Highlights
Boiling Lake
A flooded fumarole in Morne Trois Pitons National Park where grey-blue water bubbles under a cloud of steam. The guided hike there and back is long and demanding, crossing the Valley of Desolation with its hot springs and sulphur vents.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic peaks, rainforest, lakes and waterfalls in the south of the island. Middleham Falls, Emerald Pool and the Freshwater and Boeri lakes are popular shorter walks.
Trafalgar Falls
Twin waterfalls in the Roseau Valley, reached by a short trail through the forest. Nearby, the hot springs of Wotten Waven and other spa pools are fed by volcanic heat.
Champagne Reef
A snorkelling and dive site on the south-west coast where volcanic gas bubbles up through the sand and rocks, like swimming in a glass of champagne, among corals and reef fish.
Whale watching
Sperm whales live in the deep waters off the west coast year-round, and whale-watching trips from Roseau also regularly see dolphins. Dominica has strict rules on how boats approach the whales.
Kalinago Territory
On the east coast, the Kalinago people, descendants of the island's indigenous Caribs, live in their own territory. A cultural village shows traditional crafts, canoe-building and dances, and visits support the community.
Waitukubuli National Trail
A long-distance trail running the length of the island in segments, through rainforest, villages and coastal paths, from Scotts Head in the south to the Cabrits peninsula in the north.
Portsmouth, the Indian River and Cabrits
In the north, rowing boats take visitors up the mangrove-lined Indian River, and Cabrits National Park protects the ruins of Fort Shirley, an eighteenth-century garrison on a headland.
Interesting facts about Dominica
- Dominica's Boiling Lake is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
- The Sisserou parrot, found only in Dominica, appears on the national flag, making it one of the few national flags that uses the colour purple.
- Sperm whales are resident off the island's west coast all year, which is unusual in the Caribbean.
- The Kalinago Territory on the east coast is home to one of the last communities of the Caribbean's indigenous Kalinago people.
- Despite the similar names, Dominica and the Dominican Republic are separate countries several hundred kilometres apart, with different languages and histories.
Best time to visit
The drier season, roughly from February to May, is the best time for hiking, with less mud on the trails. Dominica is lush because it rains often, so expect showers year-round, especially in the mountains. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the greatest risk from August to October; check forecasts and travel insurance if you go then. The World Creole Music Festival and independence celebrations take place in October and November.
Practical information
| Capital | Roseau |
|---|---|
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD); US dollars are widely accepted |
| Languages | English |
| Plugs | Type D, G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 999 for police, ambulance and fire |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Some restaurants add a service charge; if not, a tip for good service is appreciated, as it is for guides and drivers. |
Getting around
Roads are narrow, steep and winding, with many sharp bends, so journeys take longer than distances suggest. Renting a car gives the most freedom, but many visitors prefer to hire a local driver or guide. Minibuses run between Roseau and the main villages, mostly during the day and with fewer services on Sundays. Most hikes, especially the Boiling Lake, are best done with a licensed guide. A site pass is needed for many national park sites.
Staying connected in Dominica
Mobile coverage is generally good in Roseau, Portsmouth and the villages along the west coast, but drops in the mountainous interior, deep valleys, on long rainforest hikes and along parts of the east coast. Guesthouses and hotels usually offer Wi-Fi, which can be slow. Download offline maps before setting out on trails, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Dominica eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Dominica
- Google Maps: Download the island offline for driving on mountain roads and finding trailheads.
- WhatsApp: The usual way to contact guides, drivers, dive shops and guesthouses.
- XE Currency: Convert between East Caribbean dollars, US dollars and your home currency.