to navigate through it myself. Once we completed our exploration of the grotto, we ascended the 65 steps and were greeted by fresh air and sunshine. The 45-minute tour was undeniably worth the visit!
Green Grotto Tips
- The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is priced at $20 USD.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven terrain.
- We recommend combining a visit to the Green Grotto with another tour, such as Dunns River Falls, for an enhanced experience.
- On our trip, we participated in a Horse and Swim with Chukka Tours in the morning before heading to Green Grotto for our tour just before lunch.
- Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or visitors can explore their website for more information.
- For further information about Jamaica, consult the Jamaican Tourism website. Follow them on social media to stay updated.
- Twitter: @VisitJamaicaNow | Facebook: VisitJamaicaCanada | Instagram: VisitJamaica | YouTube: MyJamaicaJTB
Our trip to Jamaica was made possible through a partnership with the Jamaica Tourism Board; all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own.
