Dominica: 16 Must-Dos on a Heavenly Island on Earth

Dominica is an island in the Caribbean characterised by the softness of its sand, its rugged terrain, and its mountains surrounded by lush rainforests formed by volcanic activity. The island spans an area of 754 km².

Dominica’s many volcanic slopes form a chain of hills in the centre. The peak of Mourne Diablotins is the island’s highest point and is 1447 metres tall.

Dominica is classified into ten dioceses, including the Diocese of Sand Andrew and Saint David. The capital is Roseau, a fantastic city full of history and culture. The island is bordered on the East by the Atlantic Ocean, on the West by the Caribbean Sea, on the North and Northwest by Guadeloupe, and the Southeast by Martinique.

This article explores Dominica’s history, the best times to visit, and 16 popular tourist attractions on the Island. Scroll down to read more, or click on one of the highlighted sections below to jump ahead!

The History of Dominica

The island was named Dominica when Christopher Columbus discovered it on a Sunday, or Dominica in Latin, on 3 November 1493. Decades later, France abandoned Dominica in the United Kingdom in 1763. In 1838, this country became the first British colony in the Caribbean.

In 1896, the United Kingdom imposed its control over the island again and turned it into a crown colony; it became a province of the West Indies Federation between 1958 and 1962 and gained independence in 1978.

How to Get Around the Island

Dominica has various local transportation options, allowing you to travel between its cities quickly. These means of transportation are:

• Taxi: If you want to take a sightseeing tour around Dominica, you can take a cab. It is costly, but you can negotiate with the drivers.
• Minibuses: It is cheaper to get around Dominica using minibuses, which can be found everywhere on the main streets.
• Cars: Driving is the most efficient way to get around Dominica. However, it is not for those with little experience. Only confident drivers should rent a car as the roads are very rough. Knowing the way and driving carefully through the mountains and potholed streets is essential.

Weather in Dominica

It has a tropical climate is surrounded by the world’s warmest sea, the Caribbean Sea. The island experiences two main seasons: dry and rainy. 

The rainy season runs from April to November. These months are filled with extensive rainfall. Showers are more frequent from May to September. During the summer, ocean water temperatures exceed 30 degrees.

The island experiences a dry season from December to March, with little rainfall. The temperature varies throughout the year. If you visit in January, it will reach around 27 degrees Celcius, while in August, it can reach 32 degrees Celcius.

The Best Time to Visit Dominica

The best time to visit Dominica is between October and January when hotel rates decrease, and rainfall begins waning. This time of year is ideal for strolling around the island and visiting the beaches. Alternatively, visiting the country between February and April is always lovely. During these months, the sky is sunny, and the atmosphere is ideal for tourism.

The Best Tourist Cities on the Island

Dominica is full of beautiful cities that attract tourists worldwide. Here are some of the most famous cities in Dominica:

Roseau

Roseau, the nation’s capital, is one of the most magnificent cities in Dominica, with its many enchanting landscapes and a colourful mixture of western Indian huts, bustling market stalls, and modern buildings. In the city, you can walk along the seacoast; it has a cruise ship dock and an old market filled with fresh tropical fruits. 

You can also visit the Dominica Museum and Dominica Botanical Gardens and explore the stunning architecture of 19th-century St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral.

Marigot

Marigot Village is the largest village in Saint Andrew Parish in Northeastern Dominica. It has many important areas, including Melville Hall Airport, River Melville Hall, and Wesley on NA Island. Also, Mourne Diabloten National Park is located in the northern mountain ranges of Dominica.

Soufriere

The village of Soufriere is located in a beautiful geographical position in the Soufriere Valley in the southwestern corner of Dominica. Soufriere is a sunny village close to the Dominica Marine Reserves, which makes it ideal for leisurely exploration and picnics.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s village is one of Dominica’s most essential and beautiful tourist cities. It is located Northwest of Dominica on the Indian coast in Saint John Parish. 

The village is welcoming, and tourists will enjoy many different outdoor experiences here. The most common thing to do is relax on the sandy beaches. The village is also ideal for swimming, fishing, diving, and snorkelling to explore the abundant coral reefs.

La Plaine

The village of La Plaine is located in the Saint Patrick area. Here, tourists can explore wildlife, visit impressive monuments, watch volcanoes, hike, and visit historical sites. The village also holds festivals yearly, celebrating different events and holidays.

Other fun things to do in La Plaine include visiting cathedrals, swimming, and visiting the village’s museums and art galleries. No matter what you choose to do here, La Plaine is a charming area of the island to explore.

