Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
4.5
About
The Botanical Gardens are one of the most important and popular sites in St Vincent. They are the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere (established in 1765) and are also an important conservation site (particularly for the St Vincent parrot). The Botanical Gardens are in Kingstown, a short journey from the town centre.
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- Amanda W1,114 contributionsExcellentWonderful gardens. Most botanic gardens I have found boring but this was great, more like an exotic park. I would recommend having a guide to get the best out of what you are seeing. On a slight hill but not too steep. Very peaceful. Don't miss the parrots, though it is sad they are all in cages. Toilets.Visited March 2023Written 25 July 2023
- drew dBeacon, New York515 contributionsBeautiful grounds, wonderful picturesWe did a quick drive thru as part of an excursion from the cruise ship. Lots of plants and trees to take interesting pictures of including the tree that crushed a school bus during Hurricane Maria 1994? - no one was hurt! Could have spent hours here, so beautiful!Visited September 2022Travelled soloWritten 3 August 2023
- JH-HaslemereSurrey, United Kingdom29 contributionsWell worth a visitWe visited here in May which isn't the time of year when the gardens are at their most colourful but we still had a very enjoyable couple of hours being shown round by Cornelius who was very knowledgeable and patient. Whilst a guide is not mandatory you will get an awful lot more out of our visit by having one as you will learn about the history of the gardens from their original inception and appreciate how it has developed over the years and the fact that many of the trees/plants are not indigenous but have been brought here over the years from many countries. We particularly enjoyed that Cornelius took the time to explain the uses of some of the plants/trees whether it be for medicinal purposes or for more practical purposes, the tree who's leaves could be used as sandpaper and the tree who's wood was very hard and used for making tool handles were just some of the many things we would never have learnt about had we walked round on our own. If you've got a couple of hours to spare this place is well worth a visit.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- machinmadYaxley, United Kingdom2,508 contributionsEducational and fun ...This colonial garden is about 40mins walk from the cruise port; take stout shoes as the pavements are very rough or non existent. It’s up hill in the heat too. Admission is only $2 but make sure you pay the extra $6 to get a guide. We were fortunate to get a guy who knew everything about everything in the garden. He explained each tree and shrub, showing which had spicy scents and what they were used for. It really was an enjoyable education and a fascinating hour. I think these guys are self-employed, so tip them generously. There are restrooms, a small gift shop and cold drinks for a couple of dollars.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- Jill H133 contributionsBotanical Garden in St VincentWe spent about an hour and a half walking through the garden. The first hour we had a guide who was very knowledgeable. He was able to answer any questions put to him. It is very peaceful and relaxing and a great place to unwind after a busy day. There is a wonderful variety of flowers, trees and shrubs and the garden is beautifully maintained. Well worth the visit and hiring a guide who will only enhance your visit.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 February 2024
- DaveBMinnesotaCircle Pines, Minnesota21 contributionsTake Taxi (don’t walk!) to Wonderful GardenTake a taxi to Garden, Don’t Walk! This garden is very good but the walk from cruise port is through a sketchy neighborhood (a kid stole our bag and ran but I got it back from him!) $2 each to enter: $4 each for a local guide at the entrance. Our guide Nigel was very good at describing plants from around the Caribbean in the garden. Took taxi back to cruise ship for $6 each with no problems.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2024
- Mel CNew Glasgow, Canada2 contributionsBeautiful gardensWe had a nice visit to the gardens. Our bus dropped us off at the top, so we wandered down to pay at the front. We decided we were going to do a self guided tour. However, the local guide decided we weren't. He just walked with us and started talking about the plants. We did not agree to a tour but reluctantly went with him . He had a script and would not really answer questions about plants not in his itinerary. After it was done, he aded for $20 EC plus a tip. My husband tipped him $5, but he was unhappy with it.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
488 reviews
Excellent
221
Very good
202
Average
54
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Mel C
New Glasgow, Canada2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We had a nice visit to the gardens.
Our bus dropped us off at the top, so we wandered down to pay at the front.
We decided we were going to do a self guided tour. However, the local guide decided we weren't.
He just walked with us and started talking about the plants.
We did not agree to a tour but reluctantly went with him .
He had a script and would not really answer questions about plants not in his itinerary.
After it was done, he aded for $20 EC plus a tip.
My husband tipped him $5, but he was unhappy with it.
