The caves of Saint Helene, Bay Islands

St. Helene has always held its secrets well, 29 documented caves and counting, each with its own story carved into stone. But the island still has more to give. This cave, found recently by our local guide Amilcar, isn’t on any map. It’s one of two new caves he’s come across, and this one in particular feels like a quiet revelation.

From the outside, it’s easy to miss. At first glance, the opening doesn’t look like much, just a split in the ground. But when you take a closer look, you’ll notice something odd about the large boulder at the bottom. It seems like it broke off from the very top, as if the original hole collapsed inward and cracked in half. That event, whatever caused it, created a second entrance. It’s steep and rugged, and getting in—or out—is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need proper gear and someone who knows what they’re doing. But once you’re in, it’s worth every step.

Inside, the space opens into two distinct chambers: one long and winding about 11 minutes walk from the entrance, the other short and tucked away about 4 minutes away from this entrance. Along the cave walls, rock formations twist and hang in ways that only time and water can sculpt. It’s beautiful, eerie, and grounding all at once.

Look closely near the entrance to the smaller chamber, and you’ll spot fragments of ceramics, pieces of pottery likely left behind by the Pech people, one of Honduras’ oldest indigenous groups. A few other artifacts are there too, now partially fused into the stone after centuries underground.

This cave may not have a name yet, and it’s not officially part of the documented list. But like so many things in St. Helene, it adds another layer to the island’s rich and still-unfolding history. I said to Amilcar: you should name it after you, so people know you discovered it.