Things to do in Dominica

Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Dominica, where there are many historical and archaeological sites. In addition to the many resorts, hotels, gardens, and parks on the island, these tourist attractions attract many tourists worldwide.

Visitors can tour around Dominica, explore its attractions, visit its famous markets, and more. The country has a plethora of cafes and restaurants that serve delicious local cuisines that will delight your tastebuds. Additionally, souvenir shops are abundant, allowing you to take home a piece of Dominica from your holiday.

Cabrits National Park

Cabrits National Park is located on the Northwest side of Dominica, specifically outside Portsmouth. It maintains lush rainforest, swampland, black-sand beaches, and thriving coral reefs that offer mind-blowing snorkelling and diving opportunities.

When you visit the park, you will find a lovely historical site called Fort Shirley. The fort is an 18th-century British palace with a magnificent view of Prince Rupert Bay. If you want to know more about the history of Dominica, visit the museum there. 

Cabrits National Park is also famous for its stunning natural areas, including gardens of tropical forests and stretches of wetlands. The park offers its visitors many hiking trails and excursions to explore and become surrounded by nature.

Mourne Trois Pitons National Park

Mourne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 17000 acres, famous for its stunning natural beauty and unique biodiversity. The park is home to mountainous areas and waterfalls such as Victoria Waterfall, Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, and Middleham Falls.

In addition to the falls, the park also features hot springs, freshwater lakes, and dense forests. Among the most popular natural features in the park is the famous Mourne Trois Pitons volcanic mountain, which exceeds 1,300 metres in height. It is the highest and most renowned mountain in the park.

Another unmissable attraction in Mourne Trois Pitons Nation Park is Titou Gorge, where you can swim in a green pool through the narrow canyon to a beautiful waterfall. Fun Fact: this location was used during Pirates of the Caribbean filming!

Boiling Lake

The Boiling Lake is considered one of the most famous lakes in Mourne Trois Pitons National Park. It is a bubbling pool filled with grey-green water. The pool is located on the world’s second-largest earth crack, allowing hot gases to vent from the molten lava below. These gases heat the water temperature to between 82 and 92 degrees.

It only makes sense that such an amazing natural wonder would be hidden from sight deep within the trees. Park visitors must embark on a three-hour hike through the forest to reach the lake. We promise it’s worth it!

Emerald Pool

The Emerald Pool is located inside Mourne Trois Piton National Park. Visitors must hike for 30 minutes through the park’s rainforest to reach it. On your way to the vista, you can find the waterfall cave along the road to Castle Bruce.

The bottom is rocky and strewn with boulders when you reach the pool. Because of this, it is recommended that anyone swimming in the pool wear water shoes. Near the pool, a cave and walkway lead behind the waterfall. It is a beautiful area to explore.

Freshwater Lake

The journey to Freshwater Lake starts at the village of Laudat. From there, visitors must head into Mourne Trois Pitons National Park. To get there, you can take a car or taxi; if you are adventurous, you can take a 12-hour hike.

A great trail surrounds the lake. Anyone who visits this beautiful area will love walking on the trail and admiring the variety of tropical flora, including heliconias, orchids, bromeliads, and much more. While at the lake, you can rent a kayak and explore the waters.

Trafalgar Falls

Trafalgar Falls is located 20 minutes outside Roseau. It is twin falls, with two separate waterfalls adjacent. Father Fall, at 85 metres, is on the left, and Mother Fall, at 40 metres, is on the right.

While you visit the falls, you will find a visitor centre featuring local flora and birds. The visitor centre has many amenities, including bathrooms, changing rooms, souvenirs, and a snack bar. There is also a platform to take beautiful pictures of Mother’s Fall.

The Dominica Museum

The Dominica Museum is in the old part of the capital city, Roseau. It is considered the national museum of Dominica and consists of two storeys. When you visit the museum, you will find photos, portraits, furniture, bird and fish specimens, and Indigenous artefacts.

Additionally, visitors can admire the old musical instruments and other displayed items related to the island’s culture, history, geology, and much more. The museum is perfect for learning more about the island’s history.

Dominica Botanical Gardens

The Dominica Botanical Gardens are considered the most significant green space in Roseau. The gardens are located on 40 acres and are home to 50 different species of plants and trees. Additionally, the island’s national birds call these gardens home.

This green paradise is a perfect place for local celebrations and parades. Check to see if there are any events during your visit! The botanical gardens also offer recreational opportunities for both locals and tourists. However, check the weather before you visit because tropical storms often drench the gardens.