Our bus dropped us off at the top, so we wandered down to pay at the front.
We decided we were going to do a self guided tour. However, the local guide decided we weren't.
He just walked with us and started talking about the plants.
We did not agree to a tour but reluctantly went with him .
He had a script and would not really answer questions about plants not in his itinerary.
After it was done, he aded for $20 EC plus a tip.
My husband tipped him $5, but he was unhappy with it.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveBMinnesota
Circle Pines, MN21 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Take a taxi to Garden, Don’t Walk!
This garden is very good but the walk from cruise port is through a sketchy neighborhood (a kid stole our bag and ran but I got it back from him!)
$2 each to enter: $4 each for a local guide at the entrance. Our guide Nigel was very good at describing plants from around the Caribbean in the garden.
Took taxi back to cruise ship for $6 each with no problems.
This garden is very good but the walk from cruise port is through a sketchy neighborhood (a kid stole our bag and ran but I got it back from him!)
$2 each to enter: $4 each for a local guide at the entrance. Our guide Nigel was very good at describing plants from around the Caribbean in the garden.
Took taxi back to cruise ship for $6 each with no problems.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill H
Williamsville, United States133 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We spent about an hour and a half walking through the garden. The first hour we had a guide who was very knowledgeable. He was able to answer any questions put to him. It is very peaceful and relaxing and a great place to unwind after a busy day. There is a wonderful variety of flowers, trees and shrubs and the garden is beautifully maintained. Well worth the visit and hiring a guide who will only enhance your visit.
Written 29 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,508 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This colonial garden is about 40mins walk from the cruise port; take stout shoes as the pavements are very rough or non existent. It’s up hill in the heat too.
Admission is only $2 but make sure you pay the extra $6 to get a guide. We were fortunate to get a guy who knew everything about everything in the garden. He explained each tree and shrub, showing which had spicy scents and what they were used for. It really was an enjoyable education and a fascinating hour. I think these guys are self-employed, so tip them generously.
There are restrooms, a small gift shop and cold drinks for a couple of dollars.
Admission is only $2 but make sure you pay the extra $6 to get a guide. We were fortunate to get a guy who knew everything about everything in the garden. He explained each tree and shrub, showing which had spicy scents and what they were used for. It really was an enjoyable education and a fascinating hour. I think these guys are self-employed, so tip them generously.
There are restrooms, a small gift shop and cold drinks for a couple of dollars.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lithlith
Michigan885 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We walked here from the cruise ship in about 20-25 minutes using Google Maps that we has pre-downloaded, which was good because things were not well signed in St. Vincent. The entry fee to the gardens is just a couple of dollars ($2 USD each) each and then you are required to have a guide inside the gardens which you pay at the end (required $5 USD each, we gave our guide $20 for the two of us). We had an hour long tour with Jeffery, who was great. He showed us all around and pointed all nearly every plant and tree long the way. He was constantly picking up leaves, nuts, etc, and pulling examples out of his backpack to show us and have us smell. It was a solid tour.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JH-Haslemere
Surrey, UK29 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We visited here in May which isn't the time of year when the gardens are at their most colourful but we still had a very enjoyable couple of hours being shown round by Cornelius who was very knowledgeable and patient.
Whilst a guide is not mandatory you will get an awful lot more out of our visit by having one as you will learn about the history of the gardens from their original inception and appreciate how it has developed over the years and the fact that many of the trees/plants are not indigenous but have been brought here over the years from many countries.
We particularly enjoyed that Cornelius took the time to explain the uses of some of the plants/trees whether it be for medicinal purposes or for more practical purposes, the tree who's leaves could be used as sandpaper and the tree who's wood was very hard and used for making tool handles were just some of the many things we would never have learnt about had we walked round on our own.
If you've got a couple of hours to spare this place is well worth a visit.
Whilst a guide is not mandatory you will get an awful lot more out of our visit by having one as you will learn about the history of the gardens from their original inception and appreciate how it has developed over the years and the fact that many of the trees/plants are not indigenous but have been brought here over the years from many countries.
We particularly enjoyed that Cornelius took the time to explain the uses of some of the plants/trees whether it be for medicinal purposes or for more practical purposes, the tree who's leaves could be used as sandpaper and the tree who's wood was very hard and used for making tool handles were just some of the many things we would never have learnt about had we walked round on our own.
