Hiking to Victoria Falls on Dominica – What You Need to Know

Victoria Falls is one of Dominica’s most impressive waterfalls, and the journey to reach it is just as memorable as the destination. Unlike some of the island’s more accessible falls, getting to Victoria Falls requires an adventurous hike right through the White River – which naturally means fewer visitors and a more untouched feel.

Personally, I found wading through the White River much easier than navigating the Layou River on the way to Jacko Steps, so if you’re new to river hiking, this is a good place to start. You’ll quickly get a feel for the terrain and can decide if you want to tackle more of Dominica’s water-filled trails or stick to drier hikes.

Read on for everything you need to know about my favourite waterfall on the island.

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How to Get to the Trailhead?

Victoria Falls is located near Delices, a small village on Dominica’s southeastern coast. Getting there is half the challenge, especially if you’re relying on public transport. Minibuses leave from Roseau’s Hanover Street (near the New Market) and travel along the coast through Rosalie and La Plaine. As always, you can flag them down along the way, but they are not very frequent.

I stayed near Rosalie, and found hitchhiking from there a much easier way to reach Delices – locals are used to travelers needing a lift and are usually happy to help. That said, if you’re planning to explore more of this side of the island, I assume renting a car would make things a little easier.

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Do You Need a Guide?

I did it on my own, but it really depends on your experience and comfort level with river hiking. The hike isn’t particularly long, but because you’re walking through the river (not just crossing it), you’ll be dealing with slippery rocks and sometimes strong currents.

If you’re confident scrambling over wet boulders and dealing with uneven terrain, you’ll probably be fine on your own. If you’re unsure, ask at the Zion Valley Rastarant near the trailhead, where someone might be willing to guide you for a small fee. It’s also a great spot to grab some food before or after your hike, and have a chat with the owner, Moses.

When to Go?

Unlike some of Dominica’s more famous waterfalls, Victoria Falls isn’t on the typical cruise ship itinerary, meaning it doesn’t get crowded. I hiked it in the morning and only met two other people on my way back.

If you want to be absolutely sure to have the place to yourself, aim for an early start, but honestly, you’re unlikely to run into many hikers at any time of day. A great option is to time your hike so you can have lunch at the Rastarant afterwards.

How Long Does the Hike Take?

Plan for about 45 minutes to an hour each way, plus some time at the falls. It’s not far, but the river crossings and slippery rocks mean you’ll be moving much slower than on a regular trail.

If you’re in a hurry, this isn’t the hike for you. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t rush – it’s all part of the experience 😄.

What to Bring?

I recommend taking shoes that can get wet – some trekking sandals would probably be the best bet. Otherwise, you can just take your shoes off for climbing over the rocks, which probably gives you a better grip on the slippery surfaces anyway.

That said, walking through the water without any shoes can be a painful experience, as there are plenty of pointy rocks in the river, so tread carefully. Another good idea would be a dry bag or waterproof case, to protect your phone or camera.

How Much Does it Cost?

Nothing at all – Victoria Falls are another one of Dominica’s fantastic natural attractions you can visit for free.

Description of the Hike

From the southern end of Delices, you have to follow the signposted road leading west toward Zion Valley Rastarant and the White River. At the end of the road, turn right and follow the trail to the River, which you’ll have to cross for the first time here.

Look for a small trail on the other bank leading through a pretty patch of forest, before it meets up with the river again. At this point you’ll have to cross the river again and look for another small trail that runs approximately parallel to the River.

Once you reach the river for the third time, you can already spot Victoria Falls not too far ahead. From this point on, I found it easiest to continue directly through the river. There are plenty of shallow spots as well as bigger boulders that you can climb over, just be aware that they can be more slippery than they look.

Still, I managed to get pretty close to the falls by scrambling over some rather big rocks and enjoyed the close-up view of the powerful falls crashing down against the green jungle backdrop. For me, places like these seem all the more beautiful if the way leading there was somewhat complicated.

The pool at the base of the falls is also a nice place for a swim, if you fancy one, before backtracking the way you came. Before returning to Delices, I highly recommend taking a break at the Rastarant to try the fantastic Ital (i.e. Vegan Rastafari) Food.

Moses, who runs the place, is a cool guy and quite a character with some interesting insights about life. It’s fun to hang out with him and his family and to relax for a bit after your adventurous hike.

Final Thoughts – Is Victoria Falls Worth It?

Absolutely. For me, it was one of the most rewarding hikes I did on Dominica, with just the right amount of adventure. Walking through the White River adds an extra element of fun, and the fact that so few people visit makes it feel like a hidden treasure.

If you’re comfortable with river hikes, don’t skip it. If you’re unsure about that, this is the perfect trial run before taking on more challenging river treks. Either way, Victoria Falls is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Other Hikes in the Area

Wavine Cyrique, where you can climb down a series of ropes and ladders to another fantastic waterfall on a beautiful beach.