12 Top Things to Do in Dominica

Author Karen Hastings spent weeks exploring Dominica's lush wilderness areas, black-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean," Dominica remains an unspoiled paradise for divers, hikers, and naturalists. Brimming with things to do outdoors, it is the largest of the Windward Islands and features dramatic volcanic landscapes with lush rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, gorges, rivers, steamy hot springs, and the highest mountains in the Eastern Caribbean.

The rugged coastline shelters rustic coastal villages and rocky black-sand beaches, many of which are good snorkeling or diving spots. Colorful Roseau, the main town and capital of the island, reflects the island's cultural roots in its food, art, languages, and customs.

Due to the fact that only two small airports service the island, Dominica remains refreshingly untouched by package tourism. Many people visit Dominica on a day trip from a cruise or a multi-day trip from other nearby islands. Others spend the winter in Dominica to escape colder climates and enjoy the island's stunning natural splendors.

Whatever brings you to these lush shores, find the best places to visit with our list of the top things to do in Dominica.

Explore Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the jewel of Dominica. Encompassing much of the island's mountainous interior, the park is primordial rainforest — from thick jungle, with giant ferns and wild orchids, to the stunted cloud forest on the upper slopes of 1,424-meter Morne Trois Pitons.

Highlights of the 17,000-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site include beautiful lakes, like Boiling Lake and mist-shrouded Boeri Lake, and many of the most picturesque waterfalls in Dominica also lie in this lush park, including Victoria Waterfall, Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, and Middleham Falls.

At Titou Gorge, you can swim in a crisp jade-green pool through the narrow canyon to a beautiful waterfall. One of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed in this magical spot.

And the park has another surprise: The steaming Valley of Desolation is an area of boiling mud ponds, brightly-colored hot springs, and mini-geysers.

One of the best starting points for a visit to the park is the village of Laudat, 11 kilometers from Roseau.

Trafalgar Falls

The hike to Trafalgar Falls, is one of the most popular things to do in Dominica. Known as Mother and Father, these twin falls lie at the end of an easy 10- to 15-minute hike through a forest of ginger plants and vanilla orchids.

The cool main stream of Trafalgar Falls originates in the mountains and is joined near the bottom by a hot mineral spring. You can take a dip in the hot and cold pools amid the sulfur-dyed rocks at the base of the falls.

Middleham Falls

It is easy to see why Middleham Falls is deemed one of the best waterfalls in Dominica. It is beautiful, soothing, and refreshing.

Also set in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this captivating cascade plummets about 200 feet from the mountains of Laudat. It's such a steep drop that some visitors say the water seems to fall straight from the heavens.

Hiking to the Falls: If you're hoping to hike to the falls, prepare yourself for an uphill climb that will be challenging for children and others who feel more comfortable with an easy hike. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, as the ground can get slippery, and bring water as there are no facilities on-site.

If you're feeling adventurous, pack a bathing suit and jump off the cliff into the cool pool below. It's an experience you won't forget. Be sure to have a camera at the ready, as the backdrop is stunning.

Boiling Lake

Boiling Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. This eerie-looking pool of bubbling, gray-green water lies at the end of a strenuous, three-hour hike through thick forest. But it's worth it.

Geologists believe the 63-meter-wide actively boiling lake, the world's second largest, is a flooded fumarole, a crack in the earth allowing hot gases to vent from the molten lava below. The temperature at the edge of the lake ranges from 82-92 degrees Celsius and is at boiling point in the center.

If you're hiking after a rainstorm, take extra care, as the trail becomes slick and muddy. Guides are highly recommended.

Snorkel or Dive at Champagne Reef

Dominica's most famous dive and snorkel site, Champagne Reef lies in a marine reserve off the country's southwest coast. Geothermal activity causes thousands of bubbles to emerge from beneath the rocks, a few feet from shore.

Batfish, sea horses, barracuda, rays, squid, and trumpetfish are just some of the species found in the warm waters here.

You can swim to the site from the rocky, black-sand Champagne Beach. But it's best to try and time your visit around the cruise ship groups for a more tranquil experience.

Relax on Dominica's Beaches

Most visitors choose a vacation in Dominica for hiking and nature, but you can still find some pretty slices of coast on this lush Caribbean island. Dominica beaches are mostly volcanic black-sand beaches, although the sand can actually look gray, depending on the light.

Mero Beach is one of the most popular stretches of coast. About a 25-minute drive from the capital, Roseau, it's a favorite place to visit for the cruise ship crowd. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and purchase snacks and drinks from funky bamboo shacks along the shoreline.

If you're looking for things to do in Portsmouth, Dominica's second largest town, head to Purple Turtle Beach. This is another lovely palm-studded stretch of beige-hued sand, with a popular namesake restaurant along its edge.

Vying for the most beautiful slice of coast on Dominica is wild and remote Batibou Beach on the island's far north coast. Accessing the beach is an adventure - 4WD vehicles are required on the rocky rutted track, or you can park up the top and opt for a workout walking down to the shore.

Once you make it to Batibou, it's worth it! Thick forests of coconut palms fringe the sand, and the headland curves around in a cozy embrace, with green peaks rippling in the distance. No wonder this ravishing beach was a location for one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Note that there is a $5 fee to access this beach.

