St. George Village Botanical Garden
St. George Village Botanical Garden
St. George Village Botanical Garden
4.5
About
You can stroll amid the ruins of this 17-acre estate, a former 19th-century sugarcane plantation village, which contains varied ecosystems from semi-arid cactus to lush green rain forest.
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- Carol GKokomo, Indiana51 contributionsBeautiful!!I can see why this is a top visitor spot. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous. There's history of the sugar mill with signs on the old buildings/ruins. The walking is easy, and the photo opportunities endless. The staff we encountered were friendly and informative. Their gift shop has beautiful, locally made items. My husband and I would definitely go back.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 January 2024
- JuninaNorthbrook, Illinois57 contributionsSpectacular gardensWow, what a beautiful place! So lush, wonderful staff, and amazing surroundings. We went in the morning as soon as they opened at 9 am and would recommend doing this as by the time we were leaving around 11 am it was pretty hot. That said, there was plenty of shade and lots of benches and places to sit and rest a bit. If you forget to bring water, the gift shop has beverages for sail. It's also a great place to pick up items made on St. Croix.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2024
- CameronDeltaville, Virginia33 contributionsLovely must see visitA truly unexpected gem to find on the island. Truly amazing sea shell museum and orchid society exhibit. Offered a great learning and gorgeous surroundings. We will include this in all our return trips as a must see.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 January 2024
- MichelleAngola, Indiana10 contributionsNice piece of history and gardensThe gardens exceeded our expectations. It took about 1.5 hours to walk, was laid out very nice with markings and easy to follow trails. The overview provided by the gift shop employee before we started was very interesting. It was hot the morning we went but there was a breeze and plenty of shade. We enjoyed seeing the Plantation ruins as much as the beautiful vegetation. While we spend most of our time on the beaches of saint Croix, this was a nice alternative. Glad we checked it out!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 April 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
489 reviews
Excellent
299
Very good
148
Average
34
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,746 contributions
Mar 2021
The gardens exceeded our expectations! They are easy to find, right off of the main road, and there is free parking right in front of the entrance. The gift shop is not open, so you put the entry fee ($8) in a box and then take a map for a self-guided tour. You can choose from a long or short route through the gardens, and the map has numbers that correspond to the numbers on the signage for each checkpoint. There are many different beautiful gardens to see, including rainforest and desert, and everything is built around the ruins of a sugar mill. We really enjoyed ourselves!
Written 1 April 2021
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.
Patricia D
Weymouth, UK247 contributions
Jul 2020
The gardens were very quiet when we visited which was a bonus as we practically had the place to ourselves. We used the self guided tour maps that gave us all the information that we needed. Stunning setting with lots of historical buildings and information . Very amused to find a “sausage tree” I thought sausages came from pigs and cows😂.
Well worth a visit if you want an experience where you can wander at your own pace. I’ve seen tours advertised for $50+ which seems extortionate when you can find all the info you need by yourself!!!
Well worth a visit if you want an experience where you can wander at your own pace. I’ve seen tours advertised for $50+ which seems extortionate when you can find all the info you need by yourself!!!
Written 14 July 2020
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.
GroovyM
Kobe, Japan297 contributions
Oct 2021
Glad we took the time to visit. Entrance fee was $10 per adult. The self guided walk takes about 30-60 minutes and wasn't difficult to follow. The buildings and key points on the map are all marked. We learned some about the Dainsh plantation history and the many plant species that have been brought here.
Written 29 October 2021
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.
David H
Cedar Falls, IA12 contributions
Mar 2020
My wife and I have been to St. Croix several times before, but finally made it to the Botanical Gardens this year. The history of the plantation, the beautiful plantings, and the education of both botany and history was great. If you like to walk outside and enjoy nature (without chasing a golf ball) I highly recommend it. We will visit the garden agin.
