Carambola Botanical Gardens
Carambola Botanical Gardens
Carambola Botanical Gardens
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The 100% natural 40 acres of the Carambola Botanical Gardens and their many jungle trails offer a perfect place for hiking, wildlife and scenic photography, eco tours, bird watching, nature studies, and of course, relaxation. So, "take a walk on the wild side" and watch the playful Monkey La La scurry along jungle trails as you enjoy flowering plants, orchids, medicinal plants, exotic spices, fruit and nut trees, including the very popular "Chocolate Tree" and the world famous Honduran mahogany tree.
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
341 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
107
Average
26
Poor
18
Terrible
5
Ann K
18 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
We did not do a specific tour and are a family of 6, so it was a bit expensive for what we got ($15 a person for a paper map). We overhead some of the tours and they seemed interesting (we planned to do the one where chocolate is made, but missed it). We tried to contact them in advance to find out times for tours unsuccessfully.
That being said, there are neat trees and a moderate hike up to a beautiful view (about 45 minutes). Not a ton of flowers and the trails were steep and overgrown in places, so wear good hiking shoes. Our youngest is 6 and was able to do it, but was pretty tired by the top!
That being said, there are neat trees and a moderate hike up to a beautiful view (about 45 minutes). Not a ton of flowers and the trails were steep and overgrown in places, so wear good hiking shoes. Our youngest is 6 and was able to do it, but was pretty tired by the top!
Written February 26, 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.
Nancy J
San Antonio, TX34 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This was a very fun and educational excursion we took through Carnival Vista. Elvin, our driver and tour guide, was exceptional as a driver and tour guide. He was also exceptional in helping some elderly people on our tour who had limited mobility. Elizabeth was a great teacher and cook. The chocolate and lunch were wonderful. We will remember this trip for a long time! Thank you!
Written February 2, 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.
Skip S
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
These gardens are a gem if you are truly interested in either botany or the history of Roatan. It is not for those looking for a quick selfie. The gardens are very natural and go through annual cycles so what you see (blooms, fruits) depends on the time of year. Although we visited in April, the dry season, we were not disappointed.
We lucked out and were given a tour by Bill Brady, the owner and developer of the garden. He came to Roatan as a Peace Corps worker in the 70’s and fell in love with both the people and the ecology of the island. He freely shared his passion and wealth of knowledge with us. We spent 2 1/2 hours and wished he had had an hour more time so we could have taken the hike to the summit.
Pointers:
Wear comfortable hiking shoes
Fees on website are out of date. Admission is $15 and add $10 for guided tour.
Allow 3 to 3 1/2 hours
If you call ahead you may be able to get Bill Brady as your guide.
We lucked out and were given a tour by Bill Brady, the owner and developer of the garden. He came to Roatan as a Peace Corps worker in the 70’s and fell in love with both the people and the ecology of the island. He freely shared his passion and wealth of knowledge with us. We spent 2 1/2 hours and wished he had had an hour more time so we could have taken the hike to the summit.
Pointers:
Wear comfortable hiking shoes
Fees on website are out of date. Admission is $15 and add $10 for guided tour.
Allow 3 to 3 1/2 hours
If you call ahead you may be able to get Bill Brady as your guide.
Written April 1, 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.
rockmama12052
Charlotte, NC281 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This place has been our only true disappointment in Roatan. I do not understand the many good reviews (or photos for that matter) as it was not our experience at all. It was expensive at $15/person (cash only) and we received a white paper hand-drawn copied map.
We wanted to go to the top of Carambola Mountain but after a long, steep, difficult, unkept trail proved to be a false start—by the time we did find correct trail, I was too tired to make it to top!
Outside of the main area, there are only a couple signs pointing to the trails. The trails are dirt, not maintained, not blazed, and we discovered the map didn't provide any useful information about the way up. We've hiked plenty in Hawaii, Costa Rica, etc but this really felt like a tourist trap being labeled as an attraction/gardens.
It felt like mostly wild acreage with a few kept trails in jungle setting for people to hike, with a small roadside gift store. Perhaps it has really been let go over winter months? Whatever is was, labeling it a garden was more than a stretch. I have seen many more beautiful flowers and landscaping at my resort for free. We could never find the orchids. My husband did enjoy finding a cinnamon tree. Construction was going on. DO NOT come if you have any mobility issues or are not physically fit.
We wanted to go to the top of Carambola Mountain but after a long, steep, difficult, unkept trail proved to be a false start—by the time we did find correct trail, I was too tired to make it to top!
Outside of the main area, there are only a couple signs pointing to the trails. The trails are dirt, not maintained, not blazed, and we discovered the map didn't provide any useful information about the way up. We've hiked plenty in Hawaii, Costa Rica, etc but this really felt like a tourist trap being labeled as an attraction/gardens.
It felt like mostly wild acreage with a few kept trails in jungle setting for people to hike, with a small roadside gift store. Perhaps it has really been let go over winter months? Whatever is was, labeling it a garden was more than a stretch. I have seen many more beautiful flowers and landscaping at my resort for free. We could never find the orchids. My husband did enjoy finding a cinnamon tree. Construction was going on. DO NOT come if you have any mobility issues or are not physically fit.
