Dominica · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Dominica
These are the places worth your time in Dominica, from the markets and gardens of Roseau and the hot springs of the Roseau Valley to the reefs of Soufrière, the rivers of Portsmouth, the beaches of Calibishie and the Kalinago Territory. Classic sights sit beside quiet corners many travellers miss, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Roseau
Arts and Culture
- Dominica Museum (Bayfront)
Housed in the old post office on the waterfront, it walks you through Kalinago life, slavery, the Maroons and Creole culture in an hour. - Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven (Virgin Lane)
Roseau's volcanic stone Catholic cathedral, built in the nineteenth century, is a quiet stop between the market and the gardens. - Fort Young (Victoria Street)
The eighteenth century fort walls now frame a hotel, and you can wander the old battery and look over the bay.
Nature and Outdoors
- Dominica Botanic Gardens (Bath Estate)
Shaded lawns, giant trees and a parrot aviary make this the calmest green space in the capital, with a bus crushed by a fallen baobab from Hurricane David. - Morne Bruce (Morne Bruce)
A short climb from the Botanic Gardens to a cross topped lookout with the best view over Roseau and the sea.
Shopping and Markets
- Roseau Market (Bayfront)
Saturday morning is the time to come, when farmers bring dasheen, mangoes, herbs and hot pepper sauce down from the hills. - Old Market Plaza (Old Market)
A cobbled square where enslaved people were once sold, now lined with craft stalls selling vetiver mats, soaps and local spices.
Stays
- Fort Young Hotel (Victoria Street)
The capital's best known hotel sits on the walls of an old fort with sea facing rooms and a dive centre. - Sutton Place Hotel (Old Street)
A small, characterful guesthouse in a restored town house, handy for walking everywhere in Roseau. - Garraway Hotel (Bayfront)
A long running waterfront hotel right on the bay, easy for buses, the museum and the market.
Restaurants
- Pearl's Cuisine (King George V Street)
Home style Creole plates such as stew chicken, provisions and callaloo in a wooden house near the heart of town. - Old Stone Grill and Bar (Castle Street)
Stone walls, candle light and grilled fish or steak make this one of Roseau's favourite places for a relaxed dinner. - Fort Young Hotel restaurant (Victoria Street)
Dine by the old fort walls with sea views and Creole touches on the menu. - Roseau roti shops (Roseau)
Busy lunchtime counters selling chicken and vegetable roti to office workers.
Bars and Nightlife
- Roseau Bayfront promenade (Bayfront)
On Friday evenings the seafront fills with music, food stalls and friends liming after work. - Fort Young Hotel bar (Victoria Street)
A breezy waterfront bar for rum punch and sunset over the Caribbean.
Things to Do
- Sperm whale watching from Roseau (Roseau Bay)
Dominica is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales live year round, and boat trips leave from the Roseau coast. - Dive Dominica (Castle Comfort)
One of the island's longest running dive and snorkel operators, a short ride south of the capital. - Windsor Park Stadium (Goodwill)
The national stadium hosts cricket matches and the biggest concerts, a lively place to join local crowds. - Champagne Beach (Pointe Michel)
A pebble beach next to the bubbling reef, easy for a snorkel from shore. - Waitukubuli Trail Segment Three (Roseau Valley)
A walk from Wotten Waven toward Pont Cassé through farms and rainforest.
Events
- World Creole Music Festival (Windsor Park Stadium)
Three nights in late October of bouyon, cadence lypso, kompa and zouk at the national stadium, the island's biggest party. - Mas Domnik Carnival (Roseau streets)
Dominica's carnival fills Roseau with J'ouvert, calypso and costumed bands on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. - Independence and Creole Day celebrations (Roseau)
Late October into 3 November brings madras dress, Creole food, heritage displays and parades across the island.
Cafés
- Roseau juice vendors (Bayfront)
Fresh sorrel, passion fruit and soursop juice sold from coolers along the streets.
