Things to Do in Dominica

The Dominica Botanic Gardens are a beloved area of green space in the capital of Roseau. Established by the British in 1890, it was originally planted to maintain reserves of the various crops farmers grew on the island. Today the gardens comprise 40 acres along the south edge of the city, situated at the base of Morne Bruce. You can explore an oasis of tropical flora and fauna that is home to more than 50 types of native plants and imported trees. While here, keep your eyes open for the Sisserou Parrot, Dominica’s national bird. In 1979 Hurricane David did considerable damage to the gardens, and you can still see some of the carnage in the form of a bus that was crushed beneath a baobab tree.

Dominica is a volcanic island, which means much of the shoreline is rocky, and there are fewer sandy beaches than visitors might be accustomed to in other parts of the Caribbean. Mero Beach is the closest beach to the capital Roseau, and also one of only a few beaches on the island that has food, drinks, bathrooms, showers and other amenities nearby. With sandy beaches few and far between, Mero Beach is a particularly popular spot among visitors and locals alike, especially on the weekends. And because Mero has warm, protected waters for swimming and public restrooms and showers nearby, it’s an ideal place for families to spend a day playing in the sun and sand. And just a quarter mile from Mero Beach, you’ll find the Wacky Roller Adventure Park where you can climb across rope bridges, ride ziplines and go river tubing.

The volcanic hot springs of Boiling Lake lie at the end of a 7-mile (11 km) hiking trail in World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The hot springs here are the second largest in the world.

You need to hire an official guide to do the day-long hike to Boiling Lake, which takes you up and down the park’s forested highlands. It’s a demanding and physically challenging trek, but one that’s well worth it – as much for the destination as the rewarding views along the way. The trail is well-maintained and one of the best ways to experience the Caribbean’s rainforest, with plenty of tropical birds and other rare species to be spotted. The walk also leads through a volcanic area with a stream passing through it known as the Valley of Desolation, where the air becomes steamy and moist and is filled with sulphuric vapours and gases.

Formed from a flooded volcanic fumarole, the crater is filled with grey-blue water shrouded in mist. Look past the whirling mass of steam and you’ll see the lake’s bubbling water surrounded by steep cliffs. This huge bubbling hot springs lake sees temperatures reach almost 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and is most often seen with a cloud of vapour rising dramatically from it.

The best time of year to do the hike is in the drier season from March to May.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park surrounds Dominica’s second highest mountain, Morne Trois Pitons. The lush 6,857-hectare (16,936-acre) park protects six vegetation zones, from low-lying woodlands to mature rainforest.

This is the lair of the giant guinea pig known as the agouti, along with bats, frogs, parrots and hummingbirds.

Trails wind through the park to lofty lookouts from the mountain town of Laudat, on the park’s western border. A particularly scenic path winds around the perimeter of Freshwater Lake in the park, around a 30-minute stroll.

Easier access is provided by the 45-minute aerial rainforest tram, departing from Laudat. Hold your breath as you walk over the swaying suspension bridge over the treetops.

The twin Trafalgar Falls are a star attraction in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Surrounded by thick rainforest vegetation, the falls tumble into refreshing pools. Access is relatively easy, though take care on the slippery rocks.

Follow the 10-minute trail to the viewing platform from the visitor center, cool off in the smaller waterfall or seek out the taller fall's hot springs for a natural spa bath.

Laudat is a tiny village of about 300 people in the interior of Dominica. Because it sits just at the edge of the boundary of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Laudat is considered the gateway to the park, and it is the jumping off point for many tours and attractions in and around the park, including the boiling lake, Titou Gorge, the Valley of Desolation, Middleham Falls and much more. At 1,200 feet above sea level, Laudat is one of the island's wettest areas, getting about 350 inches of rain per year. It has a cool, misty atmosphere, nestled deep into the Dominican rainforest.

Take the short walk from Laudat to Titou Gorge and you’ll be rewarded by a deep pool warmed by a hot spring. A day hike to Boiling Lake begins at Titou Gorge, so you can begin or end the hike with a splash in the falls tumbling into the pool.

The Creole name means "Little Throat Hole," referring to the beautiful waterfall splashing into the gorge.

Among the myriad natural and geological wonders you’ll find in Dominica’s Morne Trois Pitons National Park is Freshwater Lake, also known as Warmae Letang. This water-filled volcanic crater sits at around 2,500 feet above sea level, and it’s surrounded by moss, ferns and lush vegetation of Dominca’s interior rainforest, making it great place to spot the elusive Carib hummingbird. As the island’s largest lake, it’s the headwaters of the Roseau River, and a hydroelectric dam at the riverhead provides power to the island. In recent years the lake has become a popular eco-tourism destination with boating and kayaking trips available on the lake itself, and an easy hiking trail that circumnavigates the lake, which takes an hour or two to complete. From Freshwater Lake you can also continue hiking another mile to explore nearby Boeri Lake, which is the island’s deepest.

You know the way that bubbles rise from the bottom of a glass of champagne? That’s exactly what the water looks like when snorkeling Champagne Reef. Thanks to small, volcanic vents in Dominica’s ocean floor, powerful streams of miniature bubbles emerge from cracks between the rocks and dance their way to the surface. Place your hand on the ocean floor, and it’s even possible to feel the burst of air bubbling up from the Earth. Add in a wealth of colorful marine life and the turquoise, tropical waters, and it’s little wonder why Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most popular destinations to explore with mask and snorkel.

As enticing as it sounds, Emerald Pool is a tranquil grotto in the rainforest. On hot days it’s a cool spot for a refreshing splash under the waterfall splashing into the pool. You’ll find it’s quietest to visit in the mornings.

A 15-minute boardwalk through the rainforest leads to the pool, alive with the birdsong of hummingbirds.

The Wacky Rollers Adventure Park is for everyone who wishes they could star in Survivor. Aerial rope walks, Tarzan jumps, ziplining across a river – Wacky Rollers presents adventurers with an extreme challenge course in the Dominican jungle.

Eco-friendly fun and safety are uppermost at Wacky Rollers, including a briefing and demonstration, harness, helmet and gloves.

Expect a workout, jungle views across the treetops from the zipline, and a welcome drink and chill-out session after your adventure.