Enchanted Gardens, Bird Aviary and Mini Waterfall from Falmouth

Wonderful tour with great Tour guide
January 14, 2020
We were a party of 8, once we assembled at the pier in Falmouth. A mini-bus that would seat 12 or more was air conditioned and comfortable ride. We stopped half way to the gardens for a fluid adjustment break, at a roadside store. At the gardens, our tour guide Michael Jordan, was fun, energetic, aware of photo ops and helped us get all the photos we wanted of each of our sub-groups. Helping some climb up the falls into a grotto under the falls for a photo op. Michael shared his knowledge of the flora along the falls. We also saw a koi pond, turtle ponds, and went to a lovely Aviary with lots of lovely birds. Bird food provided. We all had a great time! Stopped at a mall across the street on the way back. Bus ride back uneventful. Highly recommended!
Reviewer: Keitha Buckingham
5 Stars
Must Go
January 14, 2020
The tour guide was fantastic. It was a small group of us. Not like booking excursions through the cruise ship. You were able to take pictures easily, stand in the waterfalls and enjoy nature. We learned a lot and highly recommend.
Reviewer: Keri Sheets-Osterbur
5 Stars
Waterfalls
January 06, 2020
Very pretty spot and an excellent guide. Quite a lot of walking though.
Reviewer: Roy Smith
4 Stars
enchanted garden and mini waterfalls
January 01, 2020
Even though the garden was small it still was beautiful. The birds were wonderful and very friendly. We had a great guide who knew all able the flowers and waterfall. It would have been nice to see Dunes falls since it is so famous but those crowds were long. These special falls were just right.
Reviewer: Allen
4 Stars
Enchanting Gardens were the best
August 14, 2019
The Enchanted Gardens were very lovely with waterfalls were very lovely. We enjoyed the tour guide and his knowledge of plants. I understand that the photographer was making a living but asked to be posing on every turn became somewhat annoying. The Bird Aviary was disappointing because of the poor make up of the sanctuary and only a few birds to observe.
Reviewer: Gisela Matthews
4 Stars
Enchanted Gardens
June 14, 2019
We loved this excursion. It was a haul from Falmouth port, but was a pleasant ride. The property was beautiful. We climbed the Dunn's River Falls when we were on a different cruise in the past so we opted to try something different. We are so glad we did. The falls were gorgeous. Jordan, our tour guide was very knowledgeable concerning the property and different types of plants. The took over 200 pictures of us during the tour and we purchased the package at the end for $25. They sent a link through email and we downloaded them without any problems. We would definitely recommend this excursion.
Reviewer: Dee Martin
5 Stars
Turtle River Falls
March 04, 2019
Of all the places we visited, this was my favorite! Absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful waterfalls and greenery and birds and flowers! Wonderful tour guides & staff! I would definitely come here again!!!
Reviewer: Terri
5 Stars
Walking tour
January 02, 2019
Were unaware that we would have to climb 168 stairs to view this beautiful garden. But as the ONLY CLIENTS, our guide took time for us to ascend/descend with my arthritic knee!
Reviewer: Kathleen Davister
4 Stars
Peaceful and Beautiful.
October 16, 2018
If you love flowers and mini waterfalls this is the tour to take. Our guide Jorden really made the tour enjoyable. He was a very personable and knowledgeable about the plants and trees and the history of the gardens. It was so peaceful only my husband and I.
Reviewer: Pamela Rider
5 Stars
Enchanted Gardens
August 30, 2018
This was a series of about 7 very beautiful waterfalls and lots of opportunity for swimming and pictures. Our guide gave us a very good description of the plants and flora and their uses. The enclosed aviary was very nice and lots of opportunity for the birds to sit on our heads and shoulders with pictures. We were reminded of Bob Marley’s great song Three Little Birds.
Reviewer: REESE Terry
5 Stars
Beautiful place!
