Dominica Travel Guide

Nestled between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica was once part of the British Windward Islands and today remains one of the region's most unspoilt and dramatic destinations. Tourism has grown in recent years, particularly with the rise of cruise travel, which was helped in part by the island's appearance in the films. However, Dominica is far from a typical cruise port. Rather than soft white-sand beaches, the island offers a wild, volcanic coastline, where steep green cliffs plunge into a deep blue sea.

What Dominica lacks in beaches, it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Thick rainforests, more than 300 rivers, hidden waterfalls and volcanic wonders define the landscape. Offshore, the island is a haven for scuba divers, with vibrant reefs, underwater hot springs, and dramatic drop-offs teeming with marine life.

Most cruise visitors only have a few hours to explore, often beginning in the capital, Roseau. Tucked between rugged hills and the Caribbean Sea, Roseau offers a lively blend of French and British colonial architecture, colourful market stalls, and local cafés, and is an ideal gateway to the island's natural attractions. From there, travellers can head inland to hike to the famed Boiling Lake, float down the Layou River in an inner tube, or snorkel at Champagne Reef, where volcanic vents make the water fizz and shimmer.

For those staying longer, there are endless ways to immerse in the island's rich environment. They can hike through cloud forest, plunge into the emerald waters of jungle pools, ride an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy, or take in a folklore performance under the stars. Dominica favours eco-lodges, guesthouses, and cliffside villas over luxury resorts, which makes for a more authentic and peaceful escape. Visitors still enjoy all the essential comforts, though, from strong mobile networks to family-run restaurants serving delicious West Indian dishes, including local specialties such as stewed opossum or 'mountain chicken', a delicacy made from a large native frog.