Shaw Park Gardens & Waterfalls
Shaw Park Gardens & Waterfalls
4.5
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Beautiful, well-kept gardens just a short walk from the center of town.
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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.
4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
65
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Roam4695
Mesa AZ1 contribution
We had Carnival Cruise line plan our wedding there. It is simply gorgeous. The waterfall and the path down beside it...our wedding pix look fake because its so gorgeous. There was a lovely little gazebo there for the license signing and cake cutting.
I walked around and said to myself, "This is the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen...and its mine."
Sue and Randy
12/12/2003 Noon
I walked around and said to myself, "This is the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen...and its mine."
Sue and Randy
12/12/2003 Noon
Written September 14, 2004
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.
Quest2460
Kingston, Jamaica1 contribution
in kingston there are not a lot of "green" areas so to speak, so travelling over to the Garden parish i didn't really expect to find anything out of the ordinary little garden, i was pleasantly surprised. Shaw park gardens is a must visit: it is a large, lushly appointed garden with greenery everywhere that is both unusual for even Jamaica. this is as some plants can only be viewed at certain locales high up in the blue mountains (or so i thought). they have this really nice waterfall running on the property. this is alongside little ponds and small streams. there are lots of steps going up and down over the entire property and little enclaves off these walkways were intimate thoughts will spring to mind. food is also provide on the grounds for thos who didn't bring their own picnic. there's nothing left to say except go and experience for yourself.
Written August 27, 2004
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.
darrellap
College Park, MD26 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
I went by myself, and there were only two other people there. There are walkways alongside the falls, and periodic platforms for special viewing, and from which one can actually wade into the pools at the base of each series of falls. The water cascades over several different configurations of rock, each unique and beautiful, and surrounded by tropical vegetation. If I had brought my bathing suit, I could have taken a dip in a couple of the pools. The falls were well worth the price of admission, but there was nothing else of much interest there. The "aviary" had only a bunch of parrots, a peacock, and a few chickens. Disappointing. But the falls are fabulous!
Written January 27, 2014
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.
Erin AC
Toronto, Canada39 contributions
We recently held our wedding in May 2009 at Shaw Park Gardens. Let me start by saying the venue itself is absolutely beautiful and the gardeners are such a pleasure to deal with and very knowledgeable. The gardening staff and cleaners of Shaw Park Gardens were very, very pleasent. We felt really bad for them as they are so poorly treated by the Manager. It was very discusting watching it actually.
Originally, we reserved with the Ruins by the Falls, but, quickly learned that they were only out for the money and do not live by their word "The chef will work to your needs and design a menu that suits you" $5 a coffee per person, $15 for fruit per person and yes US. Who wants CHINESE food in JAMAICAN.
Onto the next, we found Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba River Gardens & Museum. Unfortunately, we had never been to Jamaica previously and chose Shaw Park. A word of advice if you are looking for a waterfall or tropical garden wedding the best place to go within Ocho Rios is Coyaba Gardens. You can do everything on you own or find a reliable wedding planner which is hard. Honestly, Coyaba would have been a lot nicer! Larger Grounds, no steep hills to climb, rivers and waterfalls and amazing spots for pictures!!! In fact, we decided to go there for are day after trash the dress pictures and played around in those falls! It was awesome!
Shaw Park Wedding & Shaw Park Hotel Review
To make a long story as short as possible, Shaw Park for you wedding BIG mistake!!!
We should have figured since they haven't done a full proper wedding since 2004 (per the reviews) and probably never will.
Olive Aarons, the Manager is the point of contact for this venue. Once our deal was set with Shaw Park Ms. Aaron's became very rude and condescending. It was problem after problem with them and her way or no way. Which I though was funny- I was always under the impression that the wedding details are up to the bride and groom not the venue.
The food & beverages are supplied and provided by Shaw Park Hotel itself, Mr. Milton Ernesto is the supposed to be the food and beverage director. Again, we learned a valuable lesson; Shaw Park is clearly geared to the financial aspect ONLY-as we should have figured. Menu's started at once price and went up $20per person more before you could blink your eyes.
We were so worried about our day and what may come of it we bought some last minute tickets and took a trip down there (of course money we didn't have- as we were set to get married in a month) to try to get things settled. Before arriving I called the Food and Beverage Director/Manager and advised we were coming down and made an appointment to meet with him and discuss the wedding in more detail. Well, apparently he thought we were joking. We showed up to the Shaw Park Hotel (as it is the Hotel that does the food for the Shaw Park) and after waiting about 20 min we were sent to his room (as apparently he stays at the hotel) To our surprise the door was answered by some other man who told us to wait one min. A few min later Mr. Ernesto rolls out half asleep in his underwear ONLY. Finally, after an hour of waiting for him we had our meeting and settled everything. Of course, after we paid the deposits and arrived back home his word changed and so did the price. This was very dishonest of him and especially as he represents the hotel. We asked to speak to the hotel director and of course that never happened.
