Nestled between Martinque and Guadeloupe lies the sweet nature isle of Dominica. Unfortunately usually confused with Dominican Republic, this small country is NOT comparable. It stands in a league of its own with its captivating blend of utter adventure, natural unspoiled beauty and rich culture. Here are eight incredible things you can do while visiting this island:
- Explore the Boiling Lake
- Take a dip in Trafalgar Falls or any of Dominica’s many waterfalls
- Drift down one of the island’s 365 rivers
- Visit the Kalinago Territory
- Soak in natural volcanic hot springs
- Explore historical parks and trails
- Visit the beautiful beaches
- Explore the Red Rocks in Calibishie
Explore the Boiling Lake
Dominica is home to the largest Boiling Lake in the Western Hemisphere and the world’s second largest. It’s located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park and is a cool 4-hours hike one way! You can’t swim in it though (it’s boiling hot!) but the trail itself is full of wonders through rainforests, streams and epic vistas and of course witnessing the magnificence of the hot spring.
Take a dip in Trafalgar Falls or any of its many waterfalls
The twin falls are iconic to Dominica and no trip would be complete without a stop here for sure. There are tour guides at the entrance who can supplement the experience with valuable information about the flora and vegetation surrounding the trail. However you can choose to explore your own as there is a clearly identified path to the waterfall. A number of the well-known waterfalls have a marked trail and infrastructure like railings, steps and/or a lookout to make the experience very enjoyable. Some other waterfalls include Middleham Falls, Emerald Pool, Victoria Falls (challenging hike and strongly advise a tour guide), Titou Gorge, Syndicate Falls, Jacko Falls and Spanny Falls. If you’re looking for a reliable and good guide, check out Chadi Symes on Instagram.
Drift down the Indian River or the other 364 rivers
The Indian River is Dominica’s most famous river. At the mouth of the river, tour operators are available with their boats to take you on a serene ride down the waterway. They’ll point out the birds, plants and even locations filmed in Pirates of the Caribbean. The highlight for some folks might be the bar at the end of the river where you can try “bush rum”. The country’s other rivers feature stunning surroundings and some have exciting activities like river-tubing, kayaking and canyoning.
Visit the Kalinago Territory
The Kalinago people are one of the last remaining indigenous Caribbean tribes (St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Honduras also has Garifuna). In this protected community, you can learn about the culture and traditions as well as get an opportunity to explore the craft markets and taste authentic indigenous foods.
Soak in natural thermal pools
The island’s volcanic features (AKA 9 volcanos) create surreal experiences like natural hot sulphur springs. The mineral-rich water is therapeutic like a natural spa. Actually on my visit to the Bubble Beach Spa hot springs in Soufriere, there was a man in recovery for a knee surgery and he insists it’s been the most effective post-operations activities. Bubble beach spa got its name from the bubbles that rise to the surface from the volcanic activity. At Champagne Reef, you can snorkel to see underwater bubbles rising from the ocean’s floor (like its champagne namesake). While snorkeling at the reef, you can also see marine life and coral.
Explore historical parks and trails
The Waitukubuli National Trail is the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean and stretches for 185 km across Dominica. The trail is broken into 14 achievable stages with varying terrain so you can consider challenging yourself in your visit! It starts south of the island in Scott’s Head and end in Cabrits National Park in the north. Cabrits National Park is one of three on the island, each worth exploring. Cabrits has history, Morne Trois Pitons National Park has a lot of natural wonders including lakes, waterfalls, mountains and pools and Morne Diablotins National Park is mountainous and was established to primarily protect the endangered Sisserou Parrot, national symbol of Dominica.
Beachin’
You’d think this list would end by now but as with the blessing that comes with touching the Caribbean Sea, Dominica also has beautiful beaches. A favourite for cruise ship passengers is the beautiful Mero Beach. The favourites for locals include Purple Turtle Beach in Portsmouth and Toucari Beach. There’s a gold-sand beach you can pay an access fee to enter called Batibou Beach, I’ve heard it’s beautiful but the owner’s service isn’t too nice so you can choose what’s important to you. I really wanted to visit Pointe Baptiste Beach, I could have seen it from the Red Rocks and I’d recommend in a heartbeat without even having been.
Explore the Red Rocks in Calibishie
Rock formations that make you feel like you’re exploring an extraterrestrial location! The peninsula is rich in iron and with the sun and salt-water combo, it began to oxidized to bring it to its distinctive appearance. I assure you photos are incomparable to in real life viewing of this phenomenon.
There’s so much more about Dominica! I haven’t gotten into its rich culture, celebrated by Creole month (October) which closes with Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day)..I haven’t gotten into its food influenced by its creole roots nor the country’s music bouyon which is also influencing Trinidad & Tobago’s soca. There’s also an annual creole musical festival in its creole month celebrations whew. I neglected to even talk about its renowned diving locations or go whale-watching to see sperm whales that are resident in the Atlantic Ocean in Dominica! There’s a lot to discover about this country!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures on sea or land, relaxation or a cultural journey, Dominica certainly has it all. Plan your trip today and reach out to me if you need any help!
As Issa Rae said… I’m in DOMINICA, BABY!!
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