Ready to visit Dominica, between Guadeloupe and Martinique? Here are the 11 essential things to do in Dominica!
English-speaking island located south of Guadeloupe and to the north Martinique , Dominica – or Dominica – is an independent country located in the heart of the small Antilles, and enjoys a tropical climate enjoying its tourist boom: 78,739 tourists came to visit Dominica in 2012. Its population is estimated at 73,925 and is spread over 754 km2. Discovered in 1493 by Christophe Colomb administered by the Spaniards, the French and the British during the 5 centuries of its official history, it took its independence from the United Kingdom on November 3, 1978. The island consists of a chain of high pitons, the highest of which peaks at 1,447 metres above sea level. What to do in Dominica? Between its enlivened history, its cultural heritage, its ecological wealth and its natural capital, we will not miss things to do by visiting Dominica.
Are you wondering what to do in Dominica? To help you prepare your trip, you have compiled a list of essential things to do in Dominica. How nice we are!
1. Visit Roseau
Photo credit: Flickr – David Kirsch
Dominica has remained an unspoiled tropical paradise, where we don’t just come to stay on its heavenly beaches by drinking ti-punch. Roseau , the capital, is located along the Caribbean Sea, crossed by the homonymous coastal river. Built on a former village of the Kalinago Indians (name of the indigenous tribe before colonization), it is the largest and oldest city in the island, but it has only 16,577 inhabitants (2006). Its architecture dates from both the French colonial era and the modern (victorian and current) era. The city lives at the pace of its agricultural productions and fishing.
If you come to visit Roseau, walk in the small city centre, discovering several must-sees: the Museum of Dominica , the old market – where many tropical fruit scents exhale – the Roseau Cathedral , without forgetting the Botanical Garden and the Cross of the Bruce Morne, on the heights. Living at the rhythm of the population and staying in Roseau allows you to enjoy all the charm of old: the authentic Caribbean!
2. The Morne National Park Three Pitons
Photo credit: Flickr – Liam Quinn
Located in the centre of the island, Morne National Park Three Pitons is classified as a natural world heritage by UNESCO. It is located on the volcano of Morne Trois Pitons and houses a fauna of great wealth. At its sommital point, the mountain rose to 1,387 metres above sea level. This is the opportunity hike on the slopes the volcano taking advantage of the freshness of the altitude of a sublime panoramic view, in the middle of a lush tropical forest. You can, during your walk, bathe in the Trafalgar waterfalls . It is not here to celebrate the British victory over Napoleon’s troops (1805), but to enjoy the water of the Trafalgar waterfalls, east of Roseau.
3. Middleham Waterfalls
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Nelro
♪ Middleham Falls Located west of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is a place for a walk that allows a small walk in tropical forest, swimming and diving in the basin. The waterfall is easy, accessible by a small shaded path.
4. Emerald Pool
Photo credit: Flickr – Jiyi Ren
Emerald Pool , or “emerald pool”, it’s another essential activity to do by coming to visit Dominica: it is a sublime cascade in the middle of a dense tropical jungle, with a green background. After walking about ten minutes to get there, a swim in an emerald lagoon awaits the visitor.
5. Batibou Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Matthias Ripp
Dominica is an island for nature lovers and the beaches to be seen are rather north of the island. Batibou Beach is an isolated beach in the town of Hampstead, north. It is a sublime beach, known to be one of the wildest of the island: here, no hotels where to stay, no bar or restaurant, even less cars and paved road. Or how to believe Robinson Crusoé coming to visit Dominica!
6. La Pointe Baptiste
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Postdlf
Located northeast of the village of Calibishie – and its beautiful beaches -, Pointe Baptiste gives to see a great wonder to visit Dominica: Red Rocks and its red-ocre rocks contrasting in the blue of the ocean.
7. Boiling Lake
Photo credit: Flickr – Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)
Boiling lake, or boiling lake, is an obligatory passage for anyone visiting Dominica. Located east, about 10 km east of Roseau, the Boiling lake is described as a iconic of the island of Dominica. It is the second largest boiling lake in the world, with a diameter of 63 meters and a water temperature at 82°C! It will have to be ready to climb 1000 meters of elevation with essentially steps, in number of 42,000 out of 13 kilometers! The ascent to the Desolation Valley and the lake then the return lasts between 6 to 8 hours.
8. Observe whales
Photo credit: Flickr – Rene Leubert
What to do in Dominica, see whales? In a tropical country? And yes, in Dominica, there are dolphins, cachalots and hump whales all year round, and these are the only waters in the world where these animals are present all year round. One excursion – with a scuba diving centre – to observe the cetaceans is therefore immanquable in Dominica. You will surely be able to see these marine animals, of which at least 22 species of cetaceans were identified, on board a boat with a sonar and a hydrophone.
9. Explore the seabed
Photo credit: Flickr – Wayne Hsieh
The volcanic activity of the island and its clear waters make it a privileged place for nature lovers, far from mass tourism: Champagne Reef is one of the must-sees to visit Dominica and explore its seabeds. Where to do snorkeling in a little corner of paradise!
10. Cabrits National Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Michael T.
To the northwest of the island is the Cabrits National Park . It is a must-see passage, from where you can walk to Fort Shirley, and enjoy a superb view of the peninsula and the Caribbean Sea. There are several hiking trails.
11. Scotts Head
Photo credit: Flickr – Liam Quinn
Small charming village southwest of the island, a day in these places gives to see the peninsula of Cachacrou and the bay of Soufrière, with many Caribbean cuisine restaurants. The bay is described as the most picturesque of the island, separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean.
How do I go to Dominic?
To visit Dominica, there is no direct flight from European cities. You can land at Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) or Fort-de-France (Martinique) where small planes connect to Canefield Airport in Dominica. For a flight at the best price, don’t hesitate to visit our partner’s website Skyscanner . Otherwise, provided you sleep in Pointe à Pitre or Fort de France, you can take the boat to go to Dominique.
Where to stay in Dominica?
Roseau, Portsmouth, Marigot or Berekua are the main cities where to sleep in Dominica , the choice of the city undoubtedly dependent on the programme of activities. Accommodation will not be so cheap as this, but all of itself less expensive than in Europe. Anticipate your trip and think about booking your accommodation in advance by taking a look at this Compare hotels , specialist of the best offers available on the market.
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