Things to do in Dominica:
-Champagne beach (10 min south of Roseau, named Champagne because it bubbles due to volcanic activity below, awesome snorkelling location, though the beach is mostly rocky).
-River tubing on the Layou River (about 30 mins from Ross, takes about 2 hours on the river, and on a rainy day there should be better waves)
-Purple turtle beach in Portsmouth, just 3 miles north of Ross, white sand beach with many restaurants and bars on the beach.
-Indian River tour (row boat ride starts off in Portsmouth and goes up river for about 30 mins, small bar at the end of the river and bird watching)
-(Aba) Ravine/Falls Cyrique (a 100ft water fall coming out of a cliff on the Atlantic ocean side of the island, it is a very difficult (and dangerous if it's wet) 20 min “free-climb” hike down to see it. Best time is opposite the full moon so that you get a lower tide)
-Woodford Hill beach (about 5 mins from the DOM airport, a nice "welcome to the island beach", white sand and lots of waves from the Atlantic!)
-Soufriere Sulfur Springs (in the village of Soufriere about 15 mins south of Roseau, before you reach Scott’s head, a series of about 6 natural hot tubs of sulphur with healing properties, very rejuvenating but pale colored bathing suits are not recommended – you will have to wash them afterwards!)
-Village of Point Michel (about 3 mins from Soufriere, has one of the most historic churches on the island and is a small fishing village with tons of pretty fishing boats, you can even help locals “bring in the nets” and they’ll give you free fish in exchange!)
-Boiling lake (2nd largest boiling lake in the world, is a difficult stair-filled hike that lasts up to 8 hours, starts off around 1000ft, goes up to a mountain ridge at 3000ft and then you descend through the awesome "valley of desolation" at 2000ft and climb back up to 2500ft to see the lake, and then turn around and go back! There are many sulphur pools along the way for swimming or warming your toes, guide is required, I have seen tons of tourists do it – at many levels of fitness ability though don't expect to be up and running the next day!)
-Titou gorge at the beginning of the boiling lake hike - it is a fresh water gorge with a small falls to sit under with cold water and a second with warm water. There is cliff diving into the gorge and if you swim up it you will see a nice waterfall hidden in the cave!
-Trafalgar Falls (twin falls at about 30 mins from Roseau, very easy access, and if you are looking for a challenge you can climb up to and swim in both falls, the smaller ones on the left are warmer!)
-Scott’s head (a must see at the southernmost tip of the island, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, great place to swim and snorkel – equipment rentals on site, also be sure to hike to the lookout on top for postcard-like pictures! At sunset you can spot the cruise ships leaving too)
-Secret Beach (a mile from Ross, accessible only by boat – the same ones that go up the Indian River, this beach is secluded but offers little sun protection, bring your snacks and snorkel gear there is lots to see at the “horse’s head”)
-7-waterfalls hike (a relatively new hike leaving from the village of Campbell (just off of Massacre village 40 mins south of Ross), this is stunning unspoiled jungle with plenty of jumping and swimming places, though it is about 4 hrs in and 2 hours out if you opt for an early exit (recommended!))
-Sari-Sari falls, 2nd tallest on the island (probably second coldest also! Following an easy 35 min hike, this fall is beautiful, though the mist will get you wet from anywhere so hide your cameras in bags! This hike leaves from a town on the southeast coast and can be a long drive from Ross – but if you leave from Roseau it’s only about 1.15mins)
-Middleham falls (tallest in Dominica, very tourist friendly, an easy 45 min hike, warning: coldest water I think I’ve swam in here! Always lots of rainbows to be seen, and a small cliff jumping spot of to the side, even has a lookout deck for pictures)
-Northern Reserve (link) road (North of Portsmouth, a mountain filled road leading to a few attractions, recommend a good vehicle for this one, you will climb atop the mountain and be able to see far to the north – Guadeloupe and be able to see off both sides of the island simultaneously – very pretty!)
-Cold Soufriere (on the northern link road, these are actually spring fed cold sulphur springs, of course you won’t believe it until you stick your finger in)
-"Drive through volcano", the cold Soufriere is located in the base of a dormant/extinct volcano, you won’t realize you are driving through it but look around you will notice you are in a crater!
-Village of Vielle-Casse aka Pirate’s Cove, location of filming, 55ft cliff jump and spectacular views of the crashing Atlantic (a 20 min drive across the island from Ross, be sure to explore all the areas around, lots to discover!)
-Castle Bruce village, about 40 mins from Roseau (the BEST white sand, wavey beach on the island, located on the Atlantic side, tons of beach, surfing is possible but body surfing is best, and you can walk at least 200 m in and only be chest deep!)
