10 Best Things to Do and See in Dominica

It’s time to take your Caribbean vacation to the next level. With a trip to the small West Indies nation of Dominica, you can have more fun in the region than you’ve ever had before. From incredible beaches to gorgeous waterfalls, this Caribbean country truly has it all despite its small size.

In this guide, we’ll go over some things you need to know before going to Dominica and examine the top ten things to do while you’re there. Keep reading to find out more!

Dominica vs Dominican Republic

Before you go, it’s important to understand the difference between Dominica and Dominican Republic. For travelers who’ve never gone to either country, it’s easy to make the mistake of confusing them. Dominica is a small country and former British colony in the West Indies that sports a population of around 70,000. The Dominican Republic, however, is a much larger country (population around 11 million) that neighbors Haiti. 

Here’s more information that may prove useful during your trip to Dominica: the Dominica language is officially English, though there are some French speakers on the island. To get to the island, you’ll want to fly into the Dominica airport (either the Melville Hall Airport in the island’s northern region or the Canefield airport in the southern region) or come in by ferry. For ease of travel, remember that the Dominica pronunciation is “Duh-mih-nih-ca.” 

Dominica is also the country of world-wide products such as Dominica Bay Rum and intriguing and delicious Dominica cuisine. Keeping these tips in mind can help travelers have a better time on the island. 

And we can imagine your next question: Is Dominica safe? Yes, and like every other country in the world, travel responsibly and smartly and watch out for petty crime and you’ll have a great time. But, we rank Dominica as one our safest Caribbean islands to visit! 

Things to Do:

With all this being said, let’s take a look at the top ten best things to do in Dominica:

1) Go Scuba Diving

Enjoy the Dominica weather in all its glory by going scuba diving in one of its world-class beaches. Scuba diving off the coast of Dominica gives you the opportunity to witness a vast array of marine and coral life that you’ll wish you could view forever.

Along with snorkeling, diving is one of the most popular sports for Dominica tourists, which means you’ll find tons of great underwater locations and hotspots to try for your leisure.

2) Visit Trafalgar Falls

One of the most famous Dominica waterfalls, Trafalgar Falls actually consists of twin falls: Father Falls at 85 meters and Mother Falls at 40 meters. This incredible site is one of the most beautiful in the entire region and is complete with a visitors’ center, spa, and other must-try amenities. It’s no wonder that the site is famous with both Dominica people and tourists the world over. 

3) Hike the Emerald Pool Nature Trail

To get to this beautiful Dominica waterfall and pool, you’ll have to hike around thirty minutes through the rainforest. The site, however, is well worth the trip, with a scenic waterfall in crystal-clear emerald waters that have become famous the world over.

The trail and pool are actually part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Morne Trois Piton National Park, so a trip to this location will certainly be one you’ll remember for a lifetime.  

4) Take a Trip to Boiling Lake

Consider yourself an adventurer? You don’t want to miss out on a trip to Boiling Lake. One of the most unique locations in the entire Caribbean, this lake rests at the end of an intense eight-mile hiking trail that only the fittest of climbers can make. This hike is guided, but the view at the end is well worth it, as you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind lake of a blue-gray tinge that literally boils. If you think you have what it takes, you’ll definitely want to make this part of your Dominica trip!

5) Go to Cabrits National Park

This famous national park takes up the entire northern section of the island’s peninsula above Portsmouth and offers tourists a unique look at the island’s history. There you’ll find the repurposed British Fort Shirley, which was built in the 1700s and now serves as an event center for the area’s hottest gigs.

If you come at the right time, you may witness a music festival or other public event, though the center is often used for private events such as weddings. With stunning scenery and tons of fun activities, Cabrits National Park should be on your bucket list for traveling Dominica!

6) Visit Titou Gorge

Titou Gorge is a world-famous cave system almost hidden by natural green canopy. Inside, tourists can swim in clean (yet cold) waters, and outside there exists a natural hot spring that’s great for when it gets too cold. Titou Gorge was once featured in the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean movie, cementing its world-wide renown. 

7) See Indian River Dominica

You can’t visit Dominica without viewing its widest river. While you’re there, make sure to take a boat ride! Trips

down the Indian River can be romantic and enlightening, making this one of the most popular destinations on the island. 

8) Experience the Sari-Sari Waterfall

If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you’ll want to keep the Sari-Sari Waterfall on your list. The hike to the waterfall is easy and can be made by even inexperienced climbers. Still, you’ll want to make sure that you go with a guide so that you make it to the fantastic falls that lie at the end. The twist to this destination is that there is no pool at the bottom—only an incredible waterfall that you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

9) Go to Pointe Baptiste

Pointe Baptiste boasts two of the best beaches in Dominica. Situated on the island’s northeast coast, the location is unique in that it offers tourists the chance to visit both a white-sand beach and a black-sand beach.

Views from the shore are stunning, of course, with glimpses of fiery sunrises, the island of Guadalupe and more. This is truly a site that you have to see to believe, making it perfect for couples and solo travelers alike. 

10) Relax at Champagne Beach

Champagne Beach is one of the more renowned Dominica beaches due in large part to the volcanic hot springs that warm its waters. A quick dip in the surf will reveal comfortably warm, bubbly water that gives the beach its namesake. You’ll also be able to view an extensive array of marine life who come to bask in the warm comfort of the waters. Taken together, this makes Champagne Beach a must-see destination in Dominica. 

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