Dominica Attractions and Things to Do

Dominica attractions focus on eco tourism and with good reason. It is one of the better hiking experiences in the Caribbean because of rain forests, mountains and waterfalls.

Waterfalls include Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, Emerald Pool, Victoria Falls, Sari Sari Falls, Middleham Falls. Another interesting hike is a six-hour round trip to Boiling Lake, the world's largest boiling lake formed by heated gases that escape from molten lava underneath the lake.


Rouseau is an interesting experience for someone visiting by cruise. A short walk off the dock goes to a small shopping district that appeals to cruise visitors. A few blocks away is the real Rouseau, which is capital of the island and its largest city. Visitors will find a walk through Rouseau more about looking around and absorbing a community that is largely untouched by tourism compared to other Caribbean destinations.


Trafalgar Falls near the village of Trafalgar is an easy 10-minute hike from the road. One falls drops 125 feet and the other about 75 feet. Titou Gorge requires swimming from the base of a waterfall through a group of natural "rooms and ponds" formed by high cliff walls. It is located a half-mile beyond Ladat by a utility station. Emerald Pool is a five-minute, one-kilometer hike from the Roseau-Castle Bruce Road. The 40-foot waterfall has crystal clear water at the base.


Victoria Falls is a 45-minute hike one way and can be combined with Sari Sari Falls. It is located near the village of Delices. The remote Sari Sari Falls can be found by the East Road and is a one-mile hike each way. Syndicate-Portsmouth is a four-hour hike one way. Start at the Syndicate visitor center in Morne Diablotin National Park. Middleham Falls in x is noteworthy because of its 200-foot height. It is at least a 45-minute hike one way; access is near the Roseau-Laudat road at the National Park Reception Centre.


Boiling Lake is both a highlight of Dominica and one of the most difficult attractions to reach. The total hiking trip is more than six hours over demanding terrain. However, the trip to reach the world's largest boiling lake takes hikers through extensive rain forests and mountain forests.


This excursion company has an aerial tram that takes visitors over waterfalls, and it also offers ziplining tours over the Breakfast River Gorge.


Another way of taking advantage of Dominica's unspoiled rain forests is via cycling tours. The tours include staying at small, family-owned inns and cottages.


Endangered sea turtles crawl onto Rosalie Beach every year between March and August to lay eggs. Many of the turtles are Leatherbacks, which can grow up to 1,500 pounds in size. Visitors can watch the nighttime ritual while following strict standards of the Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organisation. Trained guides will provide guidance on when to touch and photograph the turtles at appropriate times.


Dominica is the only country in the world where the Sperm Whale resides all year long, although sightings are most common between November and March, according to the Dominica tourism office. Excursion operators are available and claim sightings for 22 species with a 95 percent success rate.


Marine reserves include Soufriere Scotts Head Bay located in the south and the Cabrits Marine Reserve in the north. The volcanic island is known for diving and snorkeling in warm sea vents, which are bubbles that float from the sea bed to the top of the water.


Visitors take a short swim from the base of a waterfall through a series of natural rooms and ponds formed by high cliff walls. Trees create a canopy overhead.
A hot spring cascades down a short wall just outside the entrance of the gorge.