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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Botanical Gardens
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
35 within 5 kms
Attractions
13 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- JH-HaslemereSurrey, United Kingdom48 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 November 18, 2023
- machinmadYaxley, United Kingdom2,655 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 January 26, 2024
- Jill H153 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 February 29, 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 March 4, 2024
- Mel CNew Glasgow, Canada17 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 March 10, 2024
- DuckysWifeUnited Kingdom1,506 contributionsCoreas Caribbean Adventures tour of gardensOpen feel to the gardens with many plants and huge trees many of them old, all in great health. Guide was exceptional with knowledge on everything and anything we looked at. Quick look at the tiny aviary to one side for breeding parrots. Tour operated by Coreas Caribbean Adventures also took us to Montreal Gardens.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 11, 2024
- travelsafer7,142 contributionsBotanical gardens in Kingstown, St Vincent and GrenadinesWe had a nice visit to and old botanical garden, our guide told us history facts and let us touch and smell several garden plants and gave us explanations on many of them. The entrance is $2, and it's $4 for a guided tour which is very recommended. There is some walking so wear comfortable shoes.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten May 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
495 reviews
Excellent
225
Very good
203
Average
56
Poor
8
Terrible
3
SueWolves53
Wolverhampton, UK296 contributions
Jan 2020
This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in western hemisphere. Recommend having a guide as they are very knowledgeable and could relate a lot of information regarding how many of the plants could be used for medicinal or cooking purposes.
The aviary houses many local parrots, their national bird.
The aviary houses many local parrots, their national bird.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William L
London35 contributions
Mar 2020
We were stayiing in Bequia and having read a little about the Botanical Gardens in nearby Kingstown thought we would make the trip. After a short ferry ride and a little difficulty we found the bus station and with the help of the locals found our bus. 1 EC$ each was the cost which is almost nothing. I would not recommend walking there as it is uphill, very steep and very hot.
The gardens are a delight. It is well worth hiring a guide and it's not expensive. We had the wonderful Errol. Without Errol we would have missed so much. Beautiful trees and shrubs from all over the world and even some endangered but beautiful parrots. Errol even suggested our lunch venue, Veejays in Kingstown, which together with the bus ride with Bob Marley blasting out at full volume was a truly Caribbean experience.
The gardens are a delight. It is well worth hiring a guide and it's not expensive. We had the wonderful Errol. Without Errol we would have missed so much. Beautiful trees and shrubs from all over the world and even some endangered but beautiful parrots. Errol even suggested our lunch venue, Veejays in Kingstown, which together with the bus ride with Bob Marley blasting out at full volume was a truly Caribbean experience.
Written March 14, 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.
Byzy
Doncaster, UK55 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We had an excellent tour around these botanical gardens by Jeffrey the guide. It was well worth paying extra for the tour as Jeffrey brought the gardens to life, with his expert knowledge and his bag of tricks with all sorts of wonders to see, smell and touch. Well worth a guided visit to spend an afternoon or morning!
Written February 3, 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.
Yorkshire Lad - The Original
York, UK1,675 contributions
Dec 2022
Go there on an organised tour, or walk the two miles from the cruise terminal up the hill and pay the couple of US dollars entry before slipping 10 US $’s to a local guide who will take you all around the garden, started way back in the mid 1750s. Our guide knew his stuff and took us to places away from the snaking groups who seemed to take an eternity, always held back by the slowest member of the party. Deffo worth the trip just to smell the lovely botanicals.
Written December 8, 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.
Mikopath
Birmingham, UK57 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Excellent historic botanical gardens with lots to see. It’s very cheap to get in and on top of that we hired a local guide for a couple of pounds more which was a great move. Cornelius was very well-informed and after his tour we spent a further hour or so just strolling. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice.
Written March 7, 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.
dolittle2016
Miami Beach, FL48 contributions
Jan 2020
We visited the gardens with expert guide Diane on an excursion arranged by Celebrity Summit. She shepherded about 20 of us around the relatively small acreage, stopping to explain what we were seeing particularly in regard to herbs with medicinal or culinary qualities. A highlight was seeing the enclosure where a rare species of parrot, the Island's national bird, is encouraged to reproduce. Well worth an hour or so's visit.
Written January 23, 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.
John H
Leigh, UK322 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Our ship docked at the key side and we walked through town to the Gardens. A walk of about 40 minutes with the last 15 uphill. Once at the gardens it was 5 EC$ per person to enter. The site is kept in lovely condition and it’s a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours. There are plenty of benches to sit on and plenty of shade. There are guides to walk you through the various plant types. It is well worth the walk. If you want to take a taxi it is 15 EC$ or 5 USD.
Written January 23, 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.
Mel C
New Glasgow, Canada17 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 March 10, 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.
Metrorider105
Greater London, UK125 contributions
Jul 2022
Still one of the best places to visit in SVG. This is a must to see if you are going to the country for the first time and into plants etc.
Only gripe is the shop could be better stocked with more items. Very limited cold drinks was available and it would have been a bonus if they had ice-creams.
It is great to see many of the National Parrots there which there are plenty of now.
Seems to be popular for people taking wedding pictures.
Entrance fee good value for money
Only gripe is the shop could be better stocked with more items. Very limited cold drinks was available and it would have been a bonus if they had ice-creams.
It is great to see many of the National Parrots there which there are plenty of now.
Seems to be popular for people taking wedding pictures.
Entrance fee good value for money
Written September 11, 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.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,655 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 January 26, 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.
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.
Written November 6, 2019
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!!
Written November 7, 2019
How much would the taxi from the Cruise Port cost to get here?
Written December 26, 2018
Hi. I was just wondering who you did your island tour with? And would you recommend? Thank you
Written February 5, 2018
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
Written February 23, 2018
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.
Written November 19, 2017
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.
Written November 20, 2017
How far is it from the cruise port. Can you walk there. Thanks
Written October 25, 2017
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.
Written October 25, 2017
Hi do you need a guide and kind of prices did you have to pay. Thanks
Written August 30, 2017
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.
Written September 4, 2017
Is the gardens opened today 27/12/2016
Written December 27, 2016
Good day. We are open everyday including hoildays from 7am-6pm.
Written December 28, 2016
Would it be difficult to get around the gardens in a manual wheelchair? Are there hard surfaced paths?
Written February 26, 2016
I would suggest you get a tour guide to help push you. You will have to agree on a fee for his assistance
Written January 10, 2017
Could you advise how difficult it is to walk round the gardens we would like to visit but my father has limited mobility
Written March 4, 2015
The Botanical Gardens has paved pathways, and gentle slopes in a few areas. Can use a pushchair and still see most of the Garden.
Written April 1, 2015
Showing results 1-9 of 9
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing