Garden of the Groves
Garden of the Groves
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Twelve-acre garden full of tropical plants and animals: one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.
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- Shawn RSouth Lyon, Michigan255 contributionsSo soGardens were okay. Waterfalls were okay, manmade and small. The industrial tour going in was pointing out fast food restaurants and insignificant things. Could not see out Some of the bus windows. Shopping consisted of the same type of tourist traps.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- Brian MPensacola, Florida28 contributionsAwesome Experience! Very pleasantly surprised!We recently visited the Garden of the Groves as a shore excursion while visiting Freeport on a Carnival Cruise. We weren't sure what to expect when booking this tour but knew that we wanted to get away from the cruise ship area and see something new. This was a WELL-KEPT secret! We had a wonderful time with Marilyn (our tour guide) who absolutely loves this place, loves to share it with guests, and it shows! We would highly recommend a visit to this place!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 December 2023
- Angelize1999Finger Lakes, New York526 contributionsNice placeVery pretty gardens. Small. We visited as part of a tour when cruising to Freeport. We had 45 minutes to tour gardens and I would say another 15 minutes tops would have been enough to see everything. Not sure of admission but I would not pay over $8 a person. A few shops with friendly people were inside and a small garden cafe.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- Jack JCatoosa, Oklahoma155 contributionsDisappointing Visit to Garden of the GroveI recently visited Garden of the Grove in Freeport, Bahamas, and unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. While I am sure the park was probably beautiful before the past hurricanes, it is now in desperate need of some tender loving care. The current state of the park makes it hard to justify the $17 per person admission fee. The entry fee might not seem too high, but considering the cab ride took twice as long as the time we spent in the park, it doesn't feel worth it. Our cab driver even tried to talk us out of going, mentioning that the park is no longer being maintained. This was evident as we walked through; the grounds are not being kept up, and the beauty that must have once been there is now faded. It is truly sad because I can imagine how wonderful Garden of the Grove must have been at one time. Hopefully, they will invest in restoring the park to its former glory. Until then, I would suggest spending your time and money elsewhere.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 June 2024
- Francine W14 contributionsBeautiful gardenI love to visit gardens wherever we travel. The Butterfly Garden was beautiful. Hard to catch them on the frame long enough to get a good picture. Plenty to see and lots more f photos to take. Although you can tell that the garden was hit and effected by the storms it still help plenty if its beauty. I can imagine what it’s going to look like in the next year or so. Thank you Ms. Marilyn.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,052 reviews
Excellent
463
Very good
358
Average
164
Poor
51
Terrible
16
barbaragwen270
Sebastian, FL1,042 contributions
Jan 2020
Coming from Florida I can understand hurricane damage. The gardens were damaged and not at all like they once were. Hopefully, they will recover in a few years from something they had no control over. I gave my rating due to the price you pay for what you're now getting and the think I hate the most which is very pushy people trying to sell things. They just didn't want to take no for any answer. They were aggressive to the point of annoyance. It will be at least five years before I'll go back to a place I used to love to visit.
Written 8 February 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.
Emily A
Beverly, MA13 contributions
Jan 2020
I bought a tour from Shore Excursions which included a freeport tour and Garden of the Groves. Garden of the Groves was a good tour but beware that you will have to walk by very pushy vendors selling their wares. The Freeport part of the tour was depressing and way too long. Tour states it is 4 hrs but it is actually 5 plus hours because the van driver takes you to three shopping areas not listed in the tour. At the end of tour when you can't wait to go back to ship he takes you to the last shopping area and tells you he will be back in an hour! Our tour group demanded that we be brought back to ship. Worst tour ever! Beware.
Written 16 January 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.
Nick S
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
Just an immense waste of time. You spend 40 mins or so getting there by bus, then you go on a very short guided tour where they make some jokes, but the ultimate goal is getting you to their shoppes and restaurant. That’s where the real money comes from. Some natural remedies and other island generic souvenirs followed by very slow service at a sub par snack bar.
Written 25 April 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.
cowgoddess
St. Petersburg, FL163 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This place was underwhelming and overpriced. There were some pretty plants, but not amazing by any stretch. The waterfalls are man made and they weren't on when we first arrived. After a bit, two were turned on. I can see paying maybe $7-10 per person, but $17 was ridiculous. I wish I had believed the negative reviews I saw, rather than the positive ones, which were probably written by people who have never visited a botanical garden before!
