Green Grotto Caves

Green Grotto Caves
LocationNorth coast of Jamaica
Coordinates18°25′16″N 77°06′50″W / 18.4210683°N 77.1138837°W / 18.4210683; -77.1138837
Depth12 metres (39 ft)
Length1,525 metres (5,003 ft)
EntrancesSeveral

The Green Grotto Caves are show caves and a prominent tourist attraction on the north coast of Jamaica. Named for the green algae that cover its walls, the structure of the cave is strikingly different from inland systems; the cave is a flank margin cave (old mixing chambers at the edge of the fresh water lens with the sea water) with two well-defined levels apparently indicating two periods with differing sea levels. The innermost cavern contains a crystal-clear underground lake.

In addition to the publicly accessible sections of the cave there is also a section of "wild caves" with relatively undisturbed ecology. Hydrologically, the cave system is connected with the adjacent coastal waters.