Dominica might be small, but it totally blew is away with the number of natural and cultural sights all over the island. Awesome hikes, impressive waterfalls, serene lakes and an interesting indigenous culture all helped to make this one of my favourite destinations in the Caribbean.
Especially if your time here is limited, it’s a good idea to know what definitely not to miss during your stay on the island. Here’s my list of the 10 must-see sights on Dominica.
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Dominica
Boiling Lake Hike
The beautiful and varied hike to this rare geological phenomenon was my personal number one thing to do on Dominica. The hike takes at least 6 hours return, is strenuous and at times complicated, but once we reached the otherworldly Valley of Desolation with its hot streams and constant venting of volcanic gas, all hardships were forgotten.
The constantly bubbling lake itself was a unique sight, which we won’t forget for a while. Another thing we loved was the chance to soak our tired muscles in the hot natural springs on the way back from the Lake.
See also: Everything You Need to Know About Hiking to Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation on Dominica
Wavine Cyrique
This small waterfall on Dominica’s eastern coast is beautifully located on a black-sand beach backed by high cliffs and tropical vegetation. The cascade itself isn’t particularly impressive, but the amazing surroundings more than make up for it.
I found the adventurous trail leading there to be part of the fun, but you’ll definitely need a head for heights. That said, the complicated way there meant that I had the place completely to myself once I got there.
See also: Hiking to Wavine Cyrique
Indian River Boat Trip
Another thing we really liked was the laid-back boat trip along this beautiful river in Portsmouth, which ist at times broad and overhung by coconut palms and at others bathed in the constant dusk of an atmospheric mangrove forest.
During the tour, we spotted loads of birds and crabs, and also stopped for a drink at the Bush Bar, which is surrounded by traditional Kalinago Tree Fern Carvings. People who can take you on the tour hang around the bridge at the southern end of Portsmouth.
See also: The Indian River, Fort Shirley and other sights in Portsmouth
Victoria Falls
I thought that Victoria Falls was the most impressive waterfall on the island, and similar to Wavine Cyrique, getting there involves a super fun, adventurous hike.
I had to clamber over rocks and wade through the river to reach the impressive cascade at the end. Something else I liked, was the chance to hang out with Moses and his family at the vegetarian Zion Valley “Rastarant” after my hike.
See also: Hiking to Victoria Falls
Hampstead Beach
This is definitely the prettiest beach on Dominica, at least in my humble opinion. A long stretch of black sand, backed by a forest of palm trees and populated by cute scuttling crabs. While you’re in the area, check out the ruins of the old Hampstead Estate Sugar Mill as well as the picturesque Red Rocks Cliffs in nearby Calibishie.
See also: Hampstead Beach and other great things to do in Calibishie
Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley
While the restored central building complex of this 18th century Fort near Portsmouth serves as a museum detailing the local geology and history, ruins of additional buildings lie in the nearby forest, atmospherically overgrown by creepers and fig trees.
The surrounding Cabrits National Park offers plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife as well as two hills you can climb for fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
See also: The Indian River, Fort Shirley and other sights in Portsmouth
Freshwater and Boeri Lake
Those two serene lakes in Morne Trois Pitons National Park make for a great day-trip from Trafalgar or Roseau and can be explored by following hiking trails through the surrounding forest. Boeri Lake is the more isolated of the two and a nice spot for a swim. Keep your eyes peeled for Agoutis, who call the national park their home.
See also: Freshwater Lake, Boeri Lake and Middleham Falls
Middleham Falls
One of Dominica’s highest waterfalls, a visit to Middleham Falls can be combined with a trip to Freshwater and Boeri Lakes. It is much easier to reach than Wavine Cyrique and Victoria Falls and only requires a short (if somewhat steep) hike through a section of jungle.
See also: Freshwater Lake, Boeri Lake and Middleham Falls
Emerald Pool
A beautiful natural pool fed by a small cascade and surrounded by tropical vegetation: The Emerald Pool is the quintessential jungle waterfall. It can be reached by an easy 10 minute hike through beautiful surroundings. Just make sure to avoid cruise ship days, so you’ll be fully able to enjoy the serenity of this place.
See also: The Emerald Pool and other great destinations in Central Dominica
Kalinago Open Air Museum
Get a primer into the history and traditions of Dominica’s Kalinago people, who’ve populated the island since before the arrival of the Europeans. The “Kalinago Barana Autê” is beautifully located on a cliff above the Atlantic Ocean and features a number of reconstructed traditional buildings.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to first-hand witness the making of the beautiful larouma reed baskets. If you have some more time, you can explore the ruins of the old Catholic Church in Salybia or take a hike to the Pagua Rock, an important place in Kalinago lore.
See also: What to Do in Dominica’s Kalinago Territory
Other great sights in Dominica
Obviously, there is so much more to see on this beautiful island and the above list is far from exhaustive. If you have more time on Dominica, you could spend some time exploring the pretty villages of Soufrière and Scott’s Head.
Likewise, Roseau harbours a beautiful Botanical Garden and enough historic wooden buildings to warrant some time. There’s potential for countless hikes in the mountainous interior of the island – Jacko Steps and Morne Trois Pitons would be adventurous options for day hikes or you could even attempt the trans-insular Waitukubuli National Trail.
Finally, it’s worth to simply explore the pristine natural surroundings of the islands without a particular goal in mind. Some of my favourite moments on the island where when I unwittingly stumbled upon a small picturesque waterfall or a wild tropical beach in the middle of nowhere. Dominica is a place that certainly rewards that sort of intrepid exploration!
See also
Where to Stay on Dominica – With Hotel Recommendations for All Budgets
The Perfect One Week Dominica Itinerary
Backpacking Dominica on a Budget – The Ultimate Guide