Written 13 October 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.
Time2Travel
Waukesha, WI76 contributions
Jan 2023
During our winter escape on the Grand Bahama's we visited these gardens. Understanding that everything on this island is still recovering from Hurricane Dorian and keeping that in mind as you visit this site you will be appreciative of how far they have come. There is still cleanup under way, it is going to take time for these gardens to encompass the full beauty they once showcased. With that said, there is so much here that has bounced back and much to enjoy. A true time frame to enjoy the whole garden area would be about 2 to 3 hours. There are many paths and different nooks of diverse beauty and wildlife to take in if you are patient and allow it to entertain you. A quick walk through and you will miss so much. We did not take in the Cafe, however, the menu looked appealing and many folks were enjoying the fare. As this island faces the challenge of recovery, tourists need to support it for it to fully recover for all. So make this a definite stop on your vacation itinerary. It is a very pleasant place to spend your time.
Written 23 January 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.
Arxitexter
Fort Lauderdale, FL1,609 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
We followed up on a friend’s recommendation and visited the gardens in mid-morning- on our way to the airport for an early afternoon departure. The cascades and lush tropical plants provided a relaxing and sensory experience, and despite the long recovery from the 2020 hurricane (Dorian) the gardens exhibited a nice variety along the various pathways. It was fascinating to watch the turtles and fish in the ponds. We ordered food to take away from the cafe and also ginger beer, local brews (Sands) from the bar. The cracked conch and blackened mahi-mahi sandwich were excellent and the salad very fresh and tasty! The staff is very friendly. The restrooms were clean.
Written 10 February 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.
SteveLicata
Monrovia, CA287 contributions
May 2022
This is a delightful garden with a few waterfalls and the onsite restaurant serves excellent chicken sandwiches (huge portions) and ceviche dishes. We enjoyed the garden but did not see any place to pay admission after sitting down for lunch so I guess we really got the best of both experiences. Please be aware that the trail here is rather bumpy for someone with a stroller or wheelchair - lots of buckled concrete and roots that have intruded into the concrete. Wera good walking shoes as there are still evidences here of Hurricane Dorian a few years ago in terms offallend trees just off the trail but the insect and bird life are spectacular. This is a cleverly designed garden but rather "rough around the edges", which is actually fun!
Written 13 May 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.
Ian H
King's Lynn, UK484 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
This trip was part of the one and only stops offered by our cruise ship.
It is in a lovely setting with many types of flowers plants and butterflies. There is a nice seating and eating area which serves hot and cold food and both soft and alcoholic drinks. In the grounds are also a number of stalls selling local crafts. Plenty of parking spaces if you come in your own vehicle.
It is in a lovely setting with many types of flowers plants and butterflies. There is a nice seating and eating area which serves hot and cold food and both soft and alcoholic drinks. In the grounds are also a number of stalls selling local crafts. Plenty of parking spaces if you come in your own vehicle.
Written 24 March 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.
Jack J
Catoosa, OK155 contributions
May 2024 • Family
I recently visited Garden of the Grove in Freeport, Bahamas, and unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. While I am sure the park was probably beautiful before the past hurricanes, it is now in desperate need of some tender loving care. The current state of the park makes it hard to justify the $17 per person admission fee.
The entry fee might not seem too high, but considering the cab ride took twice as long as the time we spent in the park, it doesn't feel worth it. Our cab driver even tried to talk us out of going, mentioning that the park is no longer being maintained. This was evident as we walked through; the grounds are not being kept up, and the beauty that must have once been there is now faded.
It is truly sad because I can imagine how wonderful Garden of the Grove must have been at one time. Hopefully, they will invest in restoring the park to its former glory. Until then, I would suggest spending your time and money elsewhere.
The entry fee might not seem too high, but considering the cab ride took twice as long as the time we spent in the park, it doesn't feel worth it. Our cab driver even tried to talk us out of going, mentioning that the park is no longer being maintained. This was evident as we walked through; the grounds are not being kept up, and the beauty that must have once been there is now faded.
