Harrison's Cave

The basics

A cave tour takes visitors on a tram ride underground to explore the cavern’s pools and waterfalls, with a tour guide providing geological insights. The tram tour allows travelers to easily explore the massive underground cave, winding past clear streams and breathtaking cave formations for a closer look at the stalactites, stalagmites, and the 49-foot (15-meter) Great Hall.

Aside from the basic cave tram tour, eco-adventure tours and walk-in cave tours take adventurous travelers deeper into the cave—sometimes on hands and knees!—to explore further. Harrison’s Cave tours typically depart from nearby Bridgetown and frequently combine a stop there with other nearby attractions such as Bathsheba Beach, Hunte’s Gardens, or Welchman Hall.

Things to know before you go

• Harrison’s Cave is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and kids.

• Bring a hat to catch the overhead drips, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

• Eco-adventure tours provide headlamps, helmets, and knee pads.

• The basic cave tram tour is accessible to wheelchair users and suitable for those with mobility challenges.

• The visitor center offers refreshments and a gift shop.

• It’s a good idea to book Harrison’s Cave tickets in advance.

How to get there

Located adjacent to the community of Allen View in St. Thomas Parish, Harrison’s Cave is easily accessible via car, taxi, or bus. Catch the Route 4 Shorey Village Bus from Bridgetown, or grab a taxi from Bridgetown (30 minutes), Holetown (20 minutes), or Warrens (20 minutes). Parking is available on-site.

When to get there

Harrison’s Cave is open for tram tours from 8:45am to 3:45pm daily except for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Kadooment Day (the first Monday in August), and Christmas.

History of Harrison’s Cave

Thomas Harrison owned the land where the cave resides in the early 1700s, but it is unclear whether he ever entered the cave that bears his name. Early explorers had a tough time finding a breach in the well-hidden entrances, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that the cave was excavated and opened as a tourist attraction. Considered an “active” cave, the stalactites and stalagmites are still growing every year.

Ways to explore

While you can buy Harrison’s Cave entry at the door, prebooking tickets online helps avoid disappointment. Better still, book one of the many Barbados tours that visit the caves; many are standalone tours that include a tram ride and round-trip transportation, making for a hassle-free, door-to-door visit.

Otherwise, consider combo tours that add other Barbados attractions, such as Hunter's Garden and St. Nicholas Abbey. Some excursions combine a trip to the caves with activities like ziplining at the eco-adventure park. Alternatively, book a custom-tailored private island excursion and include Harrison’s Cave on your itinerary.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-adapted tram cars are available, but check tour packages before booking to ensure accommodations can be made for wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility. The eco-adventure grounds are generally wheelchair accessible, but activities like ziplining are not.

Age limits

Tram tours are open to all. However, some cave excursion operators may apply their own age limits to cave visits. Age restrictions apply for adventure park activities.

What to pack

Valid photo ID, credit card, insect repellent, sunscreen for outdoor activities

What to wear

Non-slip shoes, lightweight clothing, hats for catching cave-roof drips on tram tours, long pants for ziplining

Not allowed

Touching cave formations, smoking, camouflage-patterned clothing

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, rental lockers, food/beverage options

Address

Bordering the hamlet of Allen View in the central Barbados Parish of St. Thomas, Harrison’s Cave is easily accessible by car, and can also be reached by public bus. However, guided tours that include round-trip transportation are perhaps the most convenient option.

Driving

From Bridgetown, it’s around a 25-minute drive to the caves via Highway 3A to Highway 2. Exit Highway 2 at Allan View, and parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Regular buses from Bridgetown’s Princess Alice terminal run to Harrison’s Cave: take Route 4 for Shorey Village and alight at Welchman Hall, about a 5-minute stroll from the cave. Or, board the less frequent 4A service to Allan View, around a 6-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Aim for near opening time to miss peak crowds, especially during the December to April peak season. Trams and park adventures are typically busier after lunch, although late afternoons can see a lull.

Best days to visit

Weekdays and days without cruise ship arrivals are quieter at the cave and eco-park. Monday to Wednesday are typically less crowded than later in the week and during weekends.

Best months to visit

While December to April is best for enjoying Barbados’ sunniest weather, visits during the shoulder and wet seasons (May to November) mean fewer crowds. However, they also spell rainier conditions and possible storms in September and October.

Special events

Harrison’s Cave regularly hosts events, with celebrations including fiestas for Barbados Independence Day in November and cave candlelight tours at Christmas.