1. Whale and dolphin watching from Dominica - afternoon boat excursions from Dive Dominica and the Anchorage Hotel are twice weekly - 2.00pm till dusk, all year round. Along with the many species of whale which frequent our waters (located by sonar detector lowered from the boat) can be seen dolphins and frigatebirds, along with flying fish jumping alongside and in front of the boat. Follow this link for further details.
2. Hike to the (world's second largest) Boiling Lake, situated in our WorldHeritage Site, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. An all day guided hike through forested highlands, via Titou Gorge, Breakfast River, Panorama viewpoint and theValley of Desolation, where steam is emitted and boiling water trickles from fumaroles and small wells into a grey water stream. The outflow of water from the lake itself flows eatward down the White River, which meets the Atlantic near the village of Delices. This is the only hike in Dominica on which you MUST be accompanied by a qualified guide.
 Boeri La |
3. Other hikes in Morne Trois Pitons National Park include the impressive 300ft Middleham Falls, which takes approx. 1 hour to reach from either Providence (near to Laudat), beyond Cochrane via Tou Santi (stinking hole), or from Sylvania.
From the elevated village of Laudat, the visitor centre at Feshwater Lake is about a 10 minute drive, from where a new trail encircles the lake and just beyond it a 45 minute hiking trail continues on to Boeri Lake. These may also be reached via a hiking trail from the village of Grand Fond, accessed from the east coast at Rosalie.
Should you attempt any of less well used trails - around the peaks of Morne Trois Pitons, the summits of Morne Micotrin (4,006ft.) or Morne Watt (4,017ft.), you are also advised to take along a qualified guide, as it is easy to loose the trail in places . Most hikes commence from or near to the village of Laudat, at a cool 2,000ft in the northern heights above the Roseau Valley.
In the southern heights is the village of Woten Waven, from where there are short trails to hot springs, geysers and fumaroles such as the Dragon's Mouth. You may soak in one of several warm mineral pool spa's - TiKwenGlocho, Screws & at Rainforest ShanGri-la.
4. Field trip with Forester and bird expert. Favourite locations are Colihaut Heights and the Syndicate Forest on the western slopes of Morne Diablotin, were our two native parrot species are most commonly observed from lookout points along the rim of the Picard River gorge, along with other endemics such as Grey Kingbird, Mangrove Cuckoo, Blue-hooded Euphonia and four varieties of Hummingbird, and from where a short hike will bring you to the river pool below Milton Falls on the Dublanc River, a tranquil spot to enjoy a traditionally prepared picnic lunch and take a refreshing bathe in the river. An all day outing may also include a visit to Cabritts or boatride up the Indian River.
5. Cabrits National Park. Just north of Portsmouth is a twin peaked peninsular with well tended nature trails through 'dry forest' to both summits, where old cannons remain and from where panoramic views can be enjoyed. Near to the park entrance and visitor centre are the well preserved remains of Fort Shirley. Parts of this are currently undergoing restoration under the supervision of island historian, Lennox Honychurch.
6. The Indian River meanders slowy though mangrove trees and marsh plains to its mouth on the south side of Portsmouth from where, for a small charge, a guide will row you up the river as far as navigable to a bush bar in the forest, where you may disembark for refreshments before returning. Your guide will describe the unique vegetation to be seen along this tranquil stretch of river and you will be unlucky not to spot the giant Ringed Kingfisher.
7. Botany field trip with Forester and flora expert. Dominica's flora is very diverse, with numerous varieties of colourful heliconia, orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, creepers, ferns and mosses. Commonly seen are beautiful pink anthuriums growing under the forest canopy and deep red ginger lilies. The wealth of indigenous primordial rainforest cloaking much of the island is also very diverse and interesting.
8. Soufriere's 'Champagne' & forest hot springs. Soufriere is at the south of the island, on the north side of Scotts Head Bay, a marine reserve. In the sea immediately in front of a historic old church on the shore, and in several other nearby locations, streams of tiny bubbles rise from the sea bed, betraying undersea hot springs referred to locally as 'champagne'. Following the unpaved road inland from Soufriere for about 1 1/2 miles brings you to a hot springs bathing pool in the shade of the forest canopy. From there, a nature trail ascends to several sulphur deposits - large, pale, cone shaped mounds with steam seeping from the odd crevice.