Places to Visit in Roseau Valley
Nature and Outdoors
- Trafalgar Falls (Trafalgar)
Twin waterfalls called Mother and Father, reached by a short trail, with warm sulphur pools at the base. - Boiling Lake (Morne Trois Pitons National Park)
A full day guided hike through the Valley of Desolation to a flooded fumarole that bubbles under clouds of steam. - Valley of Desolation (Morne Trois Pitons National Park)
A stark, steaming landscape of hot springs and coloured rock on the route to the Boiling Lake. - Titou Gorge (Laudat)
Swim through a narrow, shaded gorge to a hidden waterfall, a short dip that feels like a secret. - Freshwater Lake (Laudat)
The island's largest lake sits high in the mountains, with an easy circuit walk and wide views on clear days. - Boeri Lake (Laudat)
A cooler, quieter crater lake reached by a mossy trail from Freshwater Lake. - Middleham Falls (Laudat)
A rainforest walk to one of the island's tallest falls, with tree ferns and birdsong along the way. - Emerald Pool (Morne Trois Pitons National Park)
An easy forest loop to a waterfall falling into a green pool, good for every age. - Morne Trois Pitons summit (Pont Cassé)
A steep, muddy guided climb up the peak that gives the UNESCO park its name. - Pont Cassé (Pont Cassé)
A cool mountain crossroads at the centre of the island where you can spot forest birds and change buses. - Sulphur river at Trafalgar (Trafalgar)
Natural warm water pools on the river below the falls.
Things to Do
- Ti Kwen Glo Cho (Wotten Waven)
Simple outdoor hot sulphur baths in a garden setting, the classic soak after a hike. - Screw's Sulphur Spa (Wotten Waven)
Terraced natural hot and cool pools set in a lush garden, perfect at dusk.
Stays
- Tia's Bamboo Cottages and Hot Springs (Wotten Waven)
Bamboo cottages with their own hot sulphur pools a short walk from the valley trails.
Arts and Culture
- Morne Trois Pitons National Park (Central Dominica)
A UNESCO World Heritage site covering volcanic peaks, rainforest, lakes and hot springs in the island's heart.
Places to Visit in Soufrière
Nature and Outdoors
- Champagne Reef (Pointe Michel)
Snorkel through streams of warm bubbles rising from volcanic vents over coral and tropical fish. - Scotts Head (Scotts Head)
A narrow isthmus where you can stand between the Caribbean and the Atlantic and snorkel in the clear marine reserve. - Soufrière Sulphur Springs (Soufrière)
Rustic hot pools in the hills above the village, steaming among ferns and banana groves. - Waitukubuli National Trail Segment One (Scotts Head)
The start of Dominica's long distance trail, climbing from Scotts Head over the southern hills. - Wavine Cyrique (Petite Soufrière)
A waterfall that pours straight off the cliff onto a black sand beach, reached by a steep guided path. - Victoria Falls (Delices)
A powerful waterfall up the White River, reached by a rough guided hike with river crossings. - Sari Sari Falls (La Plaine)
A tall falls in a narrow gorge, reached with a local guide from La Plaine. - Rosalie Bay (Rosalie)
A wild black sand bay on the east coast where turtle watching runs in season.
Things to Do
- Soufrière Scotts Head Marine Reserve (Soufrière Bay)
The crater of a sunken volcano with pinnacles, walls and fish life, one of the Caribbean's top dive areas. - Bubble Beach Spa (Soufrière)
A beach hot pool built from stones where volcanic water meets the sea, lovely at sunset. - Nature Island Dive (Soufrière)
A long running dive and kayak operator on the Soufrière bay with easy access to the marine reserve. - Kayaking Soufrière Bay (Soufrière Bay)
Paddle along the volcanic cliffs and over the marine reserve.
Arts and Culture
- Soufrière Catholic Church (Soufrière)
A seafront stone church framed by green hills, one of the most photographed spots in the south.
Stays
- Jungle Bay (Soufrière Estate)
An eco resort with villas on the hillside above Soufrière, yoga, spa and hiking from the door. - Citrus Creek Plantation (La Plaine)
Cottages beside a river on the wild southeast coast, close to Sari Sari and Victoria Falls.
Bars and Nightlife
- Scotts Head beach bars (Scotts Head)
Fishermen's bars at the isthmus for a cold Kubuli after a snorkel.
