Update Feb 2009: The main cave (Clara Cave) at the Rio Camuy Cave Park is NOW OPEN
Photo by oquendo
The Rio Camuy caves have been closed since January 5, 2008 due to a tragic accident that happened to a visitor to the caves. Since then, they have been working on ensuring that the cave system is safe for further visitors.
It was announced today in the local paper ‘El Nuevo Dia’, that the caves will reopen to the public on February 15. Initially, the caves will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. The new entrance will be through a new route that was not used before. Normal opening hours will begin on March 1. On the weekend of February 15 entrance to the caves will be free (parking will be extra). Visitors to the Rio Camuy cave system will now have to wear helmets while on the organised tours.
The Clara Cave where the accident occurred will open during July 2008.
For more information contact: Call 787-898-3100.
Entrance costs: $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 12, and $5 for seniors.
Usual Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:30am until 5:00pm with the last tour around 3:30pm
7 Responses
We just came back from Puerto Rico and visited the Camuy Park, however, we were limited to a view from above one of the sinkholes as it was explained that the caves had been closed since January 5th (for reason listed in article) and no new opening date had yet been established. We watched the brief film, and took the “tour” that brought us to 3 or 4 different views of oneof the sinkholes, but we were bummed we couldn’t get into the caves.
Our hotel, the Wyndham Rio Mar, actually provided us with driving directions, etc on the caves – but did not tell us they were closed. In fact, upon our return (a good 5.5 hours of driving round-trip), the staff insisted that the caves were open. STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU CALL AHEAD TO THE PARK TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE OPEN IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP.
The workers at the Park claim all the hotels know the caves are closed, and the staff at the hotel claimed that the caves were open…go figure…
Marc, thanks for the comment.
Sorry you had a long day without seeing the caves. Hopefully the Wyndham will get it right from now on.
Originally the press release stated that the caves would re-open (but not the main Clara cave). Unfortunately, it did not really emphasis that only sink holes would be viewable (obviously not as good as a cave tour). Once I heard that this was all that was available, I added the note in this post, to get people to check before travelling.
Hopefully, the next time you are here, you will be able to have the cave experience.
Hi Folks,
I’m in PR right now (6/9/08) and the caves are not open! Only the view to the sink hole. No designated opening date!!!!
Thanks Lucy for the update
Don’t blame the hotels for bad information. We just returned from a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico. Based on AAA literature warning about popularity and tour availability, I DID call Camuy to inquire on tour availability. I was told there was plenty of room that day! We drove over 2 hours and the only thing we could see were 3 sinkholes (for $12 each – we passed on that). The lady SHOULD have told me the main cave was closed, but did not. The day was not a total loss – we drove southwest through the mountain passes and up the coast, enjoyed the scenery.
I called on Jan 22nd 2009 and talked to a lady who worked at the attraction. She said the main cave was reopening that Sunday Jan 25th, 2009. We will be vacationing there in mid Feb, 2009 so I hope all is well. I can give a report when we return.
That’s good to here.
Would love you to give a review of your trip to the caves. Have fun
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