Dominica
Lesser Antilles, East CaribbeanNicknamed ‘The Nature Island’ for good reason, Dominica is one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean. Unspoilt by the impacts of mass tourism, Dominica’s lush mountain rainforests and rich flora and fauna make it a bucket list destination for nature lovers.
Located between Gaudeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica is around 29 miles long and 16 miles wide at it’s widest point and rises to over 1438m. With nine volcanoes on the island, Dominica lays claim to having the highest concentration of active volcanoes anywhere in the world. Dominica’s rugged landscape is largely covered in dense rainforest and offers one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean. There are 365 rivers, three national parks, countless waterfalls, natural hot springs, the second largest boiling lake in the world, freshwater lakes and dramatic gorges, plus it is home to the last remaining indigenous Kalinago people.
A multitude of hiking trails (ranging from easy to very challenging) weave through the island, giving visitors access to the wonderful riches of Dominica. Most tours to Dominica’s highlights are half or full day tours, but those seeking the ultimate in trekking will undoubtedly want to do the Waitukubuli National Trail – at 115 miles long, this is the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean!
Dominica is a fantastic destination for birdwatching. There are around 180 species of birds, including three endemic species; the Sisserou Parrot, Jaco Parrot and Kalinago Wren. Several species of hummingbird can also be found, including the Purple Throated Carib, Antillean Crested, the Green Throated Carib and the Blue-headed Hummingbird – found only on Dominica and the nearby island of Martinique.
Divers also love Dominica. The surrounding ocean is teeming with life. The Marine Reserve on the south west of the island offers great diving and the deep waters along the west coast island are home to around 200 resident sperm whales. This is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with these stunning creatures. Other cetaceans commonly seen in the area include spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Killer whales, false killer whales, pygmy sperm whales, humpbacks and Bryde’s whales can sometimes be seen, making Dominica a great destination for whale-watching. Sea turtles are regular visitors too, with green, leatherback and hawksbills nesting on the island’s beaches between March and October.
With such rich wildlife and spectacular mountain scenery, Dominica is an off-the-beaten-track destination that should be on every travellers bucket list.
Getting there
British Airways is one of the easiest options for Dominica. There are daily flights to either Barbados or Antigua, where you can connect with an InterCaribbean or LIAT flight to Dominica. With British Airways your bags can be checked all the way through to Dominica. Virgin Atlantic also offer flights to Barbados, but you would need to collect your bags in Barbados then check in for your InterCaribbean or LIAT flight to Dominica.
Stay a bit a longer
If you are looking to extend your trip, a twin centre holiday at both Fort Young Hotel (in the south-west) and Secret Bay (in the north-west) would be a great combination.
Quick Guide: Dominica
- Location: Lesser Antilles, Eastern Caribbean
- When to go: January to May (dry season) / June to October (rainy season)
- Average air temp: Tropical, between 28-32°C year round
- Average water temp: 25-28°C
- Recommended diver level: Good for all levels
Dominica Resorts
FORT YOUNG HOTEL & DIVE RESORT
SECRET BAY
Explore Dominica
Dominica is a beautiful and fascinating island to explore. We can offer a wide range of tours to suit everyone’s needs and interests. Whether you are looking for dedicated birdwatching tours through the northern region of Syndicate, rainforest treks to waterfalls and hot springs, or visits to see the indigenous Kalinago people, we can take care of it all for you.
If you are looking for inspiration, then check out the below selection of some of our most popular short tours. If you are interested in longer tours, to fully explore the wonders of Dominica, then please do contact us and let us know your main interests and we will be very happy to advise and to put together an itinerary for you. Our experienced team will put together the whole package for you, including flights, transfers, accommodation and activities.
TRAFALGAR FALLS
Trafalgar Falls
Half day tour
Drive through the friendly and picturesque village of Trafalgar to the trail leading to two of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls, cradled under the shadows of the ubiquitous and awesome mountainous landscape.
It is a 15-minute walk from where the vehicle stops to the viewing area of the falls. Those who are able to, weather permitting and under the supervision of the guide, can scramble over the boulders to the base of one of the falls, where there is a great pool for a rejuvenating swim.