Champagne Reef

Champagne Reef is considered the number one diving and snorkelling site in Dominica. Snorkelers will love seeing thousands of warm bubbles emitted from geothermal springs that vent gases through the water. 

While snorkelling in the reef is expect to see hawksbill turtles, lobsters, sponges, parrot fish, and more. It is mesmerising to watch the sea life in their natural habitat! Diving responsibly and protecting the marine environment are top priorities at Champagne Reef, so follow your guides’ instructions.

Mourne Watt

Climbing to the top of Mourne Watt is an adventure you won’t want to miss when visiting Dominica. To start this journey, you will go to the village of Wotton Waven, where a skilled and knowledgeable guide should accompany you as you hike. 

The tour to the summit can take about 3 to 4 hours to complete. On your way, you will find a Creole restaurant, Café Mon Plezi, and a French restaurant, La Petite Paradise. Both restaurants will offer you a delicious meal after a long hike.

Waitukubuli National Trail

Waitukubuli National Trail is at the end of the first long-distance trail in the Caribbean. Visitors can experience Dominica’s heritage and culture and the island’s rugged interior. The trail is so lengthy that it has been divided into 14 sections.

Along the trail, there is much to visit. Some popular attractions include organic farms, sulfur spas, waterfalls, homestays, and many exhibits of Kalinago’s Indigenous culture. Additionally, the trail passes by spots for kayaking and diving, making it great for aquatic sports fans.

Soufriere Sulphur Springs

The Soufriere Sulphur Springs is considered a geologic wonder. Located east of Soufriere Village, the springs were known to be the meeting place for the Kalinagos people from the Caribbean islands.

This area is one of the most amazing places in Dominica, where you can relax and rejuvenate in naturally heated mineral pools. The Glo Gayak stream is considered healing water, and residents often drink small amounts of it as a cleansing method. The Glo Cho are diverted into four artificial pools, and their temperatures are higher in the rainy season and lower in the dry season.

Bois Cotlette Estate

Bois Cotlette Estate is known as Dominica’s oldest estate. It is a French colonial maison and organic farming estate that offers tourists remarkable heritage and chocolate tours. The volcanic soil at the estate produces cocoa, coffee, and sugar cane.

The estate is on 53 acres, where food, water, and power are produced and completely restored. The tour also includes visiting Dominica’s only windmill and an herb garden where medicinal and cooking herbs are planted.

Kalinago Territory

The Kalinago Territory includes eight villages spread across 3700 acres. It is located from the northern village of Bataca to its southern counterpart, Sineku. Across the territory, there are several small villages, such as Salybia and Concord.

While visiting the territory, several roadside shops sell handcrafted gifts, including traditional aroma basket products. Traditional cultural singing and dance performances are also common throughout the area. Additionally, traditional boatbuilding is on display in Salybia with the master boatbuilder, Emmanuel Napoleon Sanford. 

The Old Mill Cultural Centre

The Old Mill Cultural Centre was founded in 1985 for art lessons. It was intended to be a place where people can learn more about Dominica’s cultural, architectural, and environmental heritage.

At the centre, there is a gallery that displays the artistic works of local artists, posters of sugar cane and coffee processing, artefacts, and information about Dominica’s Kalinago people. It also offers a space for performance artists and community gatherings celebrating Dominica’s cultural heritage.

Beautiful Beaches

Dominica is full of magnificent beaches that tourists worldwide can enjoy. The beautiful water and sand are ideal for relaxing and having fun with friends or family. Here are some of the beaches located there:

• Champagne Beach: is one of the most famous beaches in the country. It provides access to Champagne Reef, a popular tourist attraction.
• Mero Beach: Just a 25-minute drive from the capital, Roseau, this beach is where you will find many cruise ships. There are bamboo cottages along the shoreline where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers and purchase drinks and snacks.
• Batibou Beach: Located on the north coast of Dominica, this beach is surrounded by thick coconut palm forests. Visitors pay a 5-dollar fee to access the beach.

Dominica is an Excellent Destination to Explore

Dominica is an enchanting destination for tourists seeking a unique and authentic Caribbean experience. From its pristine rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and inviting hot springs to its vibrant cultural festivals and welcoming local communities, Dominica captivates the hearts of visitors with its natural beauty and warm hospitality.

The lush landscapes, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage make Dominica an exceptional choice for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether exploring the underwater world, hiking through dense forests, or enjoying the local culture, Dominica promises an unforgettable experience.

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