Dominica is an eastern Caribbean island and is famous for two Pirates of the Caribbean movies filmed there. The French islands of Guadeloupe are to the north and Martinique south of Dominica. This 754 square kilometers in area, an island whose capital is Roseau City is also between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean waters. Dominica's all-year-round, tropical weather destination, is popular with tourists, plus it's also an ecotourism destination. So nature and endangered wildlife conservation activities are done there. Below are 10 places to see and explore in Dominica.
10 Morne Trois Pitons National Park
The 7000-hectare Morne Trois Pitons National Park occupies about 9 percent of Dominica. This steep and scenic park has a natural tropical forest that surrounds a 1342-meter-high Morne Trois Pitons volcano. Rugged and deep valleys, hot springs, 50 fumaroles (vents where volcanic gases are emitted), three freshwater lakes, a boiling lake, plus five volcanoes are some attractions visitors to Morne Trois Pitons National Park see. The rich biodiversity made this park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Canyoning adventures into water caves and waterfalls at this park are offered by Extreme Dominica for both adults and children.
9 Cabrits National Park
The 1313 acres of Cabrits National Park at Dominica's northern tip protect wetlands, coral reefs, tropical forests, and Fort Shirley. Formed from an extinct volcano, this picturesque park is between low-rising peaks and extinct volcanoes. Fort Shirley, a garrison with canons was first constructed in 1765 by the British to protect the island. But from 1778 to 1784 the French who occupied Dominica expanded it. The park's elevation makes visitors great views of the beaches. The pristine blue waters, around Cabrits National Park, attract divers and snorkelers keen to see the beautiful coral and different fishes on the reef. Visitors can also ride horses in the ocean waters by the park. The park also draws cruise lines and travelers relishing a remote tropical paradise experience. Cabrits National Park has two nature trails for hiking one trail Waitukubuli National Trail is 115 miles long and travels through much of the park and the lesser challenging one is 2 miles long.
8 Morne Diablotin National Park
The 8,242 acres of Morne Diablotin National Park in Northwest Dominica were established in 2000, as a habitat for the endangered Sisserou (imperial parrot) the island's national symbol and Jaco red-necked parrot. Two parrot species are only found in Dominica. There also are 51 local and migratory bird species birders see while hiking the Syndicate Nature Trail. The park also has 14 mammals and 24 butterfly species and 9 reptile species. Along the trail, visitors will likely see agouti rodents, snakes, lizards, crabs, frogs, and feral pigs among others. The 4747-foot high Morne Diablotins and the tallest mountain in Dominica are also in this park.
7 Kalinago Territory
On Dominica's eastern coast is the Kalinago Territory whose residents are the descendants of the islands original people. The hospitable and traditional Kalinago people live on 3700 acres of land allocated to them by the British in 1903. Visitors to Kalinago Territory learn of their ancient crafts like basket weaving, canoe building, pottery, and wood carving. Their artistic expression has singing and dancing using drums and handmade instruments and their food is made from natural ingredients. Their language is rich and connected to nature. Kainago guides offer tours of the territory including hikes along the Asulukati River and waterfalls and Kabet peak climbs.
6 Wotten Waven Hot Springs
Amidst the tropical forest and about 8.8 kilometers from Roseau, the small Wotten Waven village has natural hot sulfur springs and mud pools believed to be medicinal. Local and international visitors flock to these hot springs and wallow in the natural muddy waters, to soothe and rejuvenate their sore muscles, especially after hiking the 115-mile-long Waitukubuli National Trail. Locals have also created open-air spas amidst the lush gardens where visitors looking for natural therapy take a dip. After sunset, the spas remain open, and the visitors can be served drinks and snacks as tree frogs croak and serenade them. Local foods are also served at these spas.
5 Indian River
Johnny Depp at this wild river nestled in dense vegetation and trees filmed a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Indian River is in Portsmouth, and of Dominica's 365 rivers it is the most scenic, and on either side are the imposing Bwa Mang trees. Visitors on boat tours on this river see the diverse vegetation along the swampy river bank. Further, up the Indian River is the Indian River Bush Bar which serves dynamite rum punch, fruit drinks, smoked fish, and other delicious local foods. Historically Carib Indians lived along the Indian River bank and used it to access the Caribbean Sea and ferry goods they traded to the sailors on the island chain.
4 Scotts Head
Located a 25-minute drive away from south Roseau, Scotts Head is a tiny, hilly village on Dominica's southwest coast that towers over Soufrière Bay. The bay is among the world's most popular snorkeling, kayaking, and diving destination. Visitors can also hike to the pinnacle of Scotts Head and take in the picturesque landscape and views of up to Martinique Island. Dives into the pristine water start at Swiss Cheese a large boulder packed with soldier fish, where they are engulfed by a school of the soldierfish in what's dubbed a "soldierfish cave." They also see lobsters, sea fans, and gorgonian corals. Other Dominica's diving spots are Maggie's Spot, Batalie Beach, Barry's Dream, Crater's Edge, Dangleben's North, Rodney's Rock, plus Brain Coral, Nose, Easy Street, Champagne, Whaleshark, and Laura reefs.
3 Titou Gorge
A five-minute swim through the Titou Gorge is relished by many visitors. This narrow gorge has a waterfall that empties itself into "rooms and ponds" formed by tall cliff walls under a canopy of interwoven trees. Sunlight filtering into the gorge through the trees makes spectacular formations. Outside the gorge's entrance is a hot spring that warms the body after a cold swim through the mystical gorge. A Johnny Depp's Pirates of the Caribbean scene was filmed here too.
2 Trafalgar Falls
These two popular waterfalls on the east of the scenic Trafalgar Village are Roseau River tributaries. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from Roseau to get to them and 10 minutes to get to the viewing platform where visitors take photos. The waterfalls are on either side of a huge boulder. The taller waterfall on the left dubbed Papa Falls is 125 feet and the smaller, stronger one on the left called Mama Falls is 75 feet. This trail also has abundant and colorful plant life including, begonias, ferns, heliconia, wild anthuriums, liana, and many more.
1 Calibishie Village
Nestled on picturesque Dominica's north coast, Calibishie Village has an array of natural marvels. Besides the sleepy fishing village where visitors unwind, steep cliffs, rivers surging from mountains, plus red-brown colored rocks and rugged gullies, dot this unique beach landscape. The coastline is lined with palm trees that also surround lodges, a mountainside private villa, and cliff-hanging cottages that overlook the blue sea. Kalinago indigenous people who lived here fished, farmed, and relied on the environment to build thatched homes and canoes. Visitors to Calibishie can dine, hike, bike, snorkel, and dive. The village's tranquil rainforest has freshwater rivers with bathing pools, waterfalls, and lush greenery that's a habitat for exotic birds.