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Explore the interior of Dominica for some stunning views.

Dominica Tourist Board

Dominica travel guide: Top things to do on the Caribbean's ‘Nature Island’

our guide

The vibe

Dominica, the most mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles, is unusual among Caribbean destinations. With few sandy beaches, and no major international airport, the island’s 290 square miles are sparsely populated. Tourism, too, has developed slowly here. But you don't come to Dominica (pronounced dome-in-EEK-a) to lounge at a flashy resort. You come for some of the best hiking and diving in the region. The country is an ecological wonder. 

 
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Known as "The Nature Island" of the Caribbean for its unspoiled natural beauty, Dominica is a veritable Jurassic Park for eco-tourists and other adventurers: Two-thirds of the island nation is covered by tropical rainforests that are home to rare plant, animal and bird species. About 365 rivers, countless waterfalls, hot springs and freshwater lakes dot the island. With the highest concentration of "live" volcanoes in the world and the world's second largest "boiling" lake, a cauldron of bubbling grayish-blue water 200 ft across and unknown depth, Dominica's status as a primeval wonderland is sealed.

Offshore, with 40 pristine dive sites and two protected marine reserves, the sea below is as rich and varied as the island above. There are volcanic vents and plunging sea walls that shelter marine creatures rarely seen in the other islands. Colorful reefs, soft coral and tropical fish are plentiful. And on deck, the whale watching is considered among the 10 best in the world.

Top reasons to go

  • Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains many attractions such as the Boiling Lake, the Freshwater Lake, Boeri Lake and Middleham Falls.
  • Champagne is a popular snorkeling spot on the southern coast. Underwater volcanic vents emit continuous streams of bubbles making the place feel like a giant glass of champagne.
  • Dominica's waters are also home to three species of marine turtles (Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green turtle). These gentle giants can be seen coming in to nest on shore during the months of April to October.
  • The Kalinago Barana Autê shares history and traditions of the Kalinago people (caribs) from hundreds of years ago. It is located along the banks of the Crayfish-River near Isukulati Falls.
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Shannon Kircher
Shannon Kircher is chief curator of Cruiseable and founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect, a travel blog focused on experiential travel and adventure travel with a luxury angle.

Overheard

“In the hills outside Roseau, $10 buys access to Screw's Sulphur Springs, seven cascading pools of increasingly warmer temperatures. I settle in at one of the hottest ones, waterfalls tumbling overhead, and I forget about everything — including that my cell phone doesn't work here. Otherwise, I'd beg my driver to stay longer.”

Islands magazine

“The 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail — the Caribbean's first long distance path — puts the island's exotic terrain on full display: you'll pass banana plantations, waterfalls, and surreal Boiling Lake (which really bubbles) before emerging onto the coast with views of Guadeloupe.”

Travel + Leisure

“In Portsmouth, mingle with seahorses, sand eels, flying gunards and batfish on a dive in Douglas Bay.”

Lonely Planet

“The best of our excursions focus on the island's dramatic interior — places like the Syndicate Nature Reserve, where we meet Dominica's leading ornithologist for a morning hike. Bertrand Jno Baptiste, whom everyone calls Dr. Birdy, drives us 1,400 feet up a  mountainside shrouded in clouds. With Birdy's hefty telescope strapped to his back, we set off into the woods. It looks like Endor up here. Massive gommier trees, circled by strangler vines, disappear into the mists above. Tiny hummingbirds hover around our heads, then dart off up the path. A gentle rain falls through the canopy.”

Travel + Leisure

“In Roseau, enjoy Dominica’s natural beauty by rappelling down waterfalls during a half-day adventure with Extreme Dominica. If you have extended time, take the six-hour roundtrip hike to the gurgling Boiling Lake, the second largest in the world.”

Lonely Planet

“Even by worldly standards Dominica is rugged and green thanks to 20 feet of annual rainfall at some elevations. How appropriate that on an island where treehouses are its finest resort lodgings, crashing water is responsible for its best architecture. Wanna Watch? Whereas Hawaii has helicopters and walkways to some of its falls, Dominica requires boots. Nothing here is easy to access.”

Islands magazine

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