We arrive and are given a guided tour through a cave filled with fascinating rock formations that resemble human faces. There is a seemingly endless passage where locals come to meditate. In the main cavern, a stalactite altar serves as a place of prayer for the community. An underground river flows through the cave, and there is a small waterfall you can dive under as well as a deep pool for swimming. According to our guide, the mineral-rich water has healing properties — good for all skin conditions, mosquito bites, and of course a dip will keep you young forever...
You will also encounter bats here, and the lack of safety standards turns the visit into a proper little adventure.

Around the Roaring River you will find a handful of huts selling food, drinks and handmade crafts. The tour also includes — for a "voluntary tip" — a walk through a garden and small farm growing fruit and vegetables. Everyone here depends on tourist money, so it is a good idea to always carry a few small bills.

There are also several hiking trails you can explore on your own, though it is advisable to have someone watch your vehicle.

A few tips to avoid misunderstandings:

• Admission was US$ 15 in 2013; small children US$ 5
• Agree with your tour guide beforehand on what he expects after the tour — a tip is fine, it is how they make a living. Otherwise they may ask for an exaggerated amount.
• Clarify with the tour operator what is included in the price. A walk into the village or a detour through the mountains back to the starting point usually costs extra.

Many islanders live up in the mountains, not in the tourist settlements. So we also take a detour through the hills, passing one plantation or another — and not just fruit... Jamaica has plenty of "gardeners". By sunset we are back in Negril.