Animal Flower Cave: Swimming with Sea Anemones
Some things are harder to find, but that makes the journey is worth it, enter Barbados' Animal Flower Cave. Located at the northern most tip of the island, the sea-caves were eaten into exisitence by the active ocean. Tourists can safely enter and explore the caverns that are populated by and named after the ample sea anemones. Make sure to wear study shoes with tred on the bottoms, don't live dangerously with sandals or converse.Discovered in 1780 by two British explorers, the Animal Flower Cave floor is estimated to be 4-500,000 years old. Formed at sea level, the cave's opening now sits six feet above the water line because the island of Barbados itself rises an inch every 100 years. There is a natural "swimming pool" inside, where visitors can take a dip on good days so bring your swimming suit. Upstairs, there's a restaurant and bar to grab a bite to eat after all of that exploring.Animal Flower Cave is a great experience for nature lovers — and let's be honest, when was the last time you went spulunking or crawled around inside a mountain? — and the view is stunning. From the highest point, the brave can see where the sky and the ocean meet in a spectacular manner. And if you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll feel like Dumbledore and his student when they're about to enter that Voldemort cave where the professor drinks the fountain of black water. Sorry if I lost you, I'm a fantasy nerd.Awesomeness aside, getting to the sea-caves can be a challenge because the Parlour hotels are located on the southwest side of the island and the Gap, where most of the partying happens, is on the southern most tip. But if you find a reliable tour guide with a car, recommended by your hotel, you should be fine, or you can go it alone and trust your gut and a map. One tip, don't completely rely on gps if you decide to rent a car and drive up because there are quite a few dead zones on the way up north and we don't want you to get lost in the middle of nowhere. Be practical and take a paper map as well.Animal Flower Cave: North Point, St Lucy, (246) 439 8797Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Cost: $20.00 (Adults) / $10.00 (Kids)Tour Duration: 20 minutes