Dominica / Things to do

One is never short of something to do in Dominica, especially in the great outdoors, though the weather and rain can often intrude on the best made plans. If you’re confined to Roseau for any length of time there are several diversions of interest, and a very good starting point is The Historic Walking Tour, facilitated by self guided tour maps available from the Cocorico, Cartwheel and Cornerhouse cafes. The Society for Heritage, Architectural Preservation and Enhancement (SHAPE), has overseen this and done a tremendous job in raising awareness of Dominica’s urban history and fabric. See the Culture and Heritage section for more information.

The Botanical Gardens are an essential stop off point with around 50 varieties of trees and a wonderfully relaxed ambience; a 15 minute steep trek up Morne Bruce from the western end by the cemetery affords great views of the capital below. See Flowers & Gardens section for more information.

Offshore, whale watching is a must, and scuba diving in the three west coast marine reserves - base yourself at Anchorage or Evergreen hotels just south of Roseau. See the Dominica Scuba Diving section for more information.

Hike the Waitukubuli Trail if you have the time (allow at least a fortnight for the full length, best to sectionalise it), do the Boiling Lake at least, if you don’t. See the Dominica Hiking section for more information.

Take time out on the Indian River boat trip at Portsmouth and the Cabrits National Park nearby, spend time in the Wotten Waven wellness hot pool enclave in the Roseau valley and Papillote Wilderness Retreat.

Visit the east, Jungle Bay Resort and Rosalie Bay Nature Resort both command rugged coastal sites and have a strong environmental ethos; in the north-east, drop by the Pagua Bay grill for the dramatic coast and mountain vista and hang out at the Escape Bar on a fine white sand beach at Red Rock Haven.

For more intersting ideas also see our Eco/Nature section.