Recommended Wear: Light clothing, sneakers, sunscreen & Swimwear in case you want to take a dip
Pack: Water & towel
TITOU GORGE
Titou Gorge
Half day tour
The Ti Tou Gorge waterfall is located in the village of Laudat, about 25-30 mins drive from town, and is one of the most unique and a “must see’’ marvel of the Island. The name Titou Gorge is Creole and means “Little throat hole”, literally you will swim up the “throat” of the mountain to the waterfall plummeting heavily into the Gorge.
There’s no fun if you don’t get near or take that tour up the stream to experience the gushing, breathtaking enchanted waterfall. This gorge was formed many years ago and is fed by the water from the Fresh Water Lake.
Recommended Wear: Light clothing, Sneakers, slippers or water shoes, sunscreen & swimwear
Pack: Water & towel
KALINAGO PEOPLE
Kalinago Tour
Approx. 4-5 hours
After departing from your hotel, take a scenic drive towards Kalinago Barana Autê, an incredible cultural and historical site. The Kalinago Barana Autê is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Kalinago people, the indigenous inhabitants of Dominica. This unique facility not only offers a deep dive into the culture, history, and traditions of the Kalinago community but also plays a vital role in the region’s socio-economic development. By providing employment, supporting the sale of authentic Kalinago art and crafts, and creating a market for local agricultural produce, it serves as a hub for both cultural preservation and community growth.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a Kalinago tour guide who will present a visual overview of the Kalinago people’s fascinating history. Afterward, embark on a guided tour through the facility, which is set in a traditional village-style environment, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
INDIAN RIVER
Indian River Tour
Half day tour
The Indian River flows to the Caribbean Sea between the town of Portsmouth and the village of Glanvillia. It is the widest river in Dominica and also one of the most picturesque, dominated as it is by the spectacular buttressed Bwa Mang Trees.
The Kalinago (Carib Indian) people used to live along its banks and the river was important to their livelihood, as they used it to transport goods for trade with sailors.
Indian River boat rides are one of the more relaxing tourist attractions of Dominica. Experienced boatmen in hand-oared river boats will take you quietly past many types of wild life and plant life along the swampy river bank. No trip up the river is complete without a stop at the famous ‘Bush Bar’ to sample their delicious rum punch!
Recommended Wear: Light clothing, Sneakers, slippers or water shoes, sunscreen
TI KWEN GLO CHO
Ti Kwen Glo Cho
Half day tour
Dominica is a volcanic island which births a myriad of wonders, from sulphur springs to ocean floor vents and boiling lakes. Ti Kwen is one of these. There are quite a few hot springs on the island, but Ti Kwen is by far one of the best ways to experience the healing thermal waters of the island.
A quaint family establishment, the hospitality at Ti Kwen makes the springs even more of a remarkable experience. The lush gardens complement the stone pools and refreshing fruit juices from the bar are a well needed thirst quencher after a hot soak.
Recommended Wear: Light clothing, sneakers, sunscreen & swimwear
Pack: Water & towel
MIDDLEHAM FALLS
Middleham Falls
Half day tour
Middleham Falls is Dominica’s tallest waterfall, with a cascade of almost 200 feet dropping into a beautiful swimming hole at the bottom.
The approximately 1.1 mile route to Middleham Falls begins at the small parking area with pavilion and bathrooms. The entire trail is through tropical rainforest, with several intermediate climbs and descents. The trail is generally well-maintained, with numerous stair-steps and hand-rails, but some sections have lots of roots to contend with. This can be a muddy trek after rains, but it is worth every step of the way through the beautiful rainforest to the exhilarating falls.
Recommended Wear: Light clothing, Sneakers, slippers or water shoes, sunscreen & swimwear
Pack: Water & towel
Ready for your next adventure?
Great Escapes Worldwide Ltd
Combs Tannery
Tannery Road
Combs
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 2EN
United Kingdom
Office hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 5pm
Tel: 01449 535010
Email: info@greatescapesworldwide.com
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