Fountain Cavern National Park: Anguilla's Ancient Sanctuary

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Explore Anguilla's ancient past at Fountain Cavern National Park, home to significant Amerindian petroglyphs and the Taino deity Jocahu.

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Fountain Cavern National Park

Discover Anguilla's hidden gem, Fountain Cavern National Park, a significant pre-Columbian ceremonial site. Explore the depths of this underground cavern, adorned with ancient petroglyphs and home to a remarkable stalagmite carved in the image of the Taino deity Jocahu, offering a unique glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Fountain Cavern National Park

Shoal Bay, 2640, AI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fountain Cavern National Park.

Book tours in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure availability.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for exploring the trails and caverns safely.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities within the park.
Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, a taxi is the most direct way to reach Fountain Cavern National Park. Taxis are readily available at the terminal. The ride to the park takes approximately 15 minutes. A one-way taxi fare will cost around $20 USD.
Public Transport

From the ferry terminal at Blowing Point, take a local bus towards the eastern end of the island. Ask the driver to drop you off near Shoal Bay. The fare is around $5-$10 USD per person. From the drop-off point, you may need to walk or take a short taxi ride to the park entrance. Check for posted signs to guide you.
Car

If you have a rental car, from North Hill, 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. The entrance is located off Shoal Bay Road, where parking is available.

Discover more about Fountain Cavern National Park

Fountain Cavern National Park, nestled near Shoal Bay on Anguilla's northeastern coast, stands as one of the most important pre-Columbian sites in the Eastern Caribbean. This national park protects an underground cavern system that descends approximately 50 feet below the surface, featuring a freshwater pool that was vital to the indigenous Amerindians.The cavern's 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 is a masterpiece within its cultural context, 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. Caves were especially important to the Taino (or Arawaks) – one the Caribbean's Amerindians peoples. They believed that the very first people on earth, along with the sun and the moon, emerged from one or more caves in the ancient past.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. The Government of Anguilla designated Fountain Cavern and its surrounding area a National Park in 1985.