All in all it was an EXTREME headache dealing with them, if I could turn back the clocks; I would have dropped them at the beginning. Not worth the stress, aggravation or attitude that you get from them
Following our reception, the favours and hot sauces and champaign that we purchased separately were stolen by the Shaw Park Hotel staff. Yes, not surprised. Of course nothing was done.
Over all our wedding was beautiful- after all if was about one thing my husband and I uniting in love.
Just keep note and run with your money- safest best is to get married on the resort or at Coyaba Gardens.
I really bet they never held a full wedding before (only the shot gun wedding from 2004- that was the only weddign picture in the office too) I bet they will never have another wedding again.
Originally, we reserved with the Ruins by the Falls, but, quickly learned that they were only out for the money and do not live by their word "The chef will work to your needs and design a menu that suits you" $5 a coffee per person, $15 for fruit per person and yes US. Who wants CHINESE food in JAMAICAN.
Onto the next, we found Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba River Gardens & Museum. Unfortunately, we had never been to Jamaica previously and chose Shaw Park. A word of advice if you are looking for a waterfall or tropical garden wedding the best place to go within Ocho Rios is Coyaba Gardens. You can do everything on you own or find a reliable wedding planner which is hard. Honestly, Coyaba would have been a lot nicer! Larger Grounds, no steep hills to climb, rivers and waterfalls and amazing spots for pictures!!! In fact, we decided to go there for are day after trash the dress pictures and played around in those falls! It was awesome!
Shaw Park Wedding & Shaw Park Hotel Review
To make a long story as short as possible, Shaw Park for you wedding BIG mistake!!!
We should have figured since they haven't done a full proper wedding since 2004 (per the reviews) and probably never will.
Olive Aarons, the Manager is the point of contact for this venue. Once our deal was set with Shaw Park Ms. Aaron's became very rude and condescending. It was problem after problem with them and her way or no way. Which I though was funny- I was always under the impression that the wedding details are up to the bride and groom not the venue.
The food & beverages are supplied and provided by Shaw Park Hotel itself, Mr. Milton Ernesto is the supposed to be the food and beverage director. Again, we learned a valuable lesson; Shaw Park is clearly geared to the financial aspect ONLY-as we should have figured. Menu's started at once price and went up $20per person more before you could blink your eyes.
We were so worried about our day and what may come of it we bought some last minute tickets and took a trip down there (of course money we didn't have- as we were set to get married in a month) to try to get things settled. Before arriving I called the Food and Beverage Director/Manager and advised we were coming down and made an appointment to meet with him and discuss the wedding in more detail. Well, apparently he thought we were joking. We showed up to the Shaw Park Hotel (as it is the Hotel that does the food for the Shaw Park) and after waiting about 20 min we were sent to his room (as apparently he stays at the hotel) To our surprise the door was answered by some other man who told us to wait one min. A few min later Mr. Ernesto rolls out half asleep in his underwear ONLY. Finally, after an hour of waiting for him we had our meeting and settled everything. Of course, after we paid the deposits and arrived back home his word changed and so did the price. This was very dishonest of him and especially as he represents the hotel. We asked to speak to the hotel director and of course that never happened.
All in all it was an EXTREME headache dealing with them, if I could turn back the clocks; I would have dropped them at the beginning. Not worth the stress, aggravation or attitude that you get from them
Following our reception, the favours and hot sauces and champaign that we purchased separately were stolen by the Shaw Park Hotel staff. Yes, not surprised. Of course nothing was done.
Over all our wedding was beautiful- after all if was about one thing my husband and I uniting in love.
Just keep note and run with your money- safest best is to get married on the resort or at Coyaba Gardens.
I really bet they never held a full wedding before (only the shot gun wedding from 2004- that was the only weddign picture in the office too) I bet they will never have another wedding again.
Written November 9, 2009
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.
Nurse1111
Ottawa, Canada12 contributions
My husband and I were at the Shaw Park Hotel in 2008 and took a self tour up the mountain where the Shaw Park Gardens and Waterfalls attraction is. It is indeed spectacular, the view of Ocho Rios kissing the ocean is phenomenal. It was difficult to leave the tranquility and breathtaking beauty of the mountain top which is home to the most beautiful plants/flowers and waterfalls. Being exotic, the flowers are very different and unique--would be the envy of any avid gardener. You really appreciate nature in such a place. The gardener was very knowledgeable and gave us an amazing tour. You can tell it was his passion. He explained the native plants as if they were his children. It was much appreciated. I loved our visit to Ocho Rios. We are going back in one month but to explore a different part of the island. Will let you know how that goes.
Written July 20, 2010
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.
Alan Z
New York City, NY22 contributions
Jan 2019
Close your eyes and you can imagine yourself transported back to the 1930s when the Shaw Hotel was the Place to be in Ocho Rios. The stunning horticultural pathways lead you down and around the former formal grounds of what was the Shaw Park Hotel that opened in 1923. The Hotel suffered a fire and was eventually torn down, but was remains is worth a few hours of strolling.
Written December 1, 2019
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.