June 18, 2018
This was a cool respite from the heat and humidity on Jamaica. The gardens were once a resort, popular for weddings and honeymooners. The buildings are in disrepair due to lack of government funds to restore, but the grounds and the falls are breathtaking. Cool spray, green canopy, thundering falls, easy walk and no need to get soaking wet like Dunns. Feeding peacocks, parrots, and chickens an adventure on its own. Guide was informative and friendly.
Reviewer: Pam Burnham
4 Stars
Enchanted Garden, Aviary and water falls tour
February 15, 2018
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! It turned that our booking turned into a one on one tour for my husband and I. We would definitely do it again.
Reviewer: Cindy Wilson
5 Stars
Waterfalls
January 01, 2018
This was one of our favorite excursions we have ever taken
Reviewer: Roger Holcombe
5 Stars
Enchanted Gardens
December 01, 2017
The Gardens and Aviary were lovely. The guide couldn't have been kinder in helping us take our time with our 80 year old parents who were along for the journey. This was a great day in Jamaica.
Reviewer: Peggy Novak
4 Stars
enchanted gardens bird avery
November 06, 2017
loved the excursion
Reviewer: david
5 Stars
Enchanted Gardens
September 08, 2017
We enjoyed our guide from the ship to the gardens and back. She provided interesting information about Jamaica and Falmouth city. The gardens and waterfalls were beautiful and our guide at the gardens was knowledgeable and interesting. The gardens do need some attention for maintenance. The aviary should not be mentioned as part of the attraction since it was small and housed few exotic birds and almost as many chickens. We did enjoy the tour and the cost was appropriate to the excursion.
Reviewer: Ron Gordon
4 Stars
Great personel running this tour
July 26, 2017
We had an amazing day trip to the Enchanted Gardens. Our Guides Trisha and Radcliffe were full of fun info and even got us some Jerk Chicken on the way back to the ship.
Reviewer: Kelly Ford
5 Stars
Falls and aviary but no gardens
January 21, 2017
There's a new owner and new name for this former resort. Turtle falls. Its perfect for those that want pictures by the lime stone falls but with steps and walkways to get up to them. The Bird aviary had different types of birds where you could feed them, some would sit on your shoulders or the small ones would eat from your hand. 'Micheal' Jordan made the tour very entertaining. Our driver and guide from Falmouth were very knowledgeable and made the drive in interesting. It was difficult to find them however, the 'white tent' isn't easy to find as everyone in the the port will direct you to where all the tour buses park but they aren't there. Go to the bus area then walk across the plaza on the brick road to what looks like a staff parking lot - then you'll see the white tent
Reviewer: Scott
4 Stars
Turtle River Gardens & Falls (Was Enchanted Garden
December 19, 2016
It was difficult to find the tour's meeting place at the Falmouth pier. Had to ask two Jamaican port officials for the location, which was in a far away parking lot. Be prepared for a one hour ride to the gardens. The place has changed ownership and name. Tour guide, falls and aviary were enjoyable. There were no gardens to speak of, just a native rain forest environment.
Reviewer: Johnny
4 Stars
Good nature rain forest
December 05, 2016
We have good time in this garden with our 4 yrs old little one.
Reviewer: Meng
4 Stars
wonderful views.
September 28, 2016
we enjoyed the various waterfall and the native plants. guide was very knowledgeable
Reviewer: Tim Richards
5 Stars
Loved the falls and birds
May 26, 2016
Our tour guide, van driver and garden guide were knowledgable, fun, and provided a fun atmosphere for this trip. We were the only guests in the gardens so we saw it in its most natural state. The falls were lovely and we could climb or wade in them. It was like being alone in nature. We loved hearing about the plants, falls and especially loved visiting with the beautiful birds. We were never rushed and our guide answered every question. The aviary visit was wonderful! The staff were very knowledgable about the birds and we loved feeding them and watching them. The aviary was well kept and the birds all looked healthy and happy. Holding and feeding the birds was a trip highlight for us. The drive to the gardens was as advertised but our guide provided information about the country, area and residents so we weren't bored. We stopped on the way to the gardens and back to the ship for drinks and snacks. The gardens show evidence of the economic stress of the owners but the natural beauty and lack of crowds makes this an excellent excursion.
