The 8 best things to do on Dominica
Oct 12, 2022 • 7 min read
A walker negotiating a rocky coastal section of the Waitukubuli National Trail © Alamy Stock Photo
The Commonwealth of Dominica is a paradox. The island nation, which forms part of the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, is an unhurried respite for those looking to disconnect from life's chaos.
But the mountainous terrain of deep gorges, riotous verdant foliage, endless trails and bountiful rivers also make it an adventurer's playground .
Don't expect a large swath of sprawling luxury beach resorts and bone-white sand beaches. Dominica's secret sauce lies in its untouched, raw qualities, earning the island its moniker “the nature isle.” To help you plan your getaway, here's our guide to the best things to do in Dominica .
1. Immerse yourself in the Kalinago culture
The Kalinagos are the descendants of the pre-Columbus indigenous people of the Lesser Antilles who lived solely on what nature provided.
There are approximately 3000 Kalinagos who live on the 3,700 acres of communally held land reserved for the tribe on the eastern side of Dominica. The tribe is led by a six-member council and a chief.
Immerse yourself in the enduring history, rituals and customs of the island's first inhabitants thanks to a collection of tours committed to creating authentic connections to the Kalinago culture.
These tours also generate income for members of the community. The experiences range from half-day excursions to home stays with a family on the reserve in traditional housing or ajoupas made from wood and leaves.
Local Tip: Try the roasted crayfish with coconut milk served on a warmed balisier (heliconia) leaf and sip on ouicou juice extracted from grated cassava.
2. Visit Boiling Lake
Dominica's Boiling Lake is a well-trodden landmark but worth the fanfare. The journey to the flooded fumarole starts in Laudat, a small village tucked away in the island's interior.
Depending on your hiking skill level, it will take about two to four fours before you ultimately descend upon the world's second-largest boiling lake (at 200ft wide).
The trail is deceptively manageable, but a guide is highly advised to help navigate the occasionally rocky and muddy terrain and paper-thin ridge.
The lake is a bubbling hot cauldron of slate grey liquid, shrouded in vapor. As is typical of any arduous, extended journey, you'll be pleased to know that the return trip seems much quicker.
Planning Tip: Refill your water bottle at the Breakfast river, which is the only fresh water available after the hike begins.
3. Hike parts of the Waitukubuli National Trail
Did you really visit Dominica if you didn't hike a portion of the Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT)? The iconic trek is 114 miles, spanning the island's length from the northernmost Scott's Head and snaking through the dramatic mountainous landscape and dense rainforest to Cabrits National Park .
WNT is the only long-distance hiking trail in the Caribbean . Each of the trail's 14 segments presents its unique challenges so if you're not up for the entire route, pick one or more sections to explore.
The difficulty level of the trail's segments varies from easy, family-friendly fun to a more strenuous expedition. Hiking the trail is a serious time commitment — the entire route takes two weeks to complete.
But it's the ultimate scenic excursion, meandering through waterfalls, rivers, Kalinago villages, Maroon passages and multiple other historical and natural sites.
It’s always best to hire a guide or join a hiking group.
Planning Tip: With 365 rivers woven throughout the island, running into one during a hike is inevitable. Proceed cautiously — you may encounter slippery rocks or flash flooding from heavy rainfall.
4. Dive into the effervescent Champagne Reef
Diving into Champagne Reef mirrors the sensation of swimming in an oversized glass of the bubbly drink thanks to the volcanic gas bubbling up from the seabed. The golden hue of the actual reef completes the illusion.
Snorkeling enthusiasts will also be enamored with the burst of color reflecting from the horde of sea creatures — including trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, octopus, rays, batfish, hawksbill turtles and seahorses.
The vibrance of the pink azure, red rope, yellow tube, and purple vase sponges adds to the kaleidoscopic effect.
Planning Tip: Large pebbles dot the Champagne Reef beachfront, so don't expect to lay out on the sand. But do enjoy the local rums, Dominican cuisine and intel on the best snorkeling spots at Donny's Beach Bar .
5. Spend a day at Trafalgar Falls
Dominica's twin falls are a mere 20-minute drive from the capital Roseau , to the west of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park .
A brief 10 to 15-minute walk through the rainforest leads to a viewing platform where you can embrace the majesty of the falls. Locally known as "Papa" (to the left) and "Mama" (to the right); each has its distinct features.
Papa towers over the surroundings at 125ft while Mama is a diminutive 75ft but with a more forceful gush of water. Consider a dip in the warm pools at the base of the falls.
