A number of music-filled corner shops, roaming farm animals, and lyming residents were the scene of the Roaring River and Caves heritage park. This aquatic lifeline and one of the island’s few commercial caverns lie near the villages of Shrewsbury and Petersfield in Westmoreland, Jamaica.
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Roaring River & Caves Park
It is said that the lush Roaring River estate was formerly owned by one of the first English families to settle in Jamaica, the Beckfords, after the Spanish were defeated in the late 17th century. Today, it is an attraction rooted in Mother Nature’s bounty and community tourism.
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Roaring River Caves
A flight of stairs along a hillside will lead you to the entrance to the expansive Roaring River Caves. The 45-minute tour explores a series of limestone caverns laced with sprinkles of glistening natural quartz stones and 2 mineral springs inside! Our eyes gradually adjusted to the interior darkness with the help of flashlights and a string of bulbs lining the walls to reveal the intricate details. Unfortunately my video camera didn’t adjust as well as the eyes did, but at least the photos can speak for themselves.
Throughout the tour, bats could be heard while hiding in the roof. We caught glimpses of their dark silhouettes fluttering. Tour guides made sure to point out and suggest multiple humanoid and animal-like rock formations in the cave, For example, what image do you see in this photo below?
There is a sacred feeling that rests inside the quiet grottos, especially from ritual elements left behind such as melted candles and the aroma of incense and marijuana (which is often used for religious purposes among Rastafarians). We even spotted physical offerings such as money placed in the Roaring River Caves. “Powerful” is one word that lingered after touring the caves of the Roaring River, partly because our tour guide sprinkled this adjective after sharing numerous anecdotes. You may even be told stories of how musical artistes such as Beenie Man and Peter Tosh have enjoyed the cave sanctuary!
Roaring River Caves’ Mineral Pools
Two cool mineral springs within the caves offer refreshing swims while touring. One of them is shallow enough to sit in, while the other reportedly had no confirmed depth (similar to the once-acclaimed “bottemless abyss” in Portland) after diving as far as 115ft… and guess who jumped right in?! This was actually my first cave swim experience. Enjoyed it so much, I swam in cave pools at another venue 2 weeks later!
Roaring River, Westmoreland Jamaica
The caves are the source of the essential Roaring River waterway. Take a stroll to the community watering hole where you’ll probably find residents of all ages frolicking and jumping a few feet from the overhead bridge into the river. The current of the chilled water will leave you floating downstream if you’re not careful, perfect for a lazy river! By the way, you can immerse here and in other spots along Roaring River with the authentic, cultural RastaSafari Experience.
The Roaring River is the main source of water for the Shrewsbury community and central Westmoreland. Sources of the river’s water meet at a towering 300-year-old cottonwood tree with an impression of an eye in its centre, while a hydro plant with an old stone aqueduct collects its runoff to generate electricity.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
An on-site Tourism Product Development Co. (TPDCo.) office facilitates guided tours of the Roaring River and Caves during business hours. Phone: (876)648-6401
RastaSafari Experience offers cultural guided tours of the river and surrounding community. Phone: (876)445-7203
Let’s talk; In your opinion:
What differences do you observe between a public river and a privatized river?
Loved this post and the photos are gorgeous! My only visit to Roaring River was on a Labour Day project, the community members offered us a free tour of the cave and it was AMAZING! The guy was so knowledgeable and professional. He was so good we had to leave a tip. The River experience was also really relaxing. They allowed my group to set up out Jerk stands and run a boat as well as the guys entertained us with some flips & jumps. It was one of my best travel experiences. I hope to visit again soon.
I personally prefer the community river experience more because of the authenticity; however, mainly for safety reasons, I tend to frequent highly commercialized rivers.
Sounds like a great Labour Day. I loved how friendly the community members were, and as you said, a quality tour! Left a tip as well, which is quite rare I must admit.
I enjoy both community and commercialized rivers, but sometimes you can get people trying to rip you off with invented prices, not to mention no bathrooms, changing rooms etc.at community spots and sometimes Jamaicans just too unruly for our own good. Nonetheless, the vibe at community spots is often more laidback, authentic and I prefer knowing my dollar is going to a family which needs it rather than an organization. Community spots are less crowded too, added plus so I guess that’s where my heart lies. Thanks for sharing this one with us! 🙂
My sentiments exactly, both have their pros and cons. Plus, our tour guide (and from what I read, all or most of them) are community members, and it was indeed a quality tour. You’re welcome, thanks for reading/commenting!