There is no doubt that Dominica certainly delivers on its marketed nickname (“Nature Island”), pleasing all types of travellers in more ways than one. Adventure seekers can trek up Monte Diablotins and admire the breathtaking scenery from 1,447 metres (4,747 feet) above sea level. Birders will find their heart’s content while making acquaintances with rare species, including the endemic Sisserou parrot. Hiking enthusiasts can push their endurance to the limit with the 13-kilometre (8 miles) hiking trail to Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring.
Nature buffs, on the other side, will have the opportunity to wander through scenic waterfalls, charming bays, hundreds of rivers, lush lands, verdant forests, volcanic sand shores, and so many more. Film fans could paddle up the Indian River and see where the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. And, if you love water sports and sea-related activities, you still have whale-watching, scuba diving, and sea turtle hatchery volunteering waiting for you.
Of the myriads of things to see in Dominica, here are some places that reward visitors with soul-filling experiences and unforgettable moments.
Boiling Lake
The bubbling Boiling Lake with the rising water vapours and another popular local attraction, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, are connected through the Boiling Lake Trail trek, which is for no faint-hearted visitors as they will need to challenge their mental and physical agility by hiking the muddy 12.9-kilometre (8 miles) trail with the steep inclines and rugged terrain. If you decide to take up the 3-hour dare, though, expect to be graciously spoiled with the most exquisite landscape you have ever seen the closer you get to the Valley of Desolation and its ethereal atmosphere.
Emerald Pool
Seeing a UNESCO World Heritage Site from up close is a huge deal. In Dominica’s case, that would be the jaw-dropping rainforest referred to as the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which also hides the imposing waterfall grotto called Emerald Pond in its lap. Situated along the road to Castle Bruce, it features a cave and a walkway that visitors can follow to dive into the pool. Just ensure you wear a pair of water shoes as the pool’s bottom is rather rocky. Or you may simply stand under the waterfall and feel rejuvenated while listening to Jacquot parrots making comments about the newcomers!
Freshwater Lake
While exploring Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you could make nearby Laudat village your starting point to hike (about a half-a-day trek) or drive to scenic Freshwater Lake. Surrounded by a picturesque trail that enables visitors to go around the lake within half an hour, Freshwater Lake is distinguished by varied tropical flora like bromeliads and orchids adding pinches of vibrant colours to the landscape, as well as mountain palms and ferns. Another fun thing to see here is the mythical lake monster that legend wants to sleep inside the lake! Renting a kayak will help you discover how much truth there is behind the myth!
Kalinago Territory
Seeing how the very few remaining direct descendants of the indigenous Kalonago people go about their everyday life is beyond exciting. There are 8 small Kalinago villages spread across 3.700 acres of land, namely Bataca, Sineku, Crayfish River, Gaulette, Mahaut River, Concord, Salybia, and St. Cyr. Throughout the territory, you will also be able to see roadside stands selling traditional larouma basket products and other indigenous handcrafted items. Of course, we could not omit Kalinago Barana Autê, a cultural heritage centre that offers thrilling insights into the Kalinago way of living.
Morne Diablotin National Park
The most popular hiking trail on the island is the Syndicate Nature Trail, which lies in the northern hills of Morne Diablotin National Park and is cut for the more adventurous travellers and hikers. It has been created with the sole vision to protect the habitat of the national bird of Dominica, the Sisserou parrot, and another endemic parrot.
As for its name, although it got it from the diablotin (a black-capped petrel), it is highly unlikely you will see one, unless you are extremely lucky, especially if hiking the faces of the mountain cliffs! Besides the strenuous trail, though, Morne Diablotin is also one of the 18 total natural bird-watching destinations on the island, with a large variety of bird species.
Trafalgar Falls
You will find it sitting peacefully outside Roseau and is actually a site consisting of twin falls – the most challenging, 85-metre (278.9 feet)-tall Father Fall and the 40-metre (131.3 feet)-tall Mother Fall. Within the area, visitors are welcomed with a display room housed in the visitor centre, which highlights local flora and fauna, as well as a snack bar, souvenirs, and changing rooms.
Other Things to See in Dominica
- Morne Watt – A perfect option for ambitious travellers with a good fitness level. The strenuous hike to the Morne Watt summit (the 3rd highest peak in Dominica) leads to a fantastic view of Dominica and the Valley of Desolation and starts from Wotton Waken village.
- Pointe Baptiste – Expect stunning ocean-shaped cliffs and lots of natural attractions on the northeastern coast of the island. A black sand beach, red rock formations, short trails opening to magnificent seascapes and sunset views, and caves dot the beautiful Pointe Baptiste Bay and the Pointe Baptiste Estate that makes the most delicious specialty chocolate from locally grown, organic cocoa beans, flavoured with spice, tangerine, hot pepper, and ginger.
- Soufriere Sulphur Springs – Eco-tourism lovers will definitely appreciate this landmark that used to be a popular meeting place for the Kalinago people. Now serving as a massive recreational area, it offers visitors the opportunity to submerge in the naturally-heated mineral pools and not only cleanse but also heal their bodies with the turbid waters of the stream.
- The Dominica Museum – Located in an old colonial neighbourhood, where slaves were traded back in the day, the museum is housed on the second floor of a red-tiled-roof, two-storey orange building and displays from indigenous artifacts and fish specimens to furniture and photos related to the island’s archaeology, geology, history, and culture.
- Titou Gorge – Some scenes of the famous Pirates of the Caribbean sequel have been shot right here. Meaning “little throat”, Titou gorge was formed from volcanic lava that also gave shape to a natural cave that invites visitors to a nice swimming experience.
