Holland Bay Sanctuary

Meet Jamaica's Crocodiles at the Island's Eastern Edge

Out at the far eastern tip of Jamaica, among the ruins of an 18th-century sugar estate, the Holland Bay Sanctuary is home to rescued American crocodiles. It isn't a theme park. It's a hands-on conservation project run by crocodile guardian Lawrence Henriques, and visitors are welcome to come, learn and see these ancient reptiles up close.

📍 Key Details

• Location: Holland Bay, eastern St. Thomas, past Golden Grove near Morant Point
• Type: Crocodile rescue, rehabilitation and conservation sanctuary
• Cost: Free. Donations in cash or kind are welcome
• Hours: Not published, so arrange your visit in advance
• Contact: Mr. Henriques, (876) 790-3982 (shared in 2021, so please confirm)
• Best for: Wildlife lovers, families with older kids, school groups, photographers

🌿 What You Can Do

🐊 See Crocodiles Up Close

The sanctuary cares for crocodiles from hatchlings to adults, some between 7 and 13 feet long, in enclosures built to look like their natural habitat.

📚 Learn About Conservation

Hear how injured, displaced and rescued crocodiles are cared for, bred and returned to the wild, and why this threatened species matters to Jamaica's wetlands.

🧺 Picnic and Explore

Visitors are welcome to picnic and walk the grounds, set among the remains of the old Holland Estate.

🏖️ Visit a Wild Beach

Holland Bay beach is about half a mile away. It's a quiet, undeveloped stretch with no facilities.

💡 Tips

• Call ahead. This is a working sanctuary, not a staffed attraction.
• Bring a donation. The sanctuary runs on tight funding, and cash or supplies make a real difference.
• Pack supplies: water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent. There are no shops out here.
• Keep your distance. Follow instructions and never reach into the enclosures.

🚗 Getting There

• By car: drive to Golden Grove in eastern St. Thomas, then head east through the Duckenfield cane lands toward Morant Point.
• Road conditions: the last stretch is rough. A 4×4 is essential in the rainy season, so the dry months (December to April) are easiest.
• No car? Book reliable transport. The area is remote and public transport options are limited.

🗺️ Make a Day of It: Nearby Attractions

• Morant Point Lighthouse: Jamaica's 1841 cast-iron lighthouse at the island's easternmost point
• Holland Bay beach: a remote, golden-sand beach
• Bath Fountain & Bath Botanical Garden: hot mineral springs and a historic garden
• Lyssons Beach: a favourite St. Thomas beach

✨ Why Visit Holland Bay Sanctuary?

It's one of the few places in Jamaica where you can see crocodiles up close and support the people protecting them. Pair it with the lighthouse and a wild beach for an unforgettable day in St. Thomas.

Sources: JIS, Re:wild, Gatorland, Moon Jamaica, Sandee. Confirm visiting arrangements before you travel.