Dominica / Beach bars

By Stephen Thorpe

Since Dominica is not a recognised beach destination there are very few authentic beach bars as such, and even some of the more attractive stretches of sand are lacking in facilities. However, a few of the better watering holes are:

Melvina’s Champagne Bar & Restaurant, Champagne Beach - A roadside bar south of Roseau just past Pointe Michel and before the Champagne Bay dive beach. Rustic setting, specialising in steamed fish and bakes, the Friday night hot spot usually pulling in a fair crowd. Snorkelling equipment for rent.

Connie’s Mero Beach Bar, Mero - At the north end of the dark sand Mero beach, on the west coast above Castaways Hotel. Small terrace and shaded area, a good place for local food and drinks.

Purple Turtle Beach Club, Portsmouth - On an excellent calm bathing beach in the Lagoon area north of Portsmouth, a great setting with views over Prince Rupert Bay to the Cabrits National Park, Fort Shirley and the inland Morne Diablotin. Decked area over the nice sandy beach, a good range of local food, popular with yachties as well as locals and occasional live music on Sundays.

Picard Beach Bar, Prince Rupert Bay - Well stocked bar and full menu, part of the Ayohayo (Picard) Beach Wellness Eco-Cottages hotel. Adjacent jetty, and good safe bathing on dark sand.

Escape Beach Bar & Grill, Pointe Baptiste - At Red Rock Haven off the Pointe Baptiste road near Calibishie, easily missed off the main road, but never forgotten. Arguably the coolest spot in Dominica with a tiny bar, very good food, fantastic white sand beach and challenging swimming.