Animal Flower Cave

At the far northern tip of Barbados, where the Atlantic meets the island's coral limestone, a sea cave sits at the base of the cliffs with openings that frame the ocean like windows. Waves crash below and spray comes through, and inside are rock pools holding sea anemones - the animal flowers that gave the cave its name, which retract when touched. Steps cut into the rock lead down from the clifftop, and the surrounding headland gives long views along a coast that is wild and empty compared with the island's sheltered west. Whales sometimes pass offshore in the early months of the year.

What you actually see

• The rock windows - openings framing the Atlantic from inside the cave.
• Sea anemone pools - the animal flowers in the cave's rock basins.
• The clifftop headland - views along the island's wild northern coast.
• Winter whale sightings - humpbacks passing offshore in some years.

When to go

The drier months from December to May offer calmer seas and more reliable access. The cave closes when swell is too high - which happens regularly - so calling ahead saves a wasted drive. Mornings have the best light through the openings.

Honest expectations

Access is by steep, wet, uneven steps and the cave closes entirely in rough conditions, which is common on this coast. It is small and the visit is short. Swimming in the cave pools is sometimes permitted and sometimes not, depending on the sea. The drive from the west coast resorts is long by Barbadian standards; combine with the north-east coast for a full day.

Nearby

Cherry Tree Hill, the Scotland District and the east coast at Bathsheba.