What to see in Dominica: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Dominica: 10 must-see destinations, from Morne Trois Pitons National Park to Roseau. Predominantly natural and beach; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Natural(4)
Take in the fumaroles and boiling mud pools of this volcanic valley near Roseau, on the way to the famous Boiling Lake, the world's second-largest boiling lake. Hike steep paths between gray rocks and veins of yellow sulfur, where steam rises from the ground and the smell of minerals marks the route. The hike requires good fitness, and hiring a local guide is recommended, since the terrain is unstable and the trails poorly marked. Bring water, hiking boots and rain gear for the area's frequent showers.
Admire the Indian River from a rowboat as the mangroves form green tunnels over the water near Portsmouth. Listen for the songs of herons and thrushes among the aerial roots, and look for crabs and fish along the shaded banks. Local guides, many of them from the Indian River Guides Association, point out ferns, bromeliads, and mangrove leeches along the way. At the end of the tour, try the sugarcane rum at the floating Bush Bar, hidden among the vegetation.
Hike the 3-hour trail from the entrance to the world's second-largest boiling lake, near Roseau. Sulfur bubbles tint the water grayish while steam cloaks the Valley of Desolation in a science-fiction atmosphere. Along the way you'll cross hot streams, fumaroles, and tropical vegetation that grows only on active volcanic soil. The caldera, fed by Dominica's geothermal activity, shows up close the force still alive beneath the island. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and time to spot endemic birds and plants among the fumaroles along this mountainous route.
Take the short trail that climbs from the road to the Trafalgar Falls viewpoint, twin 40-meter waterfalls plunging over basalt rocks just minutes from Roseau. Follow the stone path between ferns and gommier trees down to the cold-water pools at the base, where you can swim, and look for the sulfurous hot springs that warm the side pools. Locals call the falls "Mother" and "Father" for their difference in flow, and on clear days the rising spray draws rainbows over the gorge.
Beach(2)
Head to Champagne Beach in Roseau, where the seabed releases thermal bubbles that rise to the surface as if the water were gently boiling. Snorkel through this natural champagne effect and discover coral reefs home to tropical fish just a few meters from shore. Walk on the black volcanic sand, take a swim in the warm waters and take in the contrast between the coast and the vegetation-covered hills. Divers also find a popular dive site here, frequented for its geothermal activity.
Head down to Dominica's southernmost tip, near Roseau, and you'll find Scotts Head, a strip of white sand separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic. Here you can swim in crystal-clear water, snorkel among the corals of the rocky seabed or paddle a kayak around the bay. From the small hill that crowns the beach you can see the coastline and, on clear days, the island of Martinique. The fine sand invites barefoot strolls along the shore, and local fishermen often sell the day's catch nearby.
UNESCO Heritage(1)
Hike the rainforest of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb to the Boiling Lake, a volcanic lake that seethes among fumaroles. Cross thermal streams, pause at waterfalls hidden among giant ferns and listen to mountain frogs croaking in the mist. A short hop from Roseau, this park captures why Dominica is called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”: here rain feeds rivers, crater lakes and forests where the Sisserou parrot still nests.
City(1)
Go up and down Roseau's steep streets among Creole houses painted yellow, green and pink, many with carved wooden galleries overhanging the street. Visit the Old Market in the morning, when mangoes, guavas and plantains pile up beside the spice stalls. Stop in at the Dominica Museum across from the port to learn about the island's Kalinago and colonial history, and peek into the Catholic cathedral and the Methodist church. Finish off by the bayfront watching fishing boats come in as you sip freshly squeezed fruit juice.
National Park(1)
the ruins of Fort Shirley, the 18th-century fortress that overlooks the Cabrits peninsula, next to Portsmouth. Walk its trails through mangroves and dry forest, watch herons and frigatebirds over the wetlands, and climb the restored ramparts for views of Prince Rupert Bay. The park combines British and French military history with protected reefs ideal for diving off its shores. Bring water, comfortable shoes and binoculars: the full tour of the barracks, powder magazines and viewpoints takes about two hours under the Caribbean sun.
Monument(1)
Immerse yourself in Fort Shirley, the 18th-century fortress near Portsmouth, and walk its gun ports and ramparts as you take in the sea view its batteries once guarded. Discover Dominica's naval and military history in its stones, note the building's architectural details, and understand why this site dominated the defense of the island's north for centuries.
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