For such a small island, Dominica packs quite a number of natural and cultural sights worth visiting. Wonderful hikes, impressive waterfalls, serene lakes and an interesting indigenous culture all combine to make the island one of my favourite destinations in the Caribbean.

With so many amazing things to see and do, a little guidance about what you definitely shouldn’t miss might come in handy. Hence, here’s my list of the 10 must-see sights on Dominica.

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Contents hide

1 The 10 Best Things to Do in Dominica

1.1 Boiling Lake Hike

1.2 Wavine Cyrique

1.3 Indian River Boat Trip

1.4 Victoria Falls

1.5 Hampstead Beach

1.6 Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley

1.7 Freshwater and Boeri Lake

1.8 Middleham Falls

1.9 Emerald Pool

1.10 Kalinago Open Air Museum

2 Other great sights in Dominica

3 See also

3.1 Related

The 10 Best Things to Do in Dominica

Boiling Lake Hike

Boiling Lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica — The Boiling Lake

The magnificent and naturally diverse hike to this rare geological phenomenon is my personal number one activity not to miss on Dominica. The hike takes at least 6 hours return, is strenuous and at times complicated, but once you reach the otherworldly Valley of Desolation with its hot streams and venting of volcanic gas, all hardships will be forgotten.

The constantly bubbling lake itself certainly is a sight to behold and one you won’t forget for a while, I’d venture to guess. The chance to soak your aching muscles in the hot natural springs on the way back is an added bonus.

See also: Hiking to Boiling Lake

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. Again, getting there requires some stamina and a lack of a fear of heights, but the reward is outstanding. And the complicated way there means that you’ll likely have the place completely to yourself.

See also: Hiking to Wavine Cyrique

Indian River Boat Trip

Take a relaxing boat trip along this beautiful river in Portsmouth that is at times overhung by coconut palms, at times bathed in the constant dusk of an eerie mangrove forest. Plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife add further interest to this trip.

Victoria Falls

This is another splendid waterfall and another one that requires an adventurous hike to reach. Expect clambering over rocks and wading through a river as well as pristine nature and an impressive cascade at the end. On the way back you can hang out with Moses and his family at the vegetarian Zion Valley “Rastarant”.

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.

Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley

A reconstructed fort building near the ocean, at Fort Shirley near Portsmouth, Dominica — Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park

While the restored central building complex of this 18^th 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.

Freshwater and Boeri Lake

A Freshwater Lake surrounded by tropical vegetation on Dominica — Freshwater 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.

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.

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.

Kalinago Open Air Museum

A traditional wooden Karbet building in the Kalinago Barana Auté on Dominica — Inside the Kalinago Barana Autê

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.

A map of Dominica’s top sights: 1 – Boiling Lake; 2 – Wavine Cyrique Waterfall; 3 – Indian River; 4 – Victoria Falls; 5 – Hampstead Beach; 6 – Fort Shirley; 7 – Freshwater and Boeri Lake; 8 – Middleham Falls; 9 – The Emerald Pool; 10 – Kalinago Open Air Museum

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.

Dominica rewards aimless exploration – A view of the interior of the island near Pont Cassé

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!

My Top 10 Things to Do in Dominica