Jamaica Caves: Interview with Alan Fincham, Spelunker

One of the top experts on the subject of Jamaica’s caves is spelunker Alan G. Fincham, author of Jamaica Underground, published by the University of the West Indies Press. The book is available through select booksellers – University Bookstore on the UWI Campus, Speleo Books (www.speleobooks.com), Amazon.com (UK) and Barnes & Noble in the UK. The author maintains a small stock (soft cover and library quality), which can be supplied to US/Canada-based cavers. These copies are signed by the author. Check out the author’s website, The Jamaica Caves Page, at http://cwis.usc.edu/hsc/dental/ccmb/Jamaica.html. It suggests how to obtain the book as well as photos and general information on the island’s vast cave system.

Q. What types of caving experiences can visitors expect?

A. Jamaica offers a very wide range of caves, providing interest for cavers of every level of experience from the casual “tourist” caver to the “hard-core” experienced. There are several show caves open to visitors, such as Nonsuch Caves in Portland, the Runaway Bay Caves in St. Ann and the Roaring River Cave in Westmoreland. They are operated commercially and really require no previous caving experience.

Then there are a few caves which can be visited with the help of local guides (who will ask for a negotiable fee!). A prime example of this is Windsor Great Cave in Trelawny, a must for those truly interested in caves. Beyond these there are numerous smaller caves. You should be guided to these by locals (but be warned that demands for compensation may verge on the outrageous!). For the experienced caver there are many, many gems. Here is my suggested short list: Quashies River Cave, Trelawny; Rock Spring Caverns, St. Mary; Jackson’s Bay Cave, Clarendon; St. Clair Cave, St. Catherine; Crofts River Cave, St. Catherine; Gourie Cave, Manchester; Printed Circuit and Mouth River Caves, Trelawny; Bristol Cave, Trelawny; Thatchfield Great Cave; St. Ann.

Q. Do you have a favorite cave you would recommend for travelers without caving experience?

A. Windsor Cave. Try to get secure the services of a guide who knows the area intimately. If possible, locate Mr. Brady Campbell (ask around). Always wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, the cave can be very slippery in places. This is a huge cave with many interesting speleothems and a large colony of bats.

Q. Which “hidden treasures” would you recommend to more dedicated and experienced cavers?

A. If you are equipped (and experienced) for vertical caves, Quashies River is undoubtedly a gem, with an active river passage and waterfalls. Watch the weather carefully and remember there is no rescue organization! For a non-vertical cave, the main Jackson’s Bay Cave should not be missed. A guide may be needed here both for surface and underground route finding.

Q. How can spelunkers find guides? Are these guides especially important to keep travelers from accidentally wandering into ganja fields or other dangerous situations?

A. Finding a reliable guide can be difficult. Many locals will profess to be able to take you to caves, but often they do not really know the places. Yes, without care one can get into difficult situations, especially ganja fields. Also, you might run into hostile locals who demand massive payments for being on their land.

Q. Should arrangements for guides be made before leaving home?

A. This can be difficult. For experienced cavers, making contact with the Jamaica Caving Club (c/o Dept. of Geology, University of the West Indies, 876-927-1660) is a good plan. However, the club currently appears to be only fragmentary and getting in touch can be difficult. (Fincham may be able to assist in some cases; contact him through his website at http://cwis.usc.edu/hsc/dental/ ccmb/Jamaica.html).

Although I say it myself, Jamaica Underground is “definitive” and is a must for serious cavers. The information in the book took over 15 years to assemble, and much of the material is not available elsewhere.