Two Foot Bay Caves
Barbuda
Two Foot Bay Caves, located in northeast Barbuda, form part of a significant nature reserve characterized by limestone cliffs and dense bushland. The site includes several caves, some spacious enough to stand in, such as "The Fridge," noted for its notably low temperature. Indian Cave is especially important as it houses Barbuda's only petroglyphs, left by the island's indigenous people. Historically, guano mining took place near Gun Shop Cliff in the 1890s, evidenced by nearby ruins likely built by miners. The cave system connects to Drop Cavern, a large round chamber leading to an 11-meter-high room inhabited by bats. The surrounding cliffs serve as breeding grounds for various bird species including the Red-billed tropicbird, Caribbean elaenia, and Antillean crested hummingbird. The dense bushes provide habitat for the white-eyed snittye and are the exclusive home of the Barbuda warbler, an endemic bird species with a population of a few thousand. Since August 2014, the area and adjacent sea have been designated a protected nature reserve, emphasizing its ecological and cultural importance.
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Tip: Visit Two Foot Bay Caves during the dry season for easier access and better weather. Consider booking guided tours to explore the caves safely and learn about the petroglyphs and local wildlife. Advance reservations are recommended due to the site's protected status. Visitors should respect the natural habitat, especially the bird populations, and avoid disturbing the caves' delicate features.
Interesting facts
- •Indian Cave contains Barbuda's only petroglyphs created by indigenous peoples.
- •The cave known as "The Fridge" is named for its unusually low temperature.
- •Drop Cavern features an 11-meter-high chamber inhabited by bats.
- •Two Foot Bay is the only habitat of the endemic Barbuda warbler bird species.
- •Guano mining occurred in the 1890s near Gun Shop Cliff, with ruins still present.
History
Two Foot Bay area was historically used for guano mining in the 1890s by the Barbuda Island Company, with miners' ruins still visible near Gun Shop Cliff.
The caves have long been significant due to the indigenous petroglyphs preserved in Indian Cave.
Over time, the region's ecological value was recognized, leading to its designation as a nature reserve in August 2014, protecting both the terrestrial and marine environments around Two Foot Bay.
Place Guide
Indian Cave
This cave contains the only known petroglyphs on Barbuda, created by the island's indigenous people. It is accessed via a narrow passage from Drop Cavern and holds significant archaeological and cultural value.
Drop Cavern
A large round cave chamber connected to an 11-meter-high room inhabited by bats. It serves as a key part of the cave system near Two Foot Bay.
The Fridge
A cave named for its low temperature, providing a unique microclimate within the limestone cliffs of Two Foot Bay.
Gun Shop Cliff Ruins1890s
Ruins near the cave entrance likely built by miners who extracted guano in the 1890s, illustrating the area's industrial past.
Contact
Phone: (268) 462-0480