Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Tour guide Ainsworth Smith relaxes in the breathtaking ambience of the Rock Spring Cave in south Trelawny.

Caves conjure images of black bats flying overhead. However, a tour of a cave can provide exciting knowledge for children. But, as adults, you are probably more informed about Jamaica's hidden treasures.

Bet you didn't know that there are more than 1,000 known caves, sink holes and other subterranean sites in Jamaica? Many of them are hidden behind nature's true form within rural areas, difficult to be accessed by humans.

Stefan Stewart, chairman of Jamaican Caves Organisation (JCO), said that caves hold a part of our history that is often overlooked.

"Along with the environmental importance of caves, some of them hold the drawings and carvings of the original residents of Jamaica, the Tainos. Hence, these caves serve as archives for those now vanished people."

Family Time, with the assistance of JCO, has compiled a list of the most family friendly caves in Jamaica. Schedule a cave trek and visit them each whenever possible.

Two Sisters Cave, Hellshire, St. Catherine

This is a coastal cave, pleasant for families. It featurs an old collapsed chamber. It currently exists as a deep pit with flooded extensions at the bottom and also a staircase. Children might enjoy Two Sisters Cave as it does not possess extremely dark areas. The more than 200,000-year-old cave is a very popular hang-out spot in the parish.

Green Grotto Caves, Discovery Bay, St. Ann

It was formed on the coast by waves slowly carving away at a limestone cliff. Rather than a series of stream passages, there is a great expanse of intersecting low chambers, formed by the sea.

Nonsuch Caves, Port Antonio, Portland

These caves feature 14 separate chambers. The caves are however-renowned for their adjoining Athenry Gardens. The lush botanical gardens have many native plant species and will provide a perfect setting for a family picnic.

Roaring River Cave, in Westmoreland

This is a good example of a river cave, and one that can be easily visited. There is adequate lighting and stairs in the trickier parts. This site is not only quite beautiful, but it gives good insight into the importance of main-taining the quality of the island's water supply.

Rock Spring Cave (known as Printed Circuit Cave), in south Trelawny

This cave is for the adventurous. It possesses a wonderful example of a large inland river cave. Tours can be arranged through the South Trelawny Environmental Association. For more information on Rock Spring Cave visit: stea@cwjamaica.com. For more information on Jamaican caves visit www.jamaicancaves.org. Also, the organisation has a DVD available that covers the JCO March 2006 session about caves.