Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Designed as a showcase for native plants and their importance to the people of The Bahamas, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve has the distinction of being Eleuthera's first national park. Walk with nature in this sanctuary for over 300 species of native plants, 70 species of birds, and 100 species of medicinal plants. It features gardens and wetlands designed by world-renowned landscape architect, Raymond Jungles, as well as trails through over 20 acres of natural areas. Developed by Shelby White in honour of her late husband, Leon Levy, the Preserve is operated by the Bahamas National Trust.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
475 reviews
Excellent
405
Very good
62
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Jock76
UK30 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We visited the preserve with our three kids aged from 4 to 8. There was plenty to keep their interest and we had the opportunity to spot different plants and wildlife across the various trails. The Preserve is well maintained and you can basically walk as little or as much as you like, based on the trails on the map you’re given at the welcome center. We walked all of it and particularly enjoyed the breeze at the top of the tower after a sweaty climb and also seeing the turtles at the water reserve. Wear sneakers and take water. Two hours flew by!
Written May 31, 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.
Alex
McLean, VA84 contributions
Jan 2020
We really enjoyed the hike through the preserve. Early january is not the best time of year to see things in bloom, but there is a lot to learn and a lot of curious facts about nature and history spread around the trails. Very well maintained and very much worth the visit!
Written January 11, 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.
rhonda p
Murphy, NC52 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This place is so informative and beautiful! Definitely go as early in the morning as possible. We went around lunch time and it was a bit warm and muggy but if we had been there earlier, we probably would have been able to wander around the grounds a little more. But this place is a MUST visit place in Eleuthera. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly! We definitely enjoyed our time here!
Written August 1, 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.
Cruiser628744
2 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
If you love nature walks and learning about native plants, this is the place. Viewing birds, turtles, etc is also very possible. It is a great option if you need to fill time between checking out of a rental and an afternoon flight. I did the nature walk and then a leisurly lunch at Tippys before heading to check in for my flight.
Written February 17, 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.
Bob488514
Salisbury, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020
Excellent. Typically high standard from National Trust. As good as anything we have in the UK NT. If you're not wearing long trousers, take the offer of insect repellent at the entrance desk. We were bitten to death by what we understand were sand flies.
Otherwise the best example of a botanical reserve in the Bahamas. Signage top class. Staff so informative and friendly. Must do.
Otherwise the best example of a botanical reserve in the Bahamas. Signage top class. Staff so informative and friendly. Must do.
Written January 30, 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.
Brad S
Union Pier, MI295 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
What an excellent nature preserve. You enter through a small visitor center where you get a good review of what's on the grounds. Then you can easily take off on your own without any guide. Each area has thorough, informative signage, and of course the plants sport name signs as well. You can tour a mangrove forest, fresh water basin, orchids, native plans, non-native plants, medicinal plants, cash plants, poisonour plants, plus enjoy a 360 degree view of the island from a small observation tower. Everything about the preserve is well-thought out and well-maintained. Plan on a good 2 hours, more if you really want to dive into the info and walk all of the trails. Who knew Eleuthera's red soil blew over the Atlantic from the Sahara Desert? Best experience on Eleuthera.
Written May 29, 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.
etta r
40 contributions
Jan 2020
A year ago we were here for a full moon walk and wanted to return to see it all in daylight. We enjoyed it just as much. Signage is informative and interesting about the varied plants. The kids enjoyed completing the scavenger hunt and especially the turtles. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.
Written February 29, 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.
Maria J
Oak Island, NC258 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Great area to visit and learn more about vegetation and native species on the islands. The entrance features a waterfall and pond. There are several trails leading to different types of plants with descriptions and an fresh water area with turtles and beautiful plants. You’ll find benches and restrooms along the paths as well as a looking tower affording 360 degree views of the area including the water. You’ll also encounter many native birds, insects and lizards.
It took us approximately 2 hours to walk the trails but we were trying to cover it fast. I’d say if you have children with you it will be a bit more. Also, you can decide what areas to visit as the trails are connected but don’t require for you to do the whole loop.
They have water bottles for sale but also a couple of filtered water fountains.
Upon arrival you’ll get a brief introduction to the park and can request a map even though the trails are well marked.
$10 per adult and I think $8 for seniors and children.
It took us approximately 2 hours to walk the trails but we were trying to cover it fast. I’d say if you have children with you it will be a bit more. Also, you can decide what areas to visit as the trails are connected but don’t require for you to do the whole loop.
They have water bottles for sale but also a couple of filtered water fountains.
Upon arrival you’ll get a brief introduction to the park and can request a map even though the trails are well marked.
$10 per adult and I think $8 for seniors and children.
Written May 19, 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 P
Colorado Springs, CO66 contributions
Jul 2020
We had a wonderful couple of hours at the preserve, I will say it was very hot the day we went, but it was July. The way they've kept the natural setting of the preserve, and managed to get the amount of trails in the space they have is fantastic.The preserve is very easy to get to and well worth the trip from anywhere in the area, don't miss the opportunity for a great experience! The visitors center is fantastic!
Written July 15, 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.
Caroline F
3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Enjoyed learning more about the history of the Bahamas, the indigenous people, the native vegetation/plants and how they evolved. We didn't think our visit would be so long but we took our time reading all the informative signs. Feeding the turtles was delightful and we enjoyed the quiet hike through the property, especially climbing the tower for spectacular views of the area! Keisha was very helpful and was kind enough to stay late as we were the last people to leave. This preserve is an absolute treasure!
Written February 1, 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.
dayjzonbethel
Eleuthera
When is the Halloween thing gonna happen
E6473BPinfo
Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera
Saturday, October 27th from 6pm-9pm
Cruiser624
Florissant, CO
We are planning to visit the Leon Levy Preserve in late February but are now concerned about the Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Would appreciate hearing about the mosquito situation at the preserve.
ethan22
Caribbean6 contributions
The Preserve is a natural area and does not do any spraying or general mosquito control. At the current time the Zika virus has not been reported from the Bahamas so any location you visit should be considered safe. February is a good time to visit as it is the dry season and mosquitoes are much less common
Carol O
Malden, MA1 contribution
How do I get there using public transportation from Princess Cays and do I have to reserve ahead of time for a tour and how do I do that?
Falon C
Nassau, New Providence Island
Hi Carol, There is no public transportation on the island. To get here on your own, you would have to take a taxi. This would be very expensive as the trip is about 2 hours round trip. If you are traveling with Princess Cays cruise line they offer a tour to the Preserve. This would be your best option.
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Claim your listingLeon Levy Native Plant Preserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
- Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is open:
- Mon - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve:
- (0.26 mi) Pineapple Fields Resort
- (0.13 mi) Beach Villa with Private Tennis Court on Banks Road, Walk to Tippys
- (0.23 mi) Finiterre
- (0.23 mi) THE BAILIWICK HOUSE/GOVERNOR'S HARBOUR/ELEUTHERA
- (0.29 mi) Bird of paradise, shooting
- Restaurants near Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve:
- (0.27 mi) Tippy's
- (2.06 mi) Da Perk Coffee Shop
- (2.02 mi) Buccaneer Club
- (2.26 mi) 1648 An Island Restaurant
- (1.25 mi) Pammy's
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Information
Excellent Reviews | 405 |
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Very Good Reviews | 62 |
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Photos | 218 |