SueandDavid34
London55 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
This was definitely one of the highlights of our visit to Jamaica. Beautiful peaceful gardens with a view over the town of Ocho Rios. The lovely guide gave us all the old Jamaican names of the plants and shrubs and told us of the uses they were put to. Highly recommended to all garden lovers.
Written May 7, 2018
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.
PARASCOSA
Knebworth, UK265 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We paid for a guide who was very knowledgeable about the flowers.
Lovely waterfall and view.
Make sure you spray yourself with insect-repellent !
Lovely waterfall and view.
Make sure you spray yourself with insect-repellent !
Written January 6, 2015
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.
Billysjean
Gulf Shores, AL46 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
We took a cab from our cruise terminal to this attraction on an overcast day, dotted with frequent showers and hit it between showers. They gave us a short (30 minute) tour and we had to wait well over an hour for our cab driver to come back. THERE IS NO WAY OUT OF THERE OTHER THAN TO PRE-BOOK YOUR CAB! This place is pretty isolated so most people come on a tour bus. Beware coming in a cab because you might get stranded. The road coming in is long, and in pretty bad condition. There is no way to walk to anywhere to get any transportation. So make sure you have a way back to your hotel or ship. I was trying to hire an employee to take us back to our ship when our cab driver finally arrived and said "Bad Traffic in Town - Sorry."
Written December 22, 2014
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.
Jeanne B
The Colony, TX91 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We had a guided tour of the Shaw Park Gardens. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. He is one of the caretakers of the gardens. It was amazing to see the tropical flowers. It was like seeing our ordinary houseplants on steroids. Some of the trees had strong vines which he showed us that he could swing from them.
Written January 6, 2019
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.
How many steps are there to get to the top?
Written April 25, 2021
We will arrive in Ocho Rios by cruise ship. Shaw Botanical Gardens isn't far from where we are docked. Most reviewers mention driving up the hill and parking at the top. Is it possible to walk up the hill and enter the Gardens on foot? How long (time wise) is the guided tour? Is it $10 per car of per person? Is there a restaurant nearby? Thank you!
Written August 24, 2019
Hi I would not recommend walking to the top as it would take you around 30 minutes or so. If you are keen to walk then of course you. can enter by foot. There is a sort of a cafe before you get to Shaw Park Gardens where they serve coffee, drinks, snacks and you can relax but it’s not a restaurant as such. The guided tour was about 45 minutes but it’s quite flexible and our tour was interrupted by rain but our tour guide was fantastic and accommodating. It’s $10 dollars per person. If you can check out Konoko Falls on your way to Shaw Park you will find it also amazing.
Written August 24, 2019
Hi, is the park wheelchair accessible?
Written July 21, 2017
Afraid not. There were several levels to the gardens and very few slops. We went with a 7 month old baby and had you carry her as her stroller was of no use in the terrain.
Written December 20, 2017
joamhinds
Toronto, Canada
Hi, I am trying to find a suitable location that can accommodate my family of 40 persons (babies, toddlers, teens and adults) inn December for a day. We are trying to have a family reunion relaxing and enjoying nature for a day. Do you think Shaw Park Gardens is the ideal place for such gatherings?
Written July 21, 2017
Trust me, this is the place to be. Your family will always have this memory, you can chose here or Cranbrook flower forest in the same parish. Being that its 40 people, I would chose the latter. Hope this helps. Good luck and hope you enjoy the family day.
Written July 23, 2017
We are due to spend a day (9am-5pm) in Ocho Rios and would like to visit Konoko Park and Shaw park. Is it possible to do this in the limited time....expect we would have to use taxi but would they wait whilst we visited each attraction.
Written October 29, 2016
Yes, and they are fairly close to each other. 2 hrs in each place is plenty, plus an hour for lunch, and travel time.... should be easily able to fit this into 9-5. Enjoy!
Written November 4, 2016
Hi, coming in October on Carnival Splendor. This is not offered as a cruise excursion. Husband & I want a calming and beautiful excursion. Some questions. How much does a taxi cost for 2 people from the dock? About how far away is the gardens? How long does it take to see the gardens& waterfalls? Is it easy to get a taxi back to the ship? We should be ashore from about 9 to 3PM on tuesday, October 18. . What are the hours of operation? This place sounds beautiful. Thank-you. Jackie.
Written September 14, 2016
From Ochos Rios, if that is where you dock, it is about 5 miles - you can see the cruise ships from a viewpoint in the garden! It shouldn;t cost more than about $60 US for a taxi to take you there and wait and take you back. There was a small cafe where you can buy a beer but it is all slightly run-down. Very peaceful when we were there though, It will take about an hour or so to look around. They seem to have guide chaps on tap to show you plants and paths for $20 say Nice place. Wear insect repellant maybe.
Written September 15, 2016
We are intending to visit by Taxi from our resort
How did you get a guide?
is there an email / website for the park?
What is the entrance fee
Written March 27, 2016
The entrance fee is $10 per person which includes the guide who will be assigned to you at the gate. Enjoy
Written March 28, 2016
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