-Emerald Pool (in Carib territory, very easy hike and very tourist friendly, better seen in the a.m hours for lighting, swimable but very cold water!)
-Mero Beach (about 25 mins from Ross on the main road, lots of beach bars and beach chairs here, popular with tourists, best on calm days though it is on the Caribbean side)
-Victoria Falls (located near Sari Sari, an easy 40 min hike (guides available on site) to the most powerful fall on the island with nice warm swimming "pool" and a great 15 ft jump into the water – the most teal blue waters you will see and my personal fave!)
-Red rock beach and Haven Restaurant (just 15 mins from Ross – but be sure to call ahead if you want food! A beach and trail with views of the red rocks and the neighbouring islands)
-Trois Pitons Hike (a 2.5hr hike one way up to 3300ft (approx.), location of water bottling, stunning views all the way up but a very direct trail with lots of stairs! Many awesome exotic plants seen here – but wear pants as there is lots of razor-grass!)
-Freshwater Lake Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this lake is a naturally air conditioned lake in the mountains. The air is always cool so the 1 hour walk/hike around the lake is very refreshing. Most days you can also rent a kayak for your own tour of the lake.
-Boeri Lake, Located next to Freshwater Lake in the Morne Trois Pitons region. This lake is another fresh water lake with teal green colored water. 45 min or less of a beginner level hike to reach it, there is a picnic deck once you arrive. Swimmable but cold!
-Bense Pool: This area has natural water slides and many areas to jump into the river water. The pathway down to the Pool is muddy and uneven and could be difficult for those who are less active. Small cliffjumping spot.
-Morne Diablotin(e): 4747ft - the highest peak in Dominica. There are 2 peaks, from the first peak count on adding 3 hours round trip if you go to the second peak. Overall, this hike is less difficult than Boiling Lake, but more “full body” tiring (think: jungle gym) vs. Boiling Lake which is extremely traumatic and exhausting on just the legs. This could be a very muddy hike so running shoes and pants are recommended.
-ATV Safari: approx 3 hour trip into the jungle with everyone riding their own 4X4 ATV's. You will follow a trail through the mountains with many picturesque places along the way!
-Horseback Riding: a gentle ride through the rainforest. This activity does not require any experience and is great for all ages. Beautiful views of the Portsmouth Bay.
-Capuchin Trail Hike: This 3hour easy-going hike begins at Capuchin Point near the ruins of an old gun battery, winds eastward through beautiful valleys and over ridges, and ends near the village of Pennville. The trail mostly consists of gradual ascents and descents, with only a few steeper areas to traverse.
-Fort Shirley: a historical site, with many walking trails and great views of the Bay. Located just north of Portsmouth.
-Screw's Spa: a sulfur spring feb series of hot pools. A relaxing spa atmosphere with many swimming areas to enjoy the healing properties of sulfur.
-Snorkeling at PBH: just off the right hand side of the dock there are many corals to be seen! Note there are many sea urchins so you should keep an eye out where you put your feet. Off the left side of the dock is more sandy and you can probably spot some star fish.
Glassé Point Trail: Leaving from the Village of Boetica (opposite the church) this easy 30 min hike takes you out to the Atlantic Ocean to see the glassy waves crashing into a cave-like beach. It is located between Sari Sari and Victoria falls and can easily be done on the same day as one of the other falls hike. There is no swimming here but a good picnic spot.
Bout Sable Beach: Not a swimming beach, huge Atlantic Currents make this a dangerous spot to swim. However be sure to stop and appreciate the powerful ocean at this spot along the road near Sari Sari falls along the South East coast. Watch the fishermen brave the waves as they fish for barracudas!
Syndicate Falls: An easy 30 min one-way hike to a protected waterfall. The base is surrounded by a fence since this waterfall is a water source as well as a source of hydroelectric energy. The entire river is swimmable though! The path is mostly flat and follows the left river bank for most of the time.
Syndicate Nature Trail: this is an official attraction and you may be asked to pay park fees so bring your student ID to get in free. An easy walking trail which takes about 30 mins to complete the largest loop. Trees are identified for you and there is a lookout to a large mountain valley where you can easily spot the Sisserou (national bird) parrot. Listen carefully for their chirps and look up to avoid missing their majestic flight!
Toucarie Bay Snorkle Site: a village about 5 miles north of Ross just the other side of the Cabrits Hills. When entering Toucarie stay at the southern side of the bay to the left all along the coast for the best reefs!
Any Questions about a Trip In Dominica? I have been to all of these attractions and more - feel free to email me with questions: Natasha [email protected]