Animal Flower CaveAbout Animal Flower Cave
The Animal Flower Cave is a sea cave on the northern coast of Barbados formed in coral limestone and named for the sea anemones found in its pools. It is one of the island’s notable coastal attractions for geological and marine life viewing.
The cave has been known locally for generations and developed as a visitor attraction with constructed access and a small visitor facility to manage tourist visits. Its name reflects the historic observation of sea anemones - sometimes called “animal flowers” - in the cave pools.
The cave sits at the island’s exposed northern shoreline facing the Atlantic, at the island’s high-side coastline; the nearest major city is Bridgetown on the island’s south coast, which serves as the main arrival point for most visitors.
- Tide and access note: Best observed around lower tide when the cave pools are exposed and marine life such as sea anemones are visible; the site is reached by a stepped descent and is not wheelchair accessible.
What to See#
- Main cave and viewing platform: The main sea cave chamber with an engineered visitor platform and walkways that provide views of the interior pools and Atlantic surf.
- Tide pools: Rocky tidal pools within the cave where marine life including sea anemones collect at lower tides and can be observed from the cave floor.
- Visitor centre and access stairs: A small visitor facility at the cave entrance offering ticketing, basic interpretation and access stairs down into the cave complex.
Nearby Attractions to Animal Flower Cave
Best Time to Visit Animal Flower Cave
The north coast cave is most pleasant during Barbados's dry season (December-April) when the Atlantic is calmer and trails are less muddy.
Weather & Climate near Animal Flower Cave
Animal Flower Cave's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1324 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 23° - 29° | 26° | 59 mm | some cloud | 76% | 5.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.3h |
| February | Ideal | 23° - 29° | 26° | 44 mm | some cloud | 75% | 5.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Excellent | 23° - 29° | 26° | 46 mm | some cloud | 76% | 5.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 24° - 29° | 27° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Excellent | 25° - 30° | 30° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.6h |
| June | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| July | Excellent | 25° - 30° | 31° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 151 mm | some cloud | 80% | 4.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 180 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 179 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 206 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Excellent | 24° - 29° | 27° | 82 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.2h |
How to Get to Animal Flower Cave
From Bridgetown, drive northeast along the ABC Highway to the northern parishes, then follow signs to the Animal Flower Cave at the northern tip of the island. The site is about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Bridgetown depending on traffic.
Tips for Visiting Animal Flower Cave
- Arrive at low tide to see the largest sea pools and the clearest views into the caves.
- Wear sturdy shoes - the path down involves carved steps and can be slippery with spray.
- Bring cash for the small onsite shop and the wooden platform steps; credit card acceptance is unreliable.