Background

Fountain Cavern National Park: Anguilla's Ancient Heart

Discover ancient petroglyphs and sacred spaces at Fountain Cavern National Park, a unique pre-Columbian archaeological site in Anguilla.

2.8

Explore Anguilla's pre-Columbian past at Fountain Cavern National Park, home to ancient petroglyphs and a sacred underground cavern. Discover the island's Amerindian heritage and the remarkable stalagmite statue of the Taino deity Jocahu.

A brief summary to Fountain Cavern National Park

  • Shoal Bay, 2640, AI

Local tips

  • Book a guided tour in advance through the Anguilla National Trust to ensure access to the cavern and learn about its historical significance.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cavern and bring water, as there are limited facilities within the park.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Shoal Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road westward. Continue until you reach the roundabout. Take the exit toward Fountain Cavern National Park. The entrance and parking area will be on your way. There is no entrance fee to access the park.

  • Public Transportation

    From Shoal Bay, look for local minibus services that operate along the coast. Ask the driver to drop you off at Fountain Cavern National Park or the nearest stop. The fare is around $2-3 USD. Follow any posted signs to guide you to the park entrance.

Unlock the Best of Fountain Cavern National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Fountain Cavern National Park

Fountain Cavern National Park, located near Shoal Bay on Anguilla's northeastern coast, is a captivating journey into the island's ancient past. This national park protects an underground cavern system that descends approximately 50 feet, featuring a freshwater pool that was vital to the indigenous Amerindians. The cavern holds immense historical and cultural significance as one of the most important pre-Columbian sites in the Eastern Caribbean. The cavern walls are adorned with well-preserved petroglyphs and rock carvings, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic capabilities of the Amerindian people who inhabited Anguilla. Among the 33 petroglyphs, the most impressive is the 14-foot stalagmite carved to represent Jocahu (also known as Yucahú), the supreme deity of the Taino people, the god of yuca (cassava) and a spirit of fertility. This masterpiece highlights the Taino's creative genius, using the cavern's natural space to create a place of worship and magic. Archaeological excavations indicate that the site was used for ritual purposes from around A.D. 400 to at least A.D. 1200. Caves held special importance for the Taino people, who believed the first people, the sun, and the moon emerged from caves. They used shrines in ceremonial caves to induce rainfall, leaving sacred objects and carrying materials away for their spiritual power. The faces and eyes carved at Fountain Cavern may represent ancestor spirits. The Government of Anguilla designated Fountain Cavern and its surrounding area a National Park in 1985. Today, visitors can take guided tours to fully appreciate the archaeological significance of this hidden gem. 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.

Popular Experiences near Fountain Cavern National Park

Popular Hotels near Fountain Cavern National Park

Select Currency