Dominica is, hands down, a destination devoted to authentic ecotourism. The beautiful Caribbean island is not the place where you would expect a vibrant nightlife or noisy resorts. But, it is definitely a charming cay thriving with magnificent nature that exudes a unique sense of serenity, while offering visitors plenty of adventurous exploration and eco-friendly activities. It is no wonder that this adorable island dotting the Lesser Antilles archipelago is nicknamed The Nature Island. From natural pools and easy hikes to waterfalls draped in lush rainforest canopy and jaw-dropping natural parks, Dominica certainly has a way to enchant with numerous places waiting to blow your mind – places like those listed below.
The Dominica Botanical Gardens
You will hear people refer to the Dominica Botanical Gardens as The Gardens or the Roseau Botanical Gardens. It is a stunning land spanning over 40 acres and is considered to be the biggest swath of green space in the island’s capital, Roseau. While taking a leisure stroll along the gardens, you will be greeted by the national Dominica bird, the Sisserou parrot, a wide range of imported trees, and more than 50 kinds of indigenous plants spread in two different sections that are blended together harmoniously.
The first section deals with the propagation of plants that are important to the local economy, while the other section features an ornamental department with attention to the creation of a superbly eye-pleasing landscape. What is even more admirable about this natural heaven is the fact that the tropical storms and hurricanes that have hit the island over time have battered it repeatedly. However, it still provides visitors and locals alike with many recreational opportunities and an idyllic setting for parades and other local celebrations.
Cabrits National Park
Cabrits National Park offers visitors the chance to wander through exquisite natural terrain and, at the same time, visit an important historical landmark. The park itself encircles the entire mountainous peninsula lying north of Portsmouth and encompasses the largest swamp in Dominica, a lush jungle, as well as exceptional coral reefs and coastal areas located along the iconic peninsula. However, its biggest pole of attraction is Fort Shirley, an 18th-century fort that used to house around 600 British soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries during international conflicts between France and Britain. So, it would be safe to assume that this place is home to a wide range of impressive fort-related sights, such as cannons and many more.
Now, if you walk into the event centre within close vicinity to the fort, you will be actually walking into the renovated (and obviously repurposed) old officer’s quarters, which is now where popular events, such as the Dominica Jazz ‘n’ Creole Festival, along with concerts and weddings are held. Feel free to explore this place a bit more by following any of the easy and short hikes that will pamper you with staggering views of Prince Rupert Bay, among others.
Bois Cotlette Estate
Bois Cotlette Estate is a beautiful French colonial mansion that is also the oldest estate in Dominica worth visiting for its interesting past. However, it is much more than just another house in Dominica. The fully sustainable maison is also an organic farming estate that opens the doors to fascinating Heritage and Chocolate Tours.
For more than three centuries, the 53 acres where Bois Cotlette sits have produced sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa thanks to the fertile volcanic land. Today, the estate has been fully restored and produces all of its needed power, water, and food sustainably, making it a model of self-sufficiency.
As for the 2-hour-long Chocolate Tours, they walk visitors through the entire process of cocoa processing (of course, cocoa product sampling is included), while the Heritage Tours enable them to visit the only windmill in Dominica, an archaeological excavation site, and a garden full of cooking herbs and herbs with medicinal properties.
Champagne Reef
Champagne Reef is Dominica’s premier snorkelling and dive site, which is not much of surprising news, considering that Dominica has been repeatedly awarded numerous diving and snorkelling honours from esteemed magazines over the years. Visiting Champagne Reef, though, will give you much more beyond a heart-stopping snorkelling and diving experience. The captivating local attraction offers a unique sense that feels like swimming through champagne (hence, the name) due to the myriads of bubbles released from the geothermal springs and into the water.
Regarding your underwater ventures per se, the aquatic cosmos is home to tons of different reef life species, such as parrot fish, sponges, lobsters, and hawksbill turtles. Now, if you are a diver, you may either pick one of the popular night dives or a PADI Dive Masters-led certified dive (with one or two tanks). However, kindly respect the marine environment as protecting this natural landmark is a priority at Champagne Reef.
The Places Where the “Pirates of the Caribbean” was Filmed
Although Dominica is no longer visited by pirates, you can still get a good taste of where the popular Hollywood movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed, and dive a bit into the times when pirate treasures stories were more than a fable or movie. In fact, chances are your guide was involved in the making of the film in some shape or form, be it as a make-up artist, a location scout, or another capacity! Some of the places around Dominica that will probably seem way too familiar are Hampstead Beach, Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and Titou Gorge, so ensure you include those in your travel itinerary and list of must-visit places - it will definitely be worth it.
Roseau’s Market
Strolling through the Market in Roseau will allow you to grab a real flavour of local life. The market is open daily but it is in full swing on Fridays and Saturdays, when it bursts with people and exudes its liveliest vibes. Set in the heart of the colourful capital, it is where you need to be to find everything from gifts and clothing to spices and fresh mangoes, while mingling with the locals or even chatting with them about the best local produce to buy!