A guide is necessary if you intend to hike the falls. Be extremely careful because slippery boulders can make for a treacherous and challenging climb. Head out as early as possible for optimal lighting.
Local Tip: Wildlife and rare plant lovers should consider a pit stop at Papillote Tropical Gardens, just before the trailhead.
6. Lounge on Pointe Baptiste beach
Much has been made of Dominica's tour de force of 365 rivers. But for an aquatic getaway, Pointe Baptiste beach is a worthy contender. Drive to the village of Calibishie on the island's northeast coast to this secluded haven that offers an opportunity to unwind in peace.
The water is shallow, warm and tranquil, which makes it ideal for kids. However, couples still have enough privacy thanks to the surrounding stones and Red Rocks. This natural auburn rock formation hugs the northeastern coastline and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Local Tip: Explore the sweeter side of Dominica at the nearby Pointe Baptiste Estate Chocolate Factory . The small family operation takes visitors through a tour of the process that transforms cacao beans into flavorful chocolate bars.
7. Experience the Emerald Pool
Dominica is carpeted in shades of green, from the dense forests to the luminescent and appropriately named Emerald Pool . A gush of fresh water from a 40ft waterfall feeds the ethereal grotto. Its greenish tint reflects the foliage, vines and moss-covered rocks that envelop the area, allowing sunlight to filter through.
The road to Emerald Pool starts in Pont Cassé, a small centrally located village and continues inside the Morne Trois Piton National Park. It's easily accessible.
Hop a local minibus and let the driver know where you’re going. There's also plenty of parking if you decide to drive yourself.
Two viewing platforms provide a magical vantage point, but if you prefer to swim, bathrooms and changing rooms are also available at the visitors center. You might recognize the oasis as one of the stunning backdrops in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
The water is chilly, even on the hottest days. The water is also not very deep, so don't jump off the higher rocks or dive in.
Local Tip: Venture about 15 minutes away to nearby Castle Bruce and enjoy a sumptuous meal and drinks from the Islet View Restaurant & Bar overlooking the bay.
8. Explore the streets of Roseau
Roseau is a small, compact southwestern city surrounded by Morne Bruce, the Caribbean Sea, and the Roseau River. Get to know the quaint capital with a walking tour of the significant sites.
Start with the Old Market , which was once a bustling trading post in colonial times. Now it has been reimagined into a craft hub where vendors ply handmade soaps, oils, accessories and fragrant spices. The Dominica Museum shares the seafront, with historical and cultural artifacts curated by the island's foremost historian Lennox Honychurch.
The once thriving Dominica Botanical Gardens suffered extensive damage at the hands of Hurricane David in 1979 but still boasts 40 acres featuring 50 types of plant life. Make the hike up Morne Bruce to soak in the stunning panoramic views of the city and cool down later at one of the local haunts with the hometown beer Kubuli.
Planning Tip: Consider purchasing a budget-friendly special tourist site pass. A weeklong pass with multiple visits to all sites within the national park system and several other nature landmarks costs USD$12.
Explore related stories
Wildlife & Nature
Mar 20, 2024 • 8 min read
Rouse your wanderlust with wildlife encounters and intrepid journeys to the best places to go in May.
Mar 19, 2024 • 6 min read
Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read
Mar 4, 2024 • 10 min read
Feb 29, 2024 • 6 min read
Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read
Feb 12, 2024 • 10 min read
Feb 8, 2024 • 9 min read
Jan 30, 2024 • 19 min read
Dec 11, 2023 • 5 min read
- Cruise Tips
- Western Caribbean Ports
- Eastern Caribbean Ports
- Southern Caribbean Ports
- Cruise Weather
- Attractions
- Central America
- New England
- South America
- All forecasts
- Satellite Maps
- Eastern forecasts
- Western forecasts
- Southern forecasts
- Hurricane season
- Monthly weather
- Air temperatures
- Water temperatures
- Rainfall by month
13 Top Dominica Tourist Attractions
Dominica tourist attractions have a focus on ecotourism and with good reason. It is one of the better hiking experiences in the Caribbean because of rainforests, mountains and waterfalls.
The rainforests and waterfalls are largely the result of heavy rains that drench the island throughout the year, especially during the annual Caribbean hurricane season.
The natural attractions had great appeal for some of us on our eastern Caribbean cruise visit. For others, the natural choice was the Roseau tourist district. It came down to high energy versus low energy and and Mother Nature versus T-shirt shopping.
Waterfall hikes are among the most popular attractions on the island. Waterfalls include Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, Emerald Pool, Victoria Falls, Sari Sari Falls, Middleham Falls. Trafalgar Falls is especially popular because of its easy access.
