If you are planning a trip to Jamaica and wondering what to see apart from the beaches and bask in the Caribbean sun, you can add Green Grotto Caves to your itinerary. These caves are perfect for a family or group outing. And if you are traveling with your family, you can stay in Jamaica villas that provide you convenient access to the attractions, as also the best of hotel and home comforts at the most affordable rates.

Green Grotto caves get their name from the algae that cover its walls. These caves are located on Jamaica's north coast between two towns of Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay. These caves are an integral part of the history of the island.

Indeed the first inhabitants of the island, the Taino people are believed to have found shelter here. This view is substantiated by the fact that many artifacts dating to the time have been found at the site. Later, the Spanish are believed to have taken shelter here during their battle with the British for the control of the island in 1655. The caves were also a hiding place for runaway slaves and smugglers who ran arms to Cuba. Befittingly these caves have been known by names such as Runaway Caves, Dairy Caves, Rum Caves, Hopewell Caves, and Dry Harbor Caves, depending on the function they served at a point of time.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the caves and learn about their history, geology, and plant and animal life. For example, you will come to know that Jamaica is home to 21 species of bats, nine of which are found in these caves. They are all harmless and take no notice of the visitors who come here. An interesting part of the tour is the descent down 60 steps, some 37 meters, into the innermost cavern where you will come across a crystal-clear underground lake.

Aside from the Green Grotto caves, there are numerous magnificent attractions that you can explore. For example, you simply must visit the Dunn's River Falls and the Dolphin cove in Ocho Rios. This town is one of the most well known tourist attractions in Jamaica, known for its waterfalls, man made and natural parks, tropical forests and beaches. If you want to be near all the action and yet be away from it all, you can stay in Silver Sands villas that provide you convenient access to the interesting places and at the same time also the privacy and space you need to spend quality time with your family and friends.