Famed operators selected to manage Harrison’s Cave, one of Barbados’ most treasured landmarks

By Durrant Pate

CHUKKA Caribbean Adventures, the Jamaican nature adventure company has broken to the Barbados attractions market.

This was attained through its selection to manage the day-to-day operations of Harrison’s Cave, a tourist attraction in Barbados, first mentioned in historical documents in 1795 and later rediscovered in the 1970s. The attraction is currently operated by Caves of Barbados Limited (CBL).

Come Tuesday, December 1, CHUKKA will take managerial control of the Harrison’s Cave, which is described as one of Barbados’s greatest wonders.

This follows the recent completion of negotiations to secure a partnership arrangement between Harrison’s Cave and CHUKKA Adventures.

This latest development represents a further expansion of CHUKKA’s Caribbean footprint having expanded to the Dominican Republic earlier in 2020. CHUKKA’s entry into the Dom Rep’s market came about as a result of its acquisition of WildPlay Adventures, which is now operating under the CHUKKA brand.

The company operates full day nature adventure experiences at Coconut Cove near the resort town of Puerto Plata and cruise ship port of Amber Cove, which is branded under its Ocean Outpost umbrella as Chukka Ocean Outpost at Coconut Cove.

CHUKKA elated at being select to manage Harrison’s Cave

Commenting on CHUKKA’s selection to operate Harrison’s Cave, Chief Executive Officer, Marc Melville says, “we look forward to working with the Caves of Barbados Management, Team Members and Stakeholders to continue the great work and vision that they have for Harrison’s Cave.” He adds that “Harrison’s Cave is truly a Jewel of the Caribbean and we are honoured to have been chosen as the development partner for this marquee nature adventure attraction.”

CHUKKA, which is a household name in Jamaica’s nature tourism attractions was started in 1983 and currently, operates in Jamaica, Belize, Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic. Chukka offers over 60 tours in Jamaica, Belize and Turks & Caicos.

Harrison’s Cave, which is located in the central uplands of Barbados, was developed by the government there, as part of a tram tour, which opened to the public in 1981. It is situated at 700 feet (210 m) above sea level.

Travel through the caves is by tram, at certain points during the tour visitors are allowed to alight from the tram and get close up to the formations. One main area of the caves is a huge cavern, termed “The Great Hall”, measuring over 50 feet (15 m) in height.

After the Great Hall, the tram stops at “The Village”. At The Village, some of the formations have joined together to form columns after thousands of years.  Other areas, the tram stops along the tour is “The Chapel”,” The Rotunda” and “The Altar”.

Visitors travel through the Boyce Tunnel via tram to all depths of the cave.