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Gardens of the Groves

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Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)

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Gardens of the Groves in Grand Bahama is a magnificent 12-acre botanical sanctuary that serves as a tranquil oasis of natural beauty and biodiversity. Established in 1973, the gardens were dedicated to Wallace Groves, the visionary founder of Freeport, and his wife Georgette. The park is home to an impressive collection of over 10,000 plant species, ranging from bustling exotic tropical flowers and rare palms to indigenous fruit trees. A defining feature of the gardens is the cascading waterfall system that feeds into serene lagoons, providing a haven for various bird species and colorful butterflies. Visitors can wander along winding pathways that lead through dense foliage to an appealing hilltop chapel, a frequent site for weddings and quiet contemplation. Another unique highlight is the certified sacred labyrinth, designed after the historic floor pattern at Chartres Cathedral, inviting guests to engage in walking meditation. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the gardens function as a significant center for environmental conservation and education regarding the Bahamian ecosystem. The inclusion of an artisan village and a scenic café overlooking the lush greenery makes it a comprehensive cultural and natural destination. Gardens of the Groves stands as a living legacy of the island's commitment to preserving its verdant heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222223242628292928272523
Rain mm464660721131621521611961085548

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Gardens of the Groves are a botanical garden in Freeport, open year-round. You can explore the paths and waterfalls at your own pace.
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Typical hours
The garden is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Holiday hours may vary, so check beforehand.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, and the waterfalls offer special subjects. A tripod is helpful for long exposures of flowing water.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes about two hours. Those interested in plants may plan for three hours or more.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Lucayan National Park. The Rand Memorial Park is also just a short drive away.
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Getting there
The gardens are located on East Sunrise Highway in Freeport, easily accessible by car. Parking is available on site.
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Insider tip
Visit the gardens early in the morning for birdwatching and to avoid the heat. Bring insect repellent, especially near the waterfalls.

Geography

Coordinates
26.54000, -78.61000

Facts

  • The gardens were officially dedicated and opened to the public in 1973.
  • The site features a diverse collection of over 10,000 distinct plant species.
  • The sacred labyrinth is patterned after the 13th-century design in Chartres.
  • The botanical sanctuary covers a total land area of approximately 12 acres.
  • The park is home to a colony of Bahama Parrots and other indigenous fauna.
  • The hilltop chapel is a scale replica of an early Bahamian cedar church.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port Lucaya MarinaPort Lucaya Marina2 km · SExplore →
Dolphins at Sanctuary BayDolphins at Sanctuary Bay3 km · NExplore →
Port Lucaya MarketplacePort Lucaya Marketplace4 km · SExplore →
Rand Nature CentreRand Nature Centre7 km · SExplore →
Sea Grape HarvestingSea Grape Harvesting8 km · SExplore →
Freeport Industrial ParkFreeport Industrial Park9 km · SExplore →
Grand Bahama's Pine BarrensGrand Bahama's Pine Barrens12 km · NExplore →
Little Bahama BankLittle Bahama Bank14 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you see in the gardens?
Exotic plants, waterfalls, and a small chapel.
Is the park suitable for children?
Yes, there is a playground and a small petting zoo.
How much is the entrance fee?
Adults pay approximately 15 to 18 USD.
Is there a cafe on site?
Yes, the Garden Cafe has snacks and drinks.
How long does a tour take?
You should plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Gardens of the Groves: where is it located?
Gardens of the Groves is located in Bahamas.
Gardens of the Groves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Gardens of the Groves: why is it worth visiting?
Gardens of the Groves in Grand Bahama is a magnificent 12-acre botanical sanctuary that serves as a tranquil oasis of natural beauty and biodiversity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Freetown — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Freetown
A settlement on Grand Bahama, east of Freeport.
McLean's Town — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
McLean's Town
The easternmost settlement on the island of Grand Bahama.
West End — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
West End
The oldest town on Grand Bahama and the island's capital.
Pelican Point — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Pelican Point
A small coastal settlement on Grand Bahama.
Rocky Point — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Rocky Point
A remote fishing community in eastern Grand Bahama.
Nicolls Town — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Nicolls Town
A town on North Andros known for its giant land crabs.

History & landmarks

Port Lucaya Marketplace — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Port Lucaya Marketplace
The largest shopping, dining, and entertainment center on Grand Bahama.
Gold Rock Beach — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Gold Rock Beach
A spectacular beach in Lucayan National Park known for its wide stretch of sand at low tide.
Lucayan National Park — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Lucayan National Park
A park on Grand Bahama featuring one of the longest underwater cave systems.
Great Isaac Lighthouse — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Great Isaac Lighthouse
A historic cast-iron lighthouse surrounded by numerous ghost stories.
Bimini Road — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Bimini Road
Underwater rock formation that some believe is part of Atlantis.
SS Sapona Shipwreck — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
SS Sapona Shipwreck
A visible wreck of a concrete ship south of Bimini that became a famous dive destination.
Dolphin House Museum — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Dolphin House Museum
A unique art house on Bimini, built out of shells and recycled materials.

Nature

Goose River — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Goose River
A wide tidal creek in North Andros that winds through mangrove forests.

More places

Port Lucaya Marina — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Port Lucaya Marina
A marina harbor for tourism, provisioning, and leisure traffic.
Dolphins at Sanctuary Bay — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Dolphins at Sanctuary Bay
A large, naturalistic facility in Freeport where visitors can interact with Atlantic spotted dolphins.
Rand Nature Centre — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Rand Nature Centre
A 100-acre nature preserve in Freeport that serves as a major birding site and educational center.
Sea Grape Harvesting — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Sea Grape Harvesting
Sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera) grow wild along the coasts of The Bahamas.
Freeport Industrial Park — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Freeport Industrial Park
The classic industrial and warehouse zone of Freeport.
Grand Bahama's Pine Barrens — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Grand Bahama's Pine Barrens
Vast tracts of Caribbean pine forest that cover much of the interior of Grand Bahama.
Little Bahama Bank — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Little Bahama Bank
Another large carbonate platform north of Grand Bahama, known for its sand flats and coral reefs.
Walker's Cay National Park — Gardens of the Groves (Bahamas)
Walker's Cay National Park
The northernmost island in The Bahamas, a legendary sport-fishing destination protected as a national park.