8 Must-Do Activities in Dominica: Hiking, Swimming, Culture, and More

Dominica offers a tranquil escape for those seeking to unwind from the chaos of daily life.

Amidst the Caribbean island's rugged landscape, you’ll find deep gorges, lush greenery, countless trails, and vibrant rivers, making it a paradise for adventurers.

Don’t anticipate sprawling luxury resorts and pristine white-sand beaches here. Dominica’s charm lies in its untouched, raw beauty, earning it the nickname “the nature isle.”

Get ready to feel excited about your trip to Dominica. To inspire you, here are our top recommendations for things to do on the island.

1. Dive into the bubbly waters of Champagne Reef

Diving at Champagne Reef feels like swimming in a giant glass of sparkling wine, with volcanic gases rising from the ocean floor. The golden glow of the reef enhances this unique experience.

Snorkeling enthusiasts will be captivated by the vivid colors of numerous sea creatures, including trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, octopus, rays, batfish, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses. The brilliant pinks, reds, yellows, and purples of the sponges create a stunning kaleidoscope underwater.

Planning tip: The beach at Champagne Reef is lined with large pebbles, so don’t expect to sunbathe on soft sand. Instead, enjoy local rums, Dominican dishes, and tips on the best snorkeling locations at Donny’s Beach Bar.

2. Dive into Kalinago culture  

The Kalinagos are descendants of the pre-Columbian indigenous peoples of the Lesser Antilles who once thrived solely on what nature provided. Currently, around 3,000 Kalinagos inhabit 3,700 acres of communal land set aside for the tribe on Dominica's eastern side. They are governed by a six-member council and a chief.

Today, a variety of tours allow visitors to connect with the rich history, rituals, and customs of the island’s first inhabitants while supporting the local community. These experiences range from half-day tours to homestays in traditional housing called ajoupas, made from wood and leaves.

Local tip: Don’t miss out on Kalinago cuisine. Try the roasted crayfish with coconut milk served on a warm balisier (heliconia) leaf, and enjoy a refreshing glass of ouicou juice made from grated cassava.

3. Relax at Pointe Baptiste Beach 

While Dominica’s 365 rivers are a stunning feature of its landscape, Pointe Baptiste Beach may be the ultimate spot to savor the salty sea. Journey to the village of Calibishie on the northeast coast to discover this tranquil retreat, offering a serene escape.

The waters here are shallow, warm, and calm, making it great for children. Couples will also find enough seclusion, thanks to the surrounding stones and the striking Red Rocks, a natural auburn formation that hugs the northeastern coast and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. 

Local tip: Discover the sweeter side of Dominica by visiting the nearby Pointe Baptiste Estate Chocolate Factory. This charming family-run operation offers tours that reveal how cacao beans are transformed into delicious chocolate bars. 

4. Trek to the bubbling Boiling Lake

Dominica’s famous Boiling Lake truly lives up to its reputation. The trek to this flooded fumarole begins in the quaint village of Laudat, nestled in the island's interior. Depending on your hiking experience, it may take two to four hours before you arrive at the world’s second-largest boiling lake, measuring 200ft (61m) wide.

The trail starts off looking manageable, but we strongly recommend embarking with a guide to help navigate the occasionally rocky and muddy sections as well as the narrow ridge. At the summit, you'll encounter a bubbling cauldron of slate-gray liquid enveloped in mist.

Typically, for any challenging, lengthy trek, you’ll find that the return journey feels much shorter.

Planning tip: Remember to refill your water bottle at the Breakfast River, as it's the only source of fresh water after the hike commences. 

5. Enjoy a day at Trafalgar Falls

Located to the west of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica’s twin falls are just a quick 20-minute drive from the capital, Roseau. 

A short 10- to 15-minute stroll through the rainforest will bring you to a viewing platform where you can take in the grandeur of the falls. Locally known as “Papa” (on the left) and “Mama” (on the right), each waterfall has its unique characteristics. Papa stands tall at 125ft (38m), while Mama, though shorter at 75ft (23m), boasts a more powerful rush of water. Don’t forget to take a dip in the warm pools at the base of the falls.

If you plan to hike to the falls, hiring a guide is essential. Exercise caution, as slippery boulders can make the climb quite challenging. Set off as early as you can to benefit from the best lighting conditions.

Local tip: For wildlife enthusiasts and plant lovers, a stop at Papillote Tropical Gardens just before the trailhead is highly recommended.

6. Discover the charm of Roseau 

Roseau is a cozy, compact city located in the southwest, bordered by Morne Bruce, the Caribbean Sea, and the Roseau River. A walking tour through its notable landmarks will give you a taste of this charming capital.

Begin at the Old Market, which was once a lively trading hub during colonial times. Today, it serves as a craft center where vendors offer handmade soaps, oils, accessories, and aromatic spices. The Dominica Museum stands alongside the seafront, showcasing historical and cultural artifacts curated by the island’s prominent historian, Lennox Honychurch. 

The historic Dominica Botanic Gardens faced significant damage from Hurricane David in 1979, yet it still features around 50 plant species across its 40 acres. Hike up Morne Bruce for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and afterward, refresh yourself at a local bar with a cold Kubuli beer.

Planning tip: Think about getting a budget-friendly tourist pass. For just US$12, you can enjoy a week-long pass with multiple entries to all sites within the national park system and various other natural attractions. 

7. Discover the enchanting Emerald Pool  

In Dominica, you’ll encounter countless shades of green, from the thick forests to the stunning Emerald Pool. This picturesque grotto is nourished by a 40ft (12m) waterfall, with its greenish hue mirroring the surrounding foliage, vines, and mossy rocks, while sunlight filters in, creating a magical ambiance. 

Emerald Pool is easily accessible, with the route leading from Pont Cassé, a small central village, through Morne Trois Pitons National Park. You can catch a local minibus and inform the driver of your destination, or there's ample parking if you prefer to drive yourself.

Two viewing platforms offer a breathtaking perspective; if you wish to swim, the visitor center provides bathrooms and changing facilities. This picturesque spot may look familiar as one of the stunning locations featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean films. 

The water remains chilly even on the hottest days and isn’t very deep, so refrain from jumping off higher rocks or diving in.

Local tip: Take a short 15-minute trip to Castle Bruce for a delicious meal and drinks at Islet View Restaurant & Bar, which boasts views overlooking the bay. 

8. Hike sections (or the entire length!) of the Waitukubuli National Trail

Did you truly experience Dominica if you didn’t hike any part of the Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT)? This iconic route stretches 114 miles (183 km) across the island, starting from the northern tip at Scott’s Head and winding through stunning mountain landscapes and lush rainforests to Cabrits National Park. 

The WNT is the only long-distance hiking trail in the Caribbean. Each of its 14 segments offers unique challenges—if tackling the entire path seems daunting, feel free to choose one or more sections to explore. 

The difficulty of the trail varies from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging hikes. If you’re up for the full adventure, be ready for a serious commitment: completing the entire route takes about two weeks. It's advisable to hire a guide or join a hiking group for the journey. 

The rewards are abundant as you traverse through waterfalls, rivers, Kalinago villages, Maroon trails, and various other historical and natural landmarks.

Planning tip: With 365 rivers crisscrossing the island, you're bound to encounter one while hiking. Take care, as you might face slippery stones or sudden flash floods from heavy rainfalls.