There is no doubt that Dominica certainly delivers on its marketed nickname (“Nature Island”), pleasing all types of travellers in more ways than one. Adventure seekers can trek up Monte Diablotins and admire the breathtaking scenery from 1,447 metres (4,747 feet) above sea level. Birders will find their heart’s content while making acquaintances with rare species, including the endemic Sisserou parrot. Hiking enthusiasts can push their endurance to the limit with the 13-kilometre (8 miles) hiking trail to Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring.
Nature buffs, on the other side, will have the opportunity to wander through scenic waterfalls, charming bays, hundreds of rivers, lush lands, verdant forests, volcanic sand shores, and so many more. Film fans could paddle up the Indian River and see where the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. And, if you love water sports and sea-related activities, you still have whale-watching, scuba diving, and sea turtle hatchery volunteering waiting for you.
Of the myriads of things to see in Dominica, here are some places that reward visitors with soul-filling experiences and unforgettable moments.
Boiling Lake
The bubbling Boiling Lake with the rising water vapours and another popular local attraction, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, are connected through the Boiling Lake Trail trek, which is for no faint-hearted visitors as they will need to challenge their mental and physical agility by hiking the muddy 12.9-kilometre (8 miles) trail with the steep inclines and rugged terrain. If you decide to take up the 3-hour dare, though, expect to be graciously spoiled with the most exquisite landscape you have ever seen the closer you get to the Valley of Desolation and its ethereal atmosphere.
Emerald Pool
Seeing a UNESCO World Heritage Site from up close is a huge deal. In Dominica’s case, that would be the jaw-dropping rainforest referred to as the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which also hides the imposing waterfall grotto called Emerald Pond in its lap. Situated along the road to Castle Bruce, it features a cave and a walkway that visitors can follow to dive into the pool. Just ensure you wear a pair of water shoes as the pool’s bottom is rather rocky. Or you may simply stand under the waterfall and feel rejuvenated while listening to Jacquot parrots making comments about the newcomers!
Freshwater Lake
While exploring Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you could make nearby Laudat village your starting point to hike (about a half-a-day trek) or drive to scenic Freshwater Lake. Surrounded by a picturesque trail that enables visitors to go around the lake within half an hour, Freshwater Lake is distinguished by varied tropical flora like bromeliads and orchids adding pinches of vibrant colours to the landscape, as well as mountain palms and ferns. Another fun thing to see here is the mythical lake monster that legend wants to sleep inside the lake! Renting a kayak will help you discover how much truth there is behind the myth!
Kalinago Territory
Seeing how the very few remaining direct descendants of the indigenous Kalonago people go about their everyday life is beyond exciting. There are 8 small Kalinago villages spread across 3.700 acres of land, namely Bataca, Sineku, Crayfish River, Gaulette, Mahaut River, Concord, Salybia, and St. Cyr. Throughout the territory, you will also be able to see roadside stands selling traditional larouma basket products and other indigenous handcrafted items. Of course, we could not omit Kalinago Barana Autê, a cultural heritage centre that offers thrilling insights into the Kalinago way of living.
Morne Diablotin National Park
The most popular hiking trail on the island is the Syndicate Nature Trail, which lies in the northern hills of Morne Diablotin National Park and is cut for the more adventurous travellers and hikers. It has been created with the sole vision to protect the habitat of the national bird of Dominica, the Sisserou parrot, and another endemic parrot.
As for its name, although it got it from the diablotin (a black-capped petrel), it is highly unlikely you will see one, unless you are extremely lucky, especially if hiking the faces of the mountain cliffs! Besides the strenuous trail, though, Morne Diablotin is also one of the 18 total natural bird-watching destinations on the island, with a large variety of bird species.
Trafalgar Falls
You will find it sitting peacefully outside Roseau and is actually a site consisting of twin falls – the most challenging, 85-metre (278.9 feet)-tall Father Fall and the 40-metre (131.3 feet)-tall Mother Fall. Within the area, visitors are welcomed with a display room housed in the visitor centre, which highlights local flora and fauna, as well as a snack bar, souvenirs, and changing rooms.
Other Things to See in Dominica
- Morne Watt – A perfect option for ambitious travellers with a good fitness level. The strenuous hike to the Morne Watt summit (the 3rd highest peak in Dominica) leads to a fantastic view of Dominica and the Valley of Desolation and starts from Wotton Waken village.
- Pointe Baptiste – Expect stunning ocean-shaped cliffs and lots of natural attractions on the northeastern coast of the island. A black sand beach, red rock formations, short trails opening to magnificent seascapes and sunset views, and caves dot the beautiful Pointe Baptiste Bay and the Pointe Baptiste Estate that makes the most delicious specialty chocolate from locally grown, organic cocoa beans, flavoured with spice, tangerine, hot pepper, and ginger.
- Soufriere Sulphur Springs – Eco-tourism lovers will definitely appreciate this landmark that used to be a popular meeting place for the Kalinago people. Now serving as a massive recreational area, it offers visitors the opportunity to submerge in the naturally-heated mineral pools and not only cleanse but also heal their bodies with the turbid waters of the stream.
- The Dominica Museum – Located in an old colonial neighbourhood, where slaves were traded back in the day, the museum is housed on the second floor of a red-tiled-roof, two-storey orange building and displays from indigenous artifacts and fish specimens to furniture and photos related to the island’s archaeology, geology, history, and culture.
- Titou Gorge – Some scenes of the famous Pirates of the Caribbean sequel have been shot right here. Meaning “little throat”, Titou gorge was formed from volcanic lava that also gave shape to a natural cave that invites visitors to a nice swimming experience.