It is truly sad because I can imagine how wonderful Garden of the Grove must have been at one time. Hopefully, they will invest in restoring the park to its former glory. Until then, I would suggest spending your time and money elsewhere.
Written 2 June 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.
Crystal M
6 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
It is not kept up very well. Most of the Grove is off limits. Their map is not current and it is very easy to get turned around. Right now their shops are all closed. If you really like plants and lizards it may be worth the entry fee but not a tour. Cafe was the best part but the food was decent at best.
Written 20 July 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.
I am cruising with a 1 year old and want to go to the gardens when we port. I won’t have a car seat. I’m assuming a taxi wont take us without proper child safety. A shuttle bus should. How do we find a bus going to the gardens? Is there a chance we won’t find a shuttle bus going to the gardens?
Written 15 January 2020
Hi, I doubt you will find a bus, a taxi is the best option. I also doubt that taxis will care about a child seat, so it is really up to you. I hope this helps.
Written 15 January 2020
Any updated information on the cost of a taxi from cruise terminal to Garden of the Groves? I like the idea of exploring it on our own and am not really interested in the shopping/long bus ride involved with the Carnival excursion. With that, are taxi rates typically per person or per destination?
Written 9 January 2019
Our taxi charged us per person. I believe it was $8. After you walk off the ship, you go through a bunch of shops. There's a big sign at the end if the shops on your left that says taxi. It's all efficiently run. Flat rate, no haggling. They do try to group people together into the taxi. The drive from the port to the garden was about 15 minutes. Really nice drive, almost no traffic, country roads. Our taxi driver actually asked us if we wanted him to come back and get us. He also gave us his card and told the garden employee to let us use their phone to call him if we were done earlier. We arranged for pickup for 90 minutes later. He was there promptly, and gave us a deal on the return trip. Taxi service on the island was super easy and affordable. I had no worries about missing our ship. We had plenty of time to go to Port Lucaya by taxi for a few hours and then back to the ship. We paid for the return trip when we got out at Port Lucaya and our second taxi back to the ship was free. Taxis are prompt and waiting at the taxi stands. So easy to use!
Written 12 January 2019
ihgwiese
Valparaiso, Indiana
How many hours do you suggest we should allot to go through the gardens and maybe have some lunch?
Written 9 August 2018
Im traveling with a 12 and 14 year old Is this something we can leave the port and catch a bus to and tour ourselves?
Written 5 June 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Guthrie, Oklahoma
Yes.
Written 6 June 2018
Mostly yes. We had a stroller, not a wheelchair...but I don't recall many obstacles. There were definitely paved paths and ramps. That said, some of the "spots" of interest in the garden weren't accessible...the chapel in particular was up sets of stairs and there wasn't any ramp nearby.
Written 2 April 2018
Hi Kelley!
I saw your post about traveling with small children. I'm considering the Bahamas for a short 4 day trip in April with my almost 2 year old son. Can you give me any tips on where to take him? Most "Kid" activities are for ages 3 and up!
Thx!
Sabiha
Written 20 March 2018
We will be there in February 2018 what is the admission price, what is the cab rate from the port and will the butterfly area be finish? Thanks so much
Written 17 August 2017
As others have said earlier the price as stated on their website is Adults $16.50, Children (5-11) $11.00. It is worth noting that Taxi's in the Bahamas do not have meters so you will need to confirm verbally the price you will be charged by the driver before you accept the ride. I don't know what the price would be from the port to the gardens as I always hire a car from Brads at the airport, but I would guess it will be in the range $30 - $40 each way. I have seen some of the people from the cruise ships on the guided tours and they seem to be very good so I might suggest that you look into this as the all in cost would probably be cheaper than paying everything separately.
Written 19 August 2017
tracs98
Allentown, Pennsylvania
My family and I are reviewing attractions for our upcoming trip. My father has had knee surgery and many of the reviews mention difficulty with steps. I have attempted to research the garden grove but can not find any mention of amount or quantity of steps. Are the many areas that require use of steps, are they steep?
Written 6 June 2017
There are a couple of steps at the entrance, but there is also a ramp. Other than that, the paths to go up and down a little bit. I think you will be fine. And it is so lovely, you will be happy you made the trip.
Written 12 February 2019
Hola!! cual es el costo de esta excursion??? yo estare alojada en el Viva...
Written 1 March 2017
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