Written February 17, 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.
Matt B
Park Rapids, MN108 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
We came here as a class for an afternoon, and we saw lots of native Honduran plants. There was signs below each type of tree/plant and had clearly marked trails and paths throughout the area. At the back of the garden there is a trail that leads up to the top of the hill to a viewing area of Anthony’s Key Resort and the ocean.
Written July 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.
TheresaVib
Brooklyn, NY9 contributions
Mar 2020
This is such a cool place. We live in NYC and often escape the city to go upstate to hike. We went to the gardens for their hiking trail. It was awesome. A little steep and not perfectly maintained but we loved it. Total jungle hike experience, but safe and secure and the view at the top is beautiful. This is also great if you dont do the hike, the gardens and paths are beautiful and all the tress are labeled so you can learn aboutt the plant life of Roatan which is very cool.
Written March 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.
laurie c
Dallas, TX54 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Beautiful tropical gardens and hiking spot. The owner provided us with an indepth personal account of the island history in addition to the garden.
Plan on 2 hours if you want to hike and have a tour with Bill.
Definitely recommend while in Roatan!
Plan on 2 hours if you want to hike and have a tour with Bill.
Definitely recommend while in Roatan!
Written January 20, 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.
paula
Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada160 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We visited late in the afternoon and had a guided tour with the founder of the gardens. He is a wealth of information and passionate about his natural garden. How lucky are we that his mission is to educate people about the importance of symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna. I wish we had more time with him. We missed the flowering season but we’re still impressed by the plants. If you are interested in nature, and preservation take the time to visit here.
Written March 2, 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.
Michael H
Burke, VA194 contributions
Jan 2020
We decided to go to this wonderful little hideaway on a rainy day. Carambola had larger umbrellas for us and we walked along numerous trails which had nice covered areas to hang out as well. The flora was wonderful. It also had elevated trails that took you to the top of the mountain (not that high) and allowed views of the north shore of Roatan and the sea. Nicely marked trees and shrubs and an abundance of nice things to see
Written January 31, 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.
Desiree B
3 contributions
Jun 2022
Barely any flowers, not ideal for anyone who is afraid of heights if you want to see the view at the top of the hill, which is worth it. Path was thin, and dangerous coming back down. Not recommended for small children or older adults. Also charged for a tour guide, which we did not get.
Written June 19, 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.
Visiting off a cruise ship..early December..any pointers towards birding..Have a very understanding wife with me!
Thanks Mike
Written November 25, 2022
My aunt has to carry an oxygen tank and walks with a cane...would this be something she could do?
Written April 20, 2017
You probably have the answer you need - however, your aunt COULD visit the gardens if she was content to stay in the lower part near the entrance building. There are places to sit and the trails are pretty easy to navigate. If it is rainy or wet, she shouldn't go, but if the conditions are dry I think she could manage parts of the park. If your aunt is content to sit by herself, or if someone can stay with her, then the others in your party will likely see what the park has to offer in about an hour to an hour and a half. I hope this is of some use to you.
Written April 27, 2017
796dp
Portland, Oregon
About how long did it take to hike to the top of the garden? thanks
Written January 12, 2017
Depending on how many times you stop to read about the plants, anywhere from an hour to two. If it sprinkles like it did when we were there, maybe a bit longer.
Written January 12, 2017
Should I take this tour? I am a 73 year old disabled veteran who uses a walker
Written January 4, 2017
It is not a paved trail. You could still enjoy the first part of the garden including sitting to watch the hummingbirds. I would still go!
Written January 4, 2017
Are their paths hard compact dirt? We have one of our group in a wheel chair. I have taken her through several national parks in Arizona and over semi rough terrrain without issues. I have emailed this place directly several times and have gotten no response. We love botanical gardens and really hope we can visit this one.
Written December 10, 2015
hit or miss, might be some issues with the wheel chair.
Written December 14, 2015
We are going to cruise their soon, how long does it take to get from carnival dock to see the gardens.
About what does the taxis charge. Some folks recommend taking taxi as the bookings from cruise line are so high. We would appreciate any help. Also how hard is it to go through the gardens--Steep, moderate or old people friendly?
Written February 7, 2015
We booked an excursion from Carnival and it made a few stops. I want to say the ride to the Gardens was about 25 minutes. It made a stop in a little town, at a beach area that has food and drinks and a store on the road. The excursion was very well worth it and we felt safe.
As for walking around in the Garden its safe, just take your time and wear tennis shoes that are non slippery. It rained a little when we were there so it made it a little slippery other than that you guys should be ok. The Garden is beautiful and the air is clean. We enjoyed every minute of it.
Written February 10, 2015
Can I get a taxi or bus from the port
Thank you
Written January 20, 2015
Yes you can and it isn't too far. However, I'd recommend doing a tour instead. Our guide was fabulous and we learned more then expected. This is a 35 acre site owned by an individual and hen you are alone, there is no guide even though the flora and fauna are labeled. Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this and price was reasonable.
Written January 21, 2015
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