If you've got a couple of hours to spare this place is well worth a visit.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drew d
Beacon, NY515 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
We did a quick drive thru as part of an excursion from the cruise ship. Lots of plants and trees to take interesting pictures of including the tree that crushed a school bus during Hurricane Maria 1994? - no one was hurt! Could have spent hours here, so beautiful!
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda W
Oxford, England1,114 contributions
Mar 2023
Wonderful gardens. Most botanic gardens I have found boring but this was great, more like an exotic park. I would recommend having a guide to get the best out of what you are seeing. On a slight hill but not too steep. Very peaceful. Don't miss the parrots, though it is sad they are all in cages. Toilets.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CAL
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
On arrival we decided to do a guided tour with Ian and he was great! Ian was friendly and knew so much about the gardens it was very impressive. The plants/trees were amazing and very interesting. We also had the chance to see some gorgeous parrots. We had a great time. Thank you to Ian and the team.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles M
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Definitely get the guide! Sanford was awesome and really enhances the garden with his knowledge. He would crush leaves for the fragrance and would have us guess what it was. Totally a must do on the island
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holidaylover091
Wallasey, UK197 contributions
Hi, we visited the gardens in St Vincent last year, and did an organised trip. Next year we will be there again and would like to spend longer in the gardens, could you please tell me what sort of cost was the taxi from town? (We will be starting at the cruise terminal) and possibly how much was the cost for a guise? USD would be good if you have the information. Many thanks in advance.
Raymond M
Richmond, VA61 contributions
We used Top Dawg Tours as as our taxi a. s we toured more than the garden. The tour guide at the garden was $10 US er person. Worth every penny!!
KatharinaKarlsruhe
Bruchsal, Germany55 contributions
How much would the taxi from the Cruise Port cost to get here?
bex400
Perranporth, United Kingdom68 contributions
Hi. I was just wondering who you did your island tour with? And would you recommend? Thank you
Dook9920
Bolton, UK56 contributions
To be honest any of the taxi drivers will provide an excellent service.
They love their island, have a great knowledge of it and very friendly.
The area close to the ship can look a little intimidating for the faint hearted but the locals are great too.
Enjoy
OwlsRoost
Wrexham, UK75 contributions
Is the walk to the Botanical Gardens uphill or level? If it is uphill, is it possible to take a taxi or other transport to the gardens. I have a genetic condition which makes walking up even the slightest incline quite a struggle. We visit on a cruise early December and I think we are the only ship in port on the day.
GOMS2013
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK860 contributions
The gardens are laid out on a hillside so any visit will require some uphill walking mostly on well defined paths. Transport by taxi to the entrance and exits is easy but we entered at the lower end of the gardens and left by an exit higher up the hill.
WanderingsAscent
Telford, UK255 contributions
How far is it from the cruise port. Can you walk there. Thanks
HuggieSRL
London, United Kingdom342 contributions
We walked there but it is not a short walk and from the ferry port to he botanical gardens this is steeply up hill and so not easy if you are not used to walking.
Kathy C
Port of Spain, Trinidad25 contributions
Hi do you need a guide and kind of prices did you have to pay. Thanks
Aussie-wanderer52
Ballarat, Australia37 contributions
You don't need to take a guide, but they know the place and its trees and plants well and are happy to spend a reasonable time with you, pointing out things you might otherwise miss - the age of trees for instance - even if you know the Caribbean and its vegetation quite well. The guide's fee plus tip isn't too much of an ask - USD5 as I remember.
Sherrinlee
Province of Alicante, Spain4 contributions
Is the gardens opened today 27/12/2016
NationalParksAuth
Kingstown, St. Vincent12 contributions
Good day. We are open everyday including hoildays from 7am-6pm.
Sam
Toronto, Canada12 contributions
Would it be difficult to get around the gardens in a manual wheelchair? Are there hard surfaced paths?
NationalParksAuth
Kingstown, St. Vincent12 contributions
I would suggest you get a tour guide to help push you. You will have to agree on a fee for his assistance
moonbather
Lutterworth, UK143 contributions
Could you advise how difficult it is to walk round the gardens we would like to visit but my father has limited mobility
NationalParksAuth
Kingstown, St. Vincent12 contributions
The Botanical Gardens has paved pathways, and gentle slopes in a few areas. Can use a pushchair and still see most of the Garden.
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