Written 4 June 2020
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.
grace
New York City, NY10 contributions
Jun 2020
Spent an afternoon there when the whole island was covered by the cloud of Sahara dust. It was so so amazing. I loved all the trees, flowers, seashell exhibit, plantation and mill remains. The director of the gardens was the coolest, friendliest person and the kitty that welcomed us was super cute and cuddly. Highly recommend for a relaxing and beautiful afternoon when the weather is overcast or you just need a break from all the sea related activities.
Written 26 June 2020
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.
suematt70
Meriden, CT419 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We arrived around 10:00 and did a self guided tour of the old sugar plantation grounds and historical ruins. As we read our guide brochure and the signs along the way we couldn’t believe the huge variety of plants which were native to many different places in the world and the history of the area. It is run by volunteers. We did tour the gardens a few years ago and thought it was run down, but this year it was pretty impressive. There are restrooms in two locations, benches throughout to sit and reflect, and many shady spots along the walking trail. We spent about two hours enjoying the natural beauty and learning much history as well.
Written 21 February 2021
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.
Bob M
14 contributions
Feb 2022
We spent about two hours meandering the 14 acre site. There are the ruins of a number of plantation buildings that punctuate gardens full of colorful and unusual flora. The placards around the grounds were all torn and falling apart - just laminated paper that can't survive the weather, so that was a disappointment, but just meandering around and soaking up the color and feeling the history of the place was great. There was a lot of history on display about how the sugar cane industry worked, and it gave a good window into how this industry exploited the labor of both slaves and indentured servants. It wasn't sweet working on a cane plantation, this was a good experience to see this.
Written 18 February 2022
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.
Michael W
Redding, CT1,733 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We really enjoyed our visit to these botanical gardens, although I must admit that we did find it a bit difficult to follow the map. I think a few directional signs could be added for little outlay and would make navigation so much easier. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to spend an hour or two, depending on which path you choose to take.
Written 23 August 2021
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.
J and G
Arizona19 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
This is an amazingly gorgeous botanical garden steeped in history. A picture takers dream!
Spent a lovely 2 hours on a self guided tour and it was only $8 per person. We’re so glad we made this part of our trip.
Bring drinking water!
Spent a lovely 2 hours on a self guided tour and it was only $8 per person. We’re so glad we made this part of our trip.
Bring drinking water!
Written 26 May 2021
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.
LLoomis319
Rushville, NY32 contributions
Mar 2020
We enjoyed our self-guided tour of the beautiful gardens. There were a few plants blooming and the guide map provided lots of information about the estate and the different garden settings. I am sure it is even more gorgeous in the summer.
Written 23 March 2020
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.
Two single middle aged women will be visiting in February and are thinking of venturing on our own to these Gardens. We will be in port that day and are thinking maybe a taxi would be better than going on an "organized tour".
Please let us know about taxi service; safety of traveling alone; is this good for a port day?; are there any refreshment places one could walk to?
Written 9 January 2023
I think going on an organized tour takes the guesswork out of getting there and seeing the gardens and will certainly ensure your safety.
Written 10 January 2023
Does the tour fee also include admission?
Can the tour bus and garden accommodate a scooter?
Written 3 December 2018
The terrain is fairly rough and I personally don’t think I’d be comfortable in a scooter unless it’s a very sturdy one. Not sure about the fees/admission. We paid just admission as we arrived in our rental car.
Written 8 December 2018
joelfox51
Burlington, Kentucky
We are staying on St. Thomas Island, how much would the extra fee be for hotel pickup and drop off?
Written 1 July 2018
The St George Village Botanical Gardens is on the island of St Croix which is several hours ferry ride from St Thomas Island. So, in my view, it is impractical and costly to visit the gardens from St Thomas Island on a day trip, as it would also involve a long cab ride from Christiansted or Frederiksted to the Gardens.
Written 2 July 2018
One more question--how far is it from these botanical gardens to the Cruzan distillery which seems to have much higher ratings than the Captain Morgan one? Would you need to take a cab and if so, would it be fairly easy to get one? Also, the estimated cost from the gardens to the Cruzan distillery assuming you do need a cab. All answers will be much appreciated.