Reviewer: Mary
5 Stars
Very pleased
March 18, 2016
Directions to our guides was easy and clear.
Reviewer: Happy
5 Stars
Very Pleased with Our Excursion!
January 21, 2016
We thoroughly enjoyed both our tour guide on the bus and at our destination. Our tour guide on the bus was very knowledgeable of the area and had us speaking the local dialect by the time our tour was done. When we arrived at the enchanted gardens (now called Turtle River Falls and Gardens in Ocho Rios) we were met by a sweet elderly man, Mr. Campbell, who showed us around the area. He was very informative and was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. There is a lot of plant life, animals, and more waterfalls that I could count during our tour there. It did look a little run down though. Just by talking to our tour guide we got a sense that it has seen it's prime and is not as much of a popular place anymore. A couple of cons: 1) Our initial tour got a late start because the tour guide insisted that we wait a while for the other guests to show up. I understand that you want to give a grace period to those who may be running behind, however, I think it is important to be considerate of those who did show up on time and do not want to be late getting back to the port. (A couple of people did get upset as a result of this which made for an interesting drive to our destination!) 2) NO food was provided. Our tour started at approximately 11:30 am and did not finish until almost 4 pm. No food was available at Turtle River and we did not have any other stops before or after the main attraction. 3) The tour lasted longer than expected. It said 3.5 hours on the website, however, it lasted for almost 5 hours. Yikes! We knew this right away so it made me a little worried about whether or not we would get back in time. (We did, with time to spare for a little shopping and a quick snack.) Overall, I would recommend this excursion. There were some highs and lows but if you are willing to go with the flow then it is worth it. I will definitely remember the locals I was able to meet and the great sights we were able to take in on our excursion.
Reviewer: Lauren
4 Stars
wear long sleeves
January 13, 2016
hiking,plants and waterfalls great,chickens not so much!
Reviewer: angel
4 Stars
Great time. Would recommend this excursionexcursio
January 02, 2016
Best excursion of the whole trip. Tour guide excellent! Add educational data, humor &fun!
Reviewer: Joyce
5 Stars
Fabulous Enchanted Gardens (Turtle Bay gardens now
December 31, 2015
This tour was really fun. I have mobility issues but was able to ride my mobility cart to the van and then it was taken to Security. I was unable to climb the steps to the top waterfall and gardens but enjoyed a bench with a view lower down. Seeing the birds was a blast and everyone got hilarious pictures. All guides were top notch and fun. And the shopping stop had unlimited rum ""samples"" so the group was in a rollicking mood on the way back. It was also informative and I learned a lot about Jamaica and its people. I highly recommend.
Reviewer: Kathy
4 Stars
This was a Great Excursion
December 29, 2015
Fun Excursion
Reviewer: Everyone
5 Stars
Great Excursion-Great Day!
December 10, 2015
We really enjoyed this excursion. I'm glad we chose this one rather than the more popular Dunns River Falls, which I'm sure was really crowded. Us and another couple were the only ones on this excursion so it was really relaxing and we had the guides to ourselves. Climbing the falls was mildly exerting, there were stairs and a walkway along the side if you didn't want to get in. The water was cold but there's nothing they can do about that. They had a guy taking pictures the whole time and it's well worth buying the cd he puts them on. I think it was $20.00 and there were a lot of pictures, also extra pictures of the gardens.
Reviewer: Naturefreak
5 Stars
Falls were beautiful
November 28, 2015
Falls were beautiful and guides were wonderful
Reviewer: Tom Purcell
5 Stars
You will love the Birds
November 18, 2015
I had a ball with the birds
Reviewer: Mr Ed
5 Stars
great and beautiful scenery
May 20, 2015
Beautiful waterfall and great guide another once in a life time experience.