Champagne Beach sees many tourists, mainly because it provides access to one of Dominica's famous tourist attractions: Champagne Reef, with its bubbly geothermal activity and warm waters.

Insider's Tip: Bring shoes to walk on Dominica's beaches, as the black sand gets really hot!

Papillote Tropical Gardens

Pretty Papillote Tropical Gardens are a haven for artists, botanists, and photographers. Fed by a small stream, these 10-acre gardens form the grounds of a charming eco-lodge, the Papillote Wilderness Retreat.

Paths wind among bamboo trees, ginger blossoms, indigenous orchids, bromeliads, and begonias. You can also see many frogs, birds, and butterflies in the lush gardens.

Parts of the property offer beautiful views of the mountains and valley, and you can enjoy a soak in the retreat's mineral-rich pool, fed by a nearby hot spring.

The twin Trafalgar Falls lie a short uphill hike from Papillote.

Address: Trafalgar Falls Road, Roseau

Victoria Falls

One of the most impressive and photogenic waterfalls on the island, Victoria Falls, in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is formed by the White River cascading over a cliff into a warm pool below. Minerals give the water a milky-white color.

Wear water shoes with good grip as the approximately 40-minute hike involves river crossings and boulder scrambling, but these beautiful falls and the river itself are worth seeing. You can relax at the end with a dip in the warm pool.

Guides are strongly recommended, as part of the hike requires scrambling over slick rocks through the river.

Visit the Model Village in Kalinago Territory

Dominica has the largest remaining tribe of Kalinago people (Carib Indians), in the Caribbean. If you want to learn a little about their fascinating culture, you can visit Kalinago Barana Autê, a model village, on the northeast coast, about 20 miles from Roseau.

Nestled amid banana and breadfruit trees, the village is a cluster of traditional wooden buildings. You can wander around the village and watch the Carib Indians carving dugout canoes, weaving baskets and mats, and sharing their knowledge of medicinal plants.

The Caribs survive through fishing and agriculture, as well as the crafts they sell to visitors. The village is a little off the beaten track, but it adds interesting cultural insight to this fascinating country and is one of the more unusual things to do in Dominica.

Roseau

Framed by lush peaks, Dominica's capital of Roseau (pronounced "roze-o") is a colorful jumble of West Indian cottages and busy market stalls, with a cool vibe. Unlike other Caribbean capitals, you won't find any glitzy shops or chain stores here, just locally owned stores and a friendly, local vibe.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria destroyed most of the buildings here, but the town has made a remarkable comeback, and many of the new structures are hurricane proof.

Roseau's waterfront features a seaside promenade and cruise ship dock, which is crowded with visitors during the busy winter season. Near the dock, in the center of town, the Old Market of Roseau sells fresh tropical fruit, vegetables, herbs, baskets, and coconut-shell souvenirs.

St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, a 19th-century Gothic-Romanesque-style church, is one of the city's major landmarks.

Other popular things to do in Roseau, Dominica include strolling around the Dominica Botanic Gardens and exploring the island's history at the compact Dominica Museum. Here, you'll find interesting exhibits on the slave trade, as well as Creole and Amerindian culture.

Many visitors also take the short drive to historic Morne Bruce for panoramic views of the city. You can also walk there from the botanic gardens.

Cabrits National Park

In northwest Dominica, Cabrits National Park preserves lush rainforest, swampland, black-sand beaches, and thriving coral reefs. This scenic peninsula reveals panoramic views from its highest point, and the reefs offer some excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

The park is also home to one of the most interesting historical sites in Dominica. Here, you can visit the remains of Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison with beautiful views of Prince Rupert Bay. A little museum at the entry sheds light on Dominica's colonial history.

Hiking trails take you through some of the jungly terrain; past the ruins of the garrison; and to viewpoints with sweeping vistas of the town of Portsmouth, the lush mountains, and the blue sea beyond. Benches pepper the area, providing picturesque places to stop and rest.

This is a lovely place to visit for a couple of hours to soak up some history, enjoy a short hike, and snap some photos.

Insider's Tip: If you're planning to hike, it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trails are not well shaded.

Enjoy Dominica's Festivals

Popular with tourists and locals alike, Dominica's lively festivals celebrate the nation's music, heritage, and ties to the sea.

The country's Carnival kicks off the year with calypso competitions, a Carnival Queen contest, "jump-ups," and a costume parade. Celebrations are held during the traditional Mardi Gras period, in the two weeks prior to Lent. Attending Carnival, also known as The Real Mas, is one of the most fun things to do for families. Kids will love the bright outfits, lively music, and tasty treats on offer.

Held in May, DOMFESTA (Dominica Festival of Arts,) is an extravaganza of dance, music, drama, fine arts, cuisine, and literature. Dive Fest draws water lovers in early July with special packages, whale-watching deals, and canoe tours, while music lovers flock to The World Music Creole Festival, held annually in October.

Dominica's Independence Celebrations usually take place from October through November. This important celebration honors Dominica's historic past and Creole customs with traditional clothes, food, dancing, music, and parades. Independence Day falls on November 3rd, but the multiple events, which include Heritage Day, Creole Day, the Ti Matador competition, and the Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant, take place throughout the celebratory weeks mentioned above.

Dominica - Climate Chart