Dominica is, hands down, a destination devoted to authentic ecotourism. The beautiful Caribbean island is not the place where you would expect a vibrant nightlife or noisy resorts. But, it is definitely a charming cay thriving with magnificent nature that exudes a unique sense of serenity, while offering visitors plenty of adventurous exploration and eco-friendly activities. It is no wonder that this adorable island dotting the Lesser Antilles archipelago is nicknamed The Nature Island. From natural pools and easy hikes to waterfalls draped in lush rainforest canopy and jaw-dropping natural parks, Dominica certainly has a way to enchant with numerous places waiting to blow your mind – places like those listed below.
The Dominica Botanical Gardens
You will hear people refer to the Dominica Botanical Gardens as The Gardens or the Roseau Botanical Gardens. It is a stunning land spanning over 40 acres and is considered to be the biggest swath of green space in the island’s capital, Roseau. While taking a leisure stroll along the gardens, you will be greeted by the national Dominica bird, the Sisserou parrot, a wide range of imported trees, and more than 50 kinds of indigenous plants spread in two different sections that are blended together harmoniously.
The first section deals with the propagation of plants that are important to the local economy, while the other section features an ornamental department with attention to the creation of a superbly eye-pleasing landscape. What is even more admirable about this natural heaven is the fact that the tropical storms and hurricanes that have hit the island over time have battered it repeatedly. However, it still provides visitors and locals alike with many recreational opportunities and an idyllic setting for parades and other local celebrations.
Cabrits National Park
Cabrits National Park offers visitors the chance to wander through exquisite natural terrain and, at the same time, visit an important historical landmark. The park itself encircles the entire mountainous peninsula lying north of Portsmouth and encompasses the largest swamp in Dominica, a lush jungle, as well as exceptional coral reefs and coastal areas located along the iconic peninsula. However, its biggest pole of attraction is Fort Shirley, an 18th-century fort that used to house around 600 British soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries during international conflicts between France and Britain. So, it would be safe to assume that this place is home to a wide range of impressive fort-related sights, such as cannons and many more.
Now, if you walk into the event centre within close vicinity to the fort, you will be actually walking into the renovated (and obviously repurposed) old officer’s quarters, which is now where popular events, such as the Dominica Jazz ‘n’ Creole Festival, along with concerts and weddings are held. Feel free to explore this place a bit more by following any of the easy and short hikes that will pamper you with staggering views of Prince Rupert Bay, among others.
Bois Cotlette Estate
Bois Cotlette Estate is a beautiful French colonial mansion that is also the oldest estate in Dominica worth visiting for its interesting past. However, it is much more than just another house in Dominica. The fully sustainable maison is also an organic farming estate that opens the doors to fascinating Heritage and Chocolate Tours.
For more than three centuries, the 53 acres where Bois Cotlette sits have produced sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa thanks to the fertile volcanic land. Today, the estate has been fully restored and produces all of its needed power, water, and food sustainably, making it a model of self-sufficiency.
As for the 2-hour-long Chocolate Tours, they walk visitors through the entire process of cocoa processing (of course, cocoa product sampling is included), while the Heritage Tours enable them to visit the only windmill in Dominica, an archaeological excavation site, and a garden full of cooking herbs and herbs with medicinal properties.
Champagne Reef
Champagne Reef is Dominica’s premier snorkelling and dive site, which is not much of surprising news, considering that Dominica has been repeatedly awarded numerous diving and snorkelling honours from esteemed magazines over the years. Visiting Champagne Reef, though, will give you much more beyond a heart-stopping snorkelling and diving experience. The captivating local attraction offers a unique sense that feels like swimming through champagne (hence, the name) due to the myriads of bubbles released from the geothermal springs and into the water.
Regarding your underwater ventures per se, the aquatic cosmos is home to tons of different reef life species, such as parrot fish, sponges, lobsters, and hawksbill turtles. Now, if you are a diver, you may either pick one of the popular night dives or a PADI Dive Masters-led certified dive (with one or two tanks). However, kindly respect the marine environment as protecting this natural landmark is a priority at Champagne Reef.
The Places Where the “Pirates of the Caribbean” was Filmed
Although Dominica is no longer visited by pirates, you can still get a good taste of where the popular Hollywood movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed, and dive a bit into the times when pirate treasures stories were more than a fable or movie. In fact, chances are your guide was involved in the making of the film in some shape or form, be it as a make-up artist, a location scout, or another capacity! Some of the places around Dominica that will probably seem way too familiar are Hampstead Beach, Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and Titou Gorge, so ensure you include those in your travel itinerary and list of must-visit places - it will definitely be worth it.
Roseau’s Market
Strolling through the Market in Roseau will allow you to grab a real flavour of local life. The market is open daily but it is in full swing on Fridays and Saturdays, when it bursts with people and exudes its liveliest vibes. Set in the heart of the colourful capital, it is where you need to be to find everything from gifts and clothing to spices and fresh mangoes, while mingling with the locals or even chatting with them about the best local produce to buy!