.jpg) pool, Soufriere |
9. The twin Trafalgar Falls are only a 20 minute forest walk from the village of Trafalgar, at the head of the Roseau Valley - a generous and well tended trail leads through mature forest to a timber viewing platform. For the young and fit, a narrow and rocky trail continues up to the pool at the base of each of the falls, where a wind of fine spray rapidly cools you down. Papillote's 4 acres of forest gardens and restaurant overlooking the Roseau Valley is an ideal spot to take lunch.
 Trafalgar Falls right |
10. Scuba Diving and Snorkelling - Dominica is rated among the top 5 dive destinations in the whole of the Caribbean and number 8 in the World. Diving opportunities off the 29 miles of sheltered west coast are exceptional and not to be missed if you are divers. There are several dive centres scattered along this stretch - from north to south: Cabrits Dive Centre, close to Picard Beach Cottages, Anse-A-Liane Lodge, near to Colihaut, the East Carib Dive Club at Salisbury beach, Dive Castaways at Mero, Dive Dominica and the Anchorage Hotel, side by side at Castle Comfort just south of Roseau, and Nature Island Dive at Soufriere. The marine reserve at Scotts Head/Soufriere Bay is a sumerged volcano, renown for its 'champagne' bubbles and great diversity. Douglas Bay, north of the Cabritts peninsular is also a designated marine reserve. On the Atlantic side, the north facing stretch of coastline from Blenheim to Woodford Hill has many attractive inlets and coves which are sheltered from the strong currents and breakers of the Atlantic and where snorkelling is also possible. Visit our scuba page for further information
.jpg/280px-Rainforest_at_Trafalgar_Falls_(Dominica).jpg) Rosalie River mouth |
12. The Carib Territory in the east is home to the only surviving population of Carib Indians in the whole of the Caribbean chain of islands, originally descended from South America. They inhabited most islands of the region for a long period of time but most were wiped out during the time of European colonisation. Handicrafts such as basket weaving and carving can be purchased from roadside kiosks and a traditional Carib Village is open to visitors where a veriety ot typical Carib construction can be observed and local food sampled. A series of small waterfalls leading to the sea at the mouth of the Crayfish River is very picturesque.
coconut bread  Carib construction Crayfish River |
Champagne Bay in Dominica
13. the popular Emerald Pool and also the little known Twin Falls are in the forested highland in the centre of the island. Not far from the juntion leading to Castle Bruce in the east is a visitor centre by the road, from where a fairly short, gentle and well tended trail leads through the forest to the Emerald Pool below a small waterfall in the shade of the forest canopy - a beautiful spot if you are alone, but to be avoided on cruise ship days! Along the Imperial Road leading north-east from Pond Casse in the direction of Marigot is a small local bar, painted light blue and named Spanny's Disco. After first requesting permission at the bar, follow the path which leads from the main road accross agricultural land to the edge of the forest, from where a trail leads down the valley side to a pool at the base of the first falls. After crossing the river, the trail rises sharply over a small ridge to a second falls of similar proportions. A idyllic spot - both pools are suitable for a refreshing bathe.
Emerald Pool in Dominica
14. climb our highst mountain peaks - Morne Trois Pitons (4,672ft) and Morne Diablotin (4,747ft) but only if you are fit and active and enjoy obstascle courses. These trails are seldom used and are not well maintained - watch out for Razorgrass, which is a sedge with a triangular stem and can climb and grow very long - the dark green slender blades have a surface which sticks like velcro to your skin and scratches if you pull away! The trail leading to the summit of Morne Trois Pitons starts at the Rosalie Road, not far from the Pond Casse roundabout in the centre of the island. The Morne Diablotin trail commences close to Syndicate Forest, accessed via road from the west coast highway, just north of Dublanc, where the junction is signposted to Morne Diablotin. Allow a minimum of 3 hours each way for either hike and remember it is usually dark by about 7.00pm.