Written 20 January 2018
Not sure... I did both of these excursions but on different days. So since I'm not from there, it would be hard for me to tell you the distance between the two locations.
Written 24 August 2018
Two questions: 1) what would the estimated cab fare be from the cruise ship dock to these gardens one way?; and 2) how would you return? Are there cabs stationed outside or would the staff be willing to call for a cab or how would one do it? Am concerned about being able to get there but then being stuck because that happened to us once south of Puerto Vallarta when we visited the Botanical Gardens there and we had a lot of trouble getting back. All answers will be much appreciated.
Written 20 January 2018
Not sure exactly.... My resort scheduled my roundtrip shuttle to that location. If memory serves me correctly, I think it was about $30.... But it's been awhile.....
Written 24 August 2018
Hi, are the orchids and other flowers blooming in December ? Thanks, Chris
Written 22 May 2017
Everything was blooming that blooms as far as I know and remember from our visit last December. So much more than just flowers though. Trees! Old buildings. Medicinal plants, And the oddest and creepiest but cool moss as well as some sort of cactus garden.
Written 22 May 2017
Hi, How far is the Botanical Garden from the cruise ship pier? Thanks, Chris
Written 22 May 2017
It's less than 5 miles from the cruise ship pier, and would take only a few minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. And depending on the taxi driver. However, we found it to be a less than stellar attraction. We are apparently in the minority, but we found it a tremendous waste of time, and left feeling that we'd just spent $8 just to use the bathroom. The map they give you to do your self-guided walk through the woods left much to be desired. The first few minutes were mildly interesting, but they spent far more money on plaques identifying their donors than they did identifying the plants. If you go, you will need to use about a quart of bug spray, and don't forget to spray heavily on your head! I sprayed every inch of skin several times, and all my clothes, but didn't spray my scalp (and I have shoulder-length hair), and ended up with at least a dozen bites on my head -- the only place on the island that happened. For a more bug-less opportunity, and about a mile closer to the pier, try the Whim Museum property -- the site of an old sugar plantation. Or, just say the heck with it and enjoy one of the best beaches on the island, just north of the pier. We spent 2 months on island, near Christiansted, and drove to that beach at least twice a week. (If you're not used to the heat and humidity, think twice about a long walk in the woods and bugs. We'd been experiencing the heat for weeks, and taking long walks almost daily, but the Botanical Garden trek was still nearly too much for me.) You could possibly book a ride through the rain forest part of the island, if you want to see tropical jungle, or just a circle island tour with a stop in Christiansted. The only time ANYTHING happens in Frederiksted is when a cruise ship comes in -- otherwise, the entire town is completely dead, with maybe 2 to 3 shops open in total. Christiansted offers much more in the way of shops, restaurants, etc, -- but no beach. Hope you enjoy your stay!
Written 22 May 2017
Good morning! We are planning a University student travel abroad trip for next May. We will be spending a week in St. Croix and I would like to take students to the St. George Village Botanical Garden. I am having difficulty finding the cost of visiting the garden and museum. I was also wondering if there were group rates available. Thank you for your assistance!
Written 18 May 2017
Have to say, that St.George Village Botanical Garden was real nice place , surprisingly much to see! Admission fee is 8$ and 6$ for seniors. They also have group rates, because our driver said that because it was only 2 of us, charge will be that 8$/person. However, if there is more than 10 persons, I guess the charge is 5-6$/person
Written 18 May 2017
Hi. We are going to st Croix in .march fur A 1day cruise stop. Please let me know how you got to and from the gardens. Did you use any local tours?
Many thanks, Barbara
Written 3 January 2015
We booked the excursion through the cruise line. it included a stop at the Captain Morgan distillery. A bus picked us up right outside the gangway.
Written 24 January 2017
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