After suffering substantial damage with the passage of Tropical Storm Bret last June, the Animal Flower Cave is “back up and running” as it enjoys a busy winter tourist season, its owner said Thursday.
The ocean cave on the island’s northern tip, with its natural limestone floor, sea anemones and rock pools, was abuzz with visitors taking in the cave’s sights and its restaurant fare when a Barbados TODAY team visited the famed Connell Town, St Lucy attraction.
Owner Manuel Ward, who was seen being busily interacting with visitors, said the season has been a good and steady one so far.
“It has been a good winter, I can’t complain,” he told Barbados TODAY.
“We had a very busy [period] between Christmas and New Year’s [Day], which is the busiest time of the year, except for Easter. Things [have] slowed down a little again, but it’s not bad, it’s doing well. Luckily the sea has been keeping fairly quiet, so I’ve been able to open the cave a lot.”
Some of the visitors at the Animal Flower Cave.
Ward said several visitors were coming in from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and even South America.
“Most of our guests that come into Barbados are from the UK anyway. So yeah, I’ve seen a lot, and quite a few Canadians and Americans. Also, I’m seeing a few coming up from down in South America – some Brazilians and stuff. Sunday, we have the [Mount Gay Round Barbados] regatta around the island, so that is a very busy day for us because all of the boats come up right across here, so a lot of people come up to watch them,” he said.
When asked about the work done to repair the damage caused by Tropical Storm Bret, which caused considerable damage to the roof of the cliff-side restaurant, Ward said the work was done quickly.
“I got everything [I needed]. Luckily, the insurance company helped me out so I am very pleased that they helped me,” he said.
Ward gave this outlook for the year ahead: “Last summer was not bad, so I am hoping that this summer is just as good as last summer.” (SB)
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