IDominica island is very well-known for its volcanic landscapes with lush rainforests, lakes, gorges, waterfalls, rivers, steamy hot springs and the highest mountains in the East Caribbean. The coastline is rugged and has coastal villages and rocky black sandy beaches, most of which are ideal for scuba diving or scuba diving. The culture is a mix of French, British and West Indian influences.

Cabrits National Park

Cabrits National Park preserves lush forests, swamps, black sand beaches and lush coral reefs. It offers panoramic views from its highest point, and the coral reefs provide great opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. The park is also home to one of Dominica’s most interesting historical sites. Here you can visit the ruins of Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison with stunning views of Prince Rupert Bay. The small museum at the entrance highlights Dominican colonial history. Hiking trails take you through some wooded terrain; outside the ruins of the garrison; and vantage points with sweeping views over the city of Portsmouth, the lush mountains and beyond to the blue sea. The benches are provided with beautiful places to stop and relax. It’s an adventurous place to visit for a few hours to explore the history, take short trips, and take photos.

Dominica’s Beaches

Dominica’s beaches are the most beautiful black sand volcanoes, although the sand may turn some grey, depending on the light. Mero Beach is one of the most popular on the coast. It takes only 25 minutes to drive from the capital Roseau. Purple Turtle Beach is a strip of beige with palm trees alongside restaurants. Champagne Beach is very attractive and offers a real adventure to the Champagne Reef, with warm waters and sparkling geothermal activity. The Beach Batibou is on the northern island. Getting over there is an adventure. You need to drive with a cross-country vehicle or park and walk to the shore.

Roseau

It is a colourful town, the main town and capital of the island. It is a colourful jumble of west Indian cottages and busy market stalls. Shopping is dominated by locally owned stores. The waterfront has a characteristic seaside promenade and cruise ship dock. You should visit the Old Market to taste the tropical fruits and vegetables. In the town, you can take a walk from St. Patrick´s Cathedral to the Botanic garden and Dominica Museum, a temple of creole and Amerindian culture or an exhibition on the slave trade. Finally, you can reach Morne Bruce to enjoy the panoramic view of the town.

Papillote Tropical Gardens

A complete haven for artists and botanists such as photographers. It is 10 acres of gardens of bamboo trees, indigenous orchids, begonias, ginger blossoms with a charming lodge, the Papillote Wilderness Retreat. The tourists will be fascinated by butterflies. The garden offers an amazing view of the mountains and valley. From there you can reach Trafalgar Falls.

Trafalgar Falls

A trip to Trafalgar Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Dominica. These twin waterfalls, popularly known as Mom and Dad, are easy to walk through in 10-15 minutes through ginger plants and vanilla orchids. The cool stream of Trafalgar Falls rises above the mountain and a hot mineral spring is added to its bottom. You can swim in the warm and cool pools between the sulfur rocks at the foot of the waterfalls.

Victoria Falls

One of the most impressive waterfalls on the island, Victoria Falls in Morne Trois Pitons National Park was formed as a result of the White River flowing into a warm pool under the cliff. The minerals give the water a milky white colour. Wearing smart water shoes as a 40-minute walk involves crossing the river and sliding over the rocks, but these beautiful waterfalls and the river itself are worth the trip. Finally, you can relax by swimming in the heated pool. Guides are recommended as part of the journey which requires crossing slippery rocks along the river.

Boiling Lake

The Boiling Lake is one of the attractions of Morne Trois Pitons National Park. This terrifying pool of grey-green water was discovered after an arduous three-hour trek through dense forest. Geologists say the 63-meter-wide fumarole, the second-largest active boiling lake in the world, is a fissure that allows hot gasses to escape from the molten lava below. Lakeside temperatures range from 82 to 92 degrees Celsius and are at the centre and boiling point. Be especially careful if hiking after a thunderstorm as the trail will remain slippery and blurry. Driving is always recommended.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the jewel and the most adventurous site of Dominica. Covering much of the island’s mountainous interior, the park is a pure tropical forest ranging from lush forests, giant ferns and wild orchids to the tiny tropical forests that rise to the top of the 1,424-meter Morne Trois Pythons. Covering an area of 17,000 acres, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites attractions include beautiful lakes such as Boiling Lake and the misty Boeri Lake and many beautiful Dominican waterfalls located in this lush green garden, including Victoria Falls, Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool and Middleham Falls. In Tieto Gorge, you can swim in the bright turquoise pools and travel to the beautiful waterfalls through the narrow canyons. One of the films “Pirates of the Caribbean” was shot in this magical place. The garden has another surprise: a steaming ruined valley – an area of boiling mud pools, brightly coloured hot springs and mini geysers. One of the best starting points to visit the park is the village of Laudat, 11 kilometres from Roseau.

Kalinago Territory

Dominica has the largest Calinago (Caribbean Indian) tribe in the Caribbean. If you want to learn about their amazing culture, you can visit Kalinago Barana Autê, a model village on the northeast coast, 20 miles from Roseau. The village is a group of traditional wooden buildings. Take a walk around the village, watch Carib Indians carve boats, weave baskets and mats, and share their knowledge of medicinal plants. The Caribbean survives through fishing and farming, as well as crafts sold to tourists. The countryside is a bit off the road, but it adds interesting cultural insight to this wonderful country and is one of the most unusual things about Dominica.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

If Dominica attracts eco-tourists from all over the world, it will literally scream for snorkelers. Located on the southwest coast of the Dominican Republic, Champagne Kay is the island’s most famous underwater adventure destination. Snorkeling and divers say they have seen everything from seahorses to squid to dolphins at this active location. Even on quiet days, visitors can explore ancient shipwrecks in 25 feet of water. Scotts Head Pinnacle is another diving destination. Located in the village of the same name, about 11 miles south of Roseau, this diving area is only 35 feet deep and full of water covered with soldier fish, rough stones and coral. As you continue to swim, you’ll reach the “peak,” a 120-foot drop full of drops, lobsters and martens. The Scotts Head Pinnacle is a very challenging dive, so only trained and certified divers should try it out for themselves. The price of managed seeds depends on the selected company. The most popular water sports organizations are Dive Dominica and ALDive & W.A.T.E.R.