Dominica
Dominica is the Caribbean island that chose nature over nightclubs. While its neighbors were building mega resorts and cruise ship terminals, Dominica doubled down on its most powerful asset: a volcanic, rainforest covered interior that is wilder and more pristine than anything else in the region. The island has 365 rivers, nine active volcanoes, the world’s second largest boiling lake, year round resident sperm whales, and a rainforest canopy so dense it blocks the sky.
This is not a beach vacation destination in the traditional sense. Dominica is for travelers who want to hike to waterfalls, dive volcanic reefs, soak in natural hot springs heated by the earth itself, and experience a Caribbean island that has not been smoothed and polished for mass tourism. It is raw, real, and wildly beautiful.
Where to Go
Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Dominica’s interior. The hike to Boiling Lake is the island’s signature challenge: a six hour round trip through the Valley of Desolation, past steaming vents, sulfur deposits, and hot streams, ending at a lake of gray blue water shrouded in vapor. Middleham Falls, a gentler hike in the same park, leads to a 200 foot waterfall plunging into a jungle pool perfect for swimming.
Champagne Reef on the southwest coast is one of the most unique snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean. Volcanic vents on the ocean floor release streams of warm bubbles that rise through the water around you, creating an underwater champagne effect. The reef is healthy and teeming with tropical fish.
The Waitukubuli National Trail is a 115 mile long distance hiking route that traverses the entire island from south to north over 14 segments. It is the first and longest long distance hiking trail in the Caribbean and passes through rainforest, coastal villages, Carib (Kalinago) Territory, and volcanic landscapes.
Whale watching off the west coast offers some of the most reliable sperm whale encounters in the world. The deep water canyon just offshore is a resident habitat for sperm whales, and sightings occur on the vast majority of trips. Humpback whales, pilot whales, and dolphins are also frequently spotted.
Where to Stay
Secret Bay is Dominica’s first and only luxury resort, a small collection of treehouse style villas on a cliff above two secluded beaches. It has won the Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Hotel award multiple times. Rosalie Bay Resort on the east coast combines eco luxury with turtle nesting beach access. Jungle Bay Resort and Spa offers adventure focused stays with guided hikes, yoga, and farm to table dining. For the ultimate immersion, Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski opened as the island’s first five star international brand hotel.
Let Us Plan Your Dominica Trip
Dominica is the Caribbean for travelers who want substance over surface. It is affordable, uncrowded, and filled with experiences that no other island in the region can offer. We will help you choose the right activities, the right guides, and the right accommodations for a trip that redefines what a Caribbean vacation can be.
