HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT VISIT TO BALATA GARDENS, MARTINIQUE.
When we arrived in Martinique, we decided to explore independently rather than taking a tour or plonking ourselves on the beach for the day. One of the reasons for this was that Balata Gardens were firmly on our hit list, and our research suggested they were easy to visit without a tour.
Don’t get me wrong — I love a good beach day — but Martinique seemed to invite doing things a little differently.
I’m so glad that we took the time to explore independently, visiting Fort-de-France, Pointe du Bout, and of course, Balata Gardens. Martinique is a super friendly island, and I really enjoyed seeing some of the “bits in between”: the life around the local bus stops, the lush greenery lining the roads, and the slower pace as we made our way into the hills.
And the gardens themselves? An absolute highlight.
This is not a botanical garden. It is a pleasure garden where one must find what can attract the eye as pleasantly as possible.
Jean Phiillippe Thoze, Concept Creator of Balata Garden
Are Balata Gardens worth visiting?
If you want to see a different side of Martinique — and you love a good garden — then yes, I’d absolutely recommend visiting Balata Gardens. For me, it was a standout memory of our two-week trip around the Caribbean.
The gardens are peaceful and incredibly beautiful. Our visit felt romantic and gave us the chance to slow down and enjoy some quiet, away from the cruise ship we were travelling on. Whether you’re visiting from port or exploring Martinique for a longer stay, Balata Gardens are well worth your time and are rightly considered one of the top attractions on the island.
Kids will love the suspended footbridges, while adults can enjoy the tranquil, almost zen-like areas dotted throughout the gardens. The hummingbirds are another highlight, entrance tickets are good value, and above all else — it’s just a beautiful place to spend a few hours.
How to get to Balata Gardens from the cruise port
It is genuinely very easy to get from the cruise port to Balata Gardens, even if you’re not someone who travels independently very often.
In theory, there are two bus routes that go to the gardens. Line 25 is the most commonly used, and the one we opted for. Google Maps shows an alternative bus (NC09), but we couldn’t actually find the departure point for that one. Every local we asked — including the tourist information office and even a police officer — consistently pointed us towards Line 25.
The first bus is scheduled to leave at 09:40 from the bus station on Rue André Aliker. The specific shelter for Line 25 is on the corner of Rue de la Guinee, where it meets Rue André Aliker. Before heading to the bus stop, you can buy a ticket from the nearby machine or kiosk. The bus costs just a couple of euros, and you can pay by card at the machine.
Do keep in mind that buses are rarely on time. We were waiting alongside some quite nervous cruise passengers — as seasoned travellers, we just waited it out, but they gave up after about ten minutes.
The bus will say “Colson” or “Hôpital Colson” on the front, and you can always double-check with the driver. The journey takes around 30 minutes and offers lovely views as you leave the city behind.
You’ll be dropped off just outside the gardens, on the opposite side of the road.
To return, simply wait on the same side of the road as the gardens. Buses generally run every 45 minutes. You’ll often see the bus pass the gardens around ten minutes before it comes back in the direction of Fort-de-France.
Tip: If you’d rather not worry about bus schedules, you can book a tour that includes transport. It will cost more, but if you’re short on time or prefer a stress-free option, it may be the better choice.
Tickets for Balata Gardens
You can pay by cash or card at the ticket kiosk when you arrive — there’s no need to book in advance.
- Adults: €16
- Children (over 3): €11
- Children under 3: Free
There are also bundled tickets available for one adult and one child.
You’ll notice options that include access to the zoo, but if you’re visiting from a cruise ship (and without a car), keep in mind that the zoo is around 40 minutes away, making it impractical on a short visit.
Highlights at Balata Gardens to look out for
Balata Gardens are beautifully curated, and the clear circular path means you won’t miss anything major. That said, these were the highlights for us:
- Hummingbirds – Just after you walk through the Caribbean house and into the gardens, you’ll usually find dozens of hummingbirds gathered around the feeders. I’m not ashamed to say this moment was so beautiful that I actually cried.
- Panoramic views – There are several viewpoints overlooking the surrounding rainforest and hills, offering stunning photo opportunities.
- Zen areas – Ponds with Lilypad’s create beautiful zen like spaces – worth pausing by.
- Suspended footbridges – One of the most memorable parts of the gardens, offering a unique perspective from above the treetops.
- Plenty of places to rest – Thoughtfully placed seating throughout the gardens makes it easy to take your time.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early if you can. We noticed tour groups starting to arrive around 11:00, and it became noticeably busier after that.
Wear comfortable shoes. There are some steep sections and uneven paths.
Take your time. You could rush through in 20 minutes, but you’d miss so much. We spent around two hours wandering slowly and loved every minute.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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