Another interesting hike is a six-hour round trip to Boiling Lake, the world’s largest boiling lake formed by heated gases that escape from molten lava underneath the lake.
The best Dominica attractions include the following list.
Roseau is an interesting experience for someone visiting by cruise. A short walk off the dock goes to a small shopping district that appeals to cruise visitors. The tourism district has the usual options of restaurants and shops with duty-free shopping. Shops feature both local and imported arts, crafts and souvenirs.
A few blocks away is the real Roseau, which is capital of the island and its largest city.
Visitors will find a walk through Rouseau more about looking around and absorbing a community that is largely untouched by tourism compared to other Caribbean destinations.
It’s a refreshing change of pace from the commercialism that dominates the cruise ports of the major Caribbean islands.
2) Fort Shirley
Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park is the most important historical place on the island and a UNESCO National Heritage site. The 1,300-acre park, which also has hiking trails, is on the north end of the island.
The English fort was a deterrent to French invasions and the site of a famous slave soldier rebellion in 1802, according to UNESCO.
3) Easy Hike Waterfalls
Trafalgar Falls near the village of Trafalgar is an easy 10-minute hike from the road. One falls drops 125 feet and the other about 75 feet. Titou Gorge requires swimming from the base of a waterfall through a group of natural “rooms and ponds” formed by high cliff walls. It is located a half-mile beyond Ladat by a utility station.
Emerald Pool is a five-minute, one-kilometer hike from the Roseau-Castle Bruce Road. The 40-foot waterfall has crystal clear water at the base.
4) Medium Hike Waterfalls
Victoria Falls is a 45-minute hike one way and can be combined with Sari Sari Falls. It is located near the village of Delices.
The remote Sari Sari Falls can be found by the East Road and is a one-mile hike each way. Syndicate-Portsmouth is a four-hour hike one way. Start at the Syndicate visitor center in Morne Diablotin National Park.
Middleham Falls in Morne Trois Piton National Park is noteworthy because of its 200-foot height. It is at least a 45-minute hike one way. Access is near the Roseau-Laudat road at the National Park Reception Centre.
5) Difficult Hike Waterfalls
Boiling Lake is both a highlight of Dominica and one of the most difficult attractions to reach. The total hiking trip is more than six hours over demanding terrain.
However, the trip to reach the world’s largest boiling lake takes hikers through extensive rainforests and mountain forests.
6) Mero Beach
7) scotts head pinnacle.
Scotts Head Pinnacle is one of the most famous dive sites on the island, according to the Dominica Tourism Authority. It is known for the views, water clarity and many sea creatures.
8) Rainforest Adventures
This excursion company has an aerial tram that takes visitors over waterfalls, and it also offers ziplining tours over the Breakfast River Gorge.
9) Cycling Tours
Another way of taking advantage of Dominica’s unspoiled rainforests is via cycling tours. The tours include staying at small, family-owned inns and cottages.
10) Sea Turtles
Endangered sea turtles crawl onto Rosalie Beach every year between March and August to lay eggs. Many of the turtles are Leatherbacks, which can grow up to 1,500 pounds in size.
Visitors can watch the nighttime ritual while following strict standards of the Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organisation. Trained guides will provide guidance on when to touch and photograph the turtles at appropriate times.
11) Whale Watching
Dominica is the only country in the world where the Sperm Whale resides all year long, although sightings are most common between November and March, according to the Dominica tourism office.
Excursion operators are available and claim sightings for 22 species with a 95 percent success rate.
12) Snorkeling and Diving
Marine reserves include Soufriere Scotts Head Bay located in the south and the Cabrits Marine Reserve in the north.
The volcanic island is known for diving and snorkeling in warm sea vents, which are bubbles that float from the sea bed to the top of the water.
13) Ti’tou Gorge
Visitors take a short swim from the base of a waterfall through a series of natural rooms and ponds formed by high cliff walls. Trees create a canopy overhead.
A hot spring cascades down a short wall just outside the entrance of the gorge.
An excursion to Ti’tou Gorge and Middleham Falls will cost from $65 to $115 per person depending on amenities.
Best Times to Visit Dominica
Dominica Cruise Port Tips
Top Dominica Tourist Attractions
Dominica Travel Tips: Hotels, Attractions, Weather
Fort shirley dominica visitor tips, best hiking in dominica: 4 basic choices for visitors, 5 popular restaurants in dominica, dominica car rental agencies, western caribbean weather guide, best southern caribbean ports, what to pack for a cruise trip, caribbean ports of call list, 5 caribbean cruise tips.
- Cruise Ports
IMAGES
VIDEO