Reviewer: Dnell
5 Stars
Pleasant suprise
March 04, 2015
We wanted to get away from crowds and this was perfect- a beautiful oasis of falls and flowers with a very knowledgeable and personable guide. It is sad that this ""Enchanted gardens"" was abandoned (used to be a resort) as it must have been even more beautiful However, even though some of the grounds have not been maintained, the gardens and bird aviary were wonderful. Not for everyone but if you want peace and quiet and see falls, birds (and have your photo taken with them) this is a place to go.
Reviewer: MOTM
4 Stars
DO IT !!
February 24, 2015
Very liesurely and informative.Beautiful setting for pictures. Loved the birds and Koi.
Reviewer: don
4 Stars
Turtle River Falls walk
October 28, 2014
We had a lovely day climbing the stairs up the mountainside along the river, one waterfall after another. Some had wading pools. Some places you could climb up the river or choose the pathway. Beautiful plant life was all along the way. In the aviary were many types of parrots and other birds which we enjoyed feeding.
Reviewer: dee jay
5 Stars
Exceeded our expectations!
October 22, 2014
We enjoyed getting away from the large cruise ship crowds, and our tour had about 8 people, a very relaxed and social group. The waterfalls were great, and nearly the entire tour strolled along in proximity to the falls with good opportunity for pictures and appreciation for the beautiful setting. The guides were great, and it was nice to have a professional photographer along who took great shots of the entire group, and then offered a CD focusing on our pictures at the end of the tour....for a surprisingly reasonable price! The birds were great fun, although if someone is afraid of them climbing all over them, they won't like that part. We thought it was great!
Reviewer: B and Z
4 Stars
Excellent!!
July 15, 2014
This tour isn't found on the cruiseline shore excursion list. Unlike the cruise tours, we didn't wait for 20 minutes in the sun waiting for everyone to get organized. We left as soon as the group was there (there were only four of us). The driver was relaxed, informative, and excellent. The tour was relaxed and very informative. We were never rushed to move to the next site. We were able to climb the small waterfalls if we wanted (which we did!) and the guide answered all of our questions. The aviary is mostly parrots that will eat from your hand while perching on you. At the end, we were offered pictures of us on the tour and additional photos of the property. Here's the thing, we were thinking: ""here we go, they are going to sell us a $150 package of two photos we might like."" NO, they sold us the ENTIRE CD of pictures for....$20. That's twenty dollars for about 3 dozens photos of us and another dozen or so of the property. I paid $23 for ONE photo of us as dinner on the ship from the cuiseline! Book this excursion!
Reviewer: David
5 Stars
Great value, no crowds, more personal
June 02, 2014
Hi. My wife and 2 teenagers (ages 15 and 17) just returned from this excursion on May 28 2014. We loved it and I highly recommend it as a better alternative to the more traditional waterfall tour that I heard other travelers complain was too crowded. With this tour you still get to see similar waterfalls but in a much more private environment (we only had one other couple with us so a total of only 6 people!) but also get to hand feed a number of parrots in the bird aviary. The gardens are a bit limited but nice. There is a also a large pool on site that guests can use at the end of the tour if desired. Again, we loved this tour and as compared to what we heard from other guests visiting the larger waterfall site our tour sounded much more enjoyable.
Reviewer: First time cruiser
5 Stars
Fun tour
December 25, 2013
This was basically a nice relaxing easy walking tour with a bit of fun thrown in. The gardens are basic, but nice. The waterfall part of the tour is picturesque, but the really fun part is the bird aviary. The birds are tame and used to being hand fed. You definitely want to take your camera. The staff was very accomodating.
Reviewer: Doug the pilot
4 Stars
No Problem!
December 08, 2013
I highly recommend this excursion. The guides were wonderful and knowledgeable. This is a great alternative to Dunns River.
Reviewer: Tim the TA
4 Stars
Enchanting!
December 04, 2013
As an agent this was an exploratory adventure for me and I must say this was a very well organized tour. I will not hesitate to recommend it to all my clients headed for Falmouth. You have the option to get wet - do so great time. A photographer even made us a CD for a small few so no worries about taking along a camera.
Reviewer: Cruise Planners - ABC Travel
4 Stars