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Meridiela.

Nonsuch Caves

Limestone show caves above Port Antonio with fossil coral and bat roosts, set in the Athenry gardens.

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Typecaves
WherePortland
Nearest cityPort Antonio
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereAbout 10 km south of Port Antonio at Nonsuch
EntryCharged; guided

The Nonsuch caves are a set of limestone chambers in the hills above Port Antonio, lit and laid with walkways, and shown on a guided tour that takes about forty minutes. The rock holds fossil coral and shells from when this ground was under the sea, along with formations and bat roosts. The caves sit within the Athenry gardens, planted grounds with tree ferns and palms and a view down over the coast, which are included in the visit.

What you actually see

  • The chambers - lit limestone caves with walkways through them.
  • The fossil coral - marine fossils in the cave rock from an earlier sea floor.
  • The bat roosts - colonies using the deeper chambers.
  • The Athenry gardens - planted grounds and a coastal view above the caves.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the most comfortable. Tours run through the day. Heavy rain makes the cave floors slippery and the access road difficult.

Honest expectations

Lighting and walkways have been maintained irregularly and the caves have closed for periods. The tour is short for the price. The access road up from the coast is rough.

Nearby

Port Antonio is north, and Reach Falls is east.

What to pack for Nonsuch Caves

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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