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Fountain Cavern National Park: Anguilla's Ancient Sanctuary

Explore ancient Amerindian rock art and a sacred underground cavern at Anguilla's Fountain Cavern National Park, a unique cultural treasure.

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Discover Anguilla's hidden gem, Fountain Cavern National Park, a significant pre-Columbian archaeological site near Shoal Bay. Explore an underground cavern adorned with ancient Amerindian petroglyphs, including a 14-foot stalagmite of the Taino deity Jocahu, offering a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Fountain Cavern National Park

  • Shoal Bay, 2640, AI

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rugged terrain comfortably.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited within the park.
  • Visit early in the morning for a cooler experience and to avoid crowds.
  • Arrange a guided tour in advance through the Anguilla National Trust to access the cave.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, taxis are readily available. A taxi to Fountain Cavern National Park, near Shoal Bay, will cost approximately $22-$28 USD. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Car

    From The Valley, head east on the main road (Valley Road). Continue driving until you reach the junction with Shoal Bay Road. Turn left onto Shoal Bay Road and drive until you see signs for Fountain Cavern National Park. A temporary Anguillian driver's license costs $28 USD.

Unlock the Best of Fountain Cavern National Park

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Discover more about Fountain Cavern National Park

Fountain Cavern National Park, nestled near Shoal Bay on Anguilla's northeastern coast, protects a remarkable archaeological site of immense importance to the Eastern Caribbean. The park's centerpiece is an underground cavern system that descends approximately 50 feet, featuring a freshwater pool that was vital to the indigenous Amerindians. The cavern walls are adorned with ancient petroglyphs and rock carvings, with at least 33 preserved petroglyphs, including the impressive 14-foot stalagmite carved to represent Jocahu (also known as Yucahú), the supreme deity of the Taino people. This stalagmite statue, a masterpiece within its cultural context, is carved into a likeness of “Yucahú,” the “God of Yuca” (cassava), a spirit of fertility. The site was a major pilgrimage and worship location, with archaeological excavations indicating that Amerindians first utilized the site for ritual purposes around A.D. 400 and continued using the cave until at least AD 1200. Fountain Cavern demonstrates the artistic capabilities and spirituality of the Amerindian people who resided in Anguilla and the broader Caribbean before European contact. As such, the site is a monument to the peoples and cultures destroyed within a century of European Contact. There are no other archaeological sites like Fountain Cavern known in the eastern Caribbean/Lesser Antilles and less than a handful of comparable sites are recorded in the islands of the western Caribbean/Greater Antilles. Visitors can take guided tours to fully appreciate the archaeological significance of this hidden gem, stepping back in time and connecting with the spiritual and cultural legacy of Anguilla's earliest people. The Anguilla Amerindian Interpretation Centre (AAIC) uses architecture and landscaping to interpret the period of the first Anguillians or the Taino peoples living in Malliouhana.

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