Places to Visit in Portsmouth
Nature and Outdoors
- Indian River (Portsmouth)
A rowed boat trip under swamp bloodwood trees, where scenes for a famous pirate film were shot. - Secret Beach (Tibay)
A tiny cove reached by kayak or a scramble, with a sea cave and clear water. - Toucari Bay (Toucari)
A calm, sheltered bay north of Portsmouth with good snorkelling over coral and sea fans. - Douglas Bay (Cabrits)
A protected bay at the edge of the Cabrits with grey sand and shallow snorkelling. - Syndicate Nature Trail (Morne Diablotin National Park)
The best place to spot the Sisserou and Jaco parrots, ideally at dawn with a guide. - Morne Diablotin (Morne Diablotin National Park)
The island's highest peak, a hard, muddy guided climb into cloud forest. - Chaudière Pool (Bense)
A deep river pool where locals jump from the rocks, reached by a short forest walk. - Mero Beach (Mero)
The longest stretch of sand on the west coast, busy with families and food stalls on Sundays. - Layou River (Layou)
Tubing and swimming in the island's longest river, with calm pools near the coast. - Spanny Falls (Bells)
Two falls with pools and a short rocky trail, quieter than the famous ones.
Bars and Nightlife
- Indian River Bush Bar (Indian River)
The thatched bar at the turning point of the river trip, famous for its rum punch called Dynamite. - Purple Turtle Beach Club (Prince Rupert Bay)
A beachside bar and restaurant on Portsmouth's bay, easy for a swim and a cold drink.
Arts and Culture
- Cabrits National Park (Cabrits)
A forested peninsula with the restored Fort Shirley, gentle trails and views over Prince Rupert Bay. - Fort Shirley (Cabrits)
The restored eighteenth century garrison with officers' quarters and cannons above the bay.
Stays
- Cabrits Resort and Spa (Cabrits)
A large resort on Douglas Bay beside the national park with pools and a spa. - Secret Bay (Tibay)
Hilltop villas above a secluded cove and river mouth, built for privacy and calm. - Picard Beach Cottages (Picard)
Simple wooden cottages in gardens right behind the beach on Prince Rupert Bay.
Shopping and Markets
- Portsmouth market (Bay Street)
A small Saturday market for fruit, vegetables and fish, the heart of the northern town.
Things to Do
- Waitukubuli Trail final segment (Cabrits)
The trail's last stretch ends at the Cabrits, an easy forest walk to finish a long hike.
Places to Visit in Calibishie
Nature and Outdoors
- Red Rocks (Pointe Baptiste)
A sculpted plateau of red clay and rock above the sea, wonderful at golden hour. - Batibou Beach (Hampstead)
A palm fringed golden sand cove often called the prettiest on the island. - Hodges Beach (Hodges)
A quiet beach where the river meets the sea, good for a picnic. - Woodford Hill Bay (Woodford Hill)
A golden sand bay east of Calibishie, peaceful on weekdays.
Stays
- Calibishie Lodges (Calibishie)
Small eco lodges with garden views and easy access to northern beaches.
Things to Do
- Calibishie village (Calibishie)
A fishing village with colourful houses, a reef protected sea and slow evenings. - Pagua Bay (Marigot)
A surf beach where local boarders catch Atlantic waves near Douglas Charles Airport.
Restaurants
- Calibishie seafront snack bars (Calibishie)
Simple places by the water serving fish, chicken and local juice.
Bars and Nightlife
- Calibishie rum shops (Calibishie)
Tiny bars where villagers gather for dominoes and talk in the evening.
Places to Visit in Kalinago Territory
Arts and Culture
- Kalinago Barana Autê (Crayfish River)
A cultural village where Kalinago guides show canoe building, basket weaving, cassava bread and traditional dance. - L'Escalier Tête Chien (Sineku)
A rock formation like a snake's staircase climbing from the sea, central to Kalinago legend. - St Marie of the Caribs Church (Salybia)
A church shaped like a canoe with a pulpit carved from a boat.
Nature and Outdoors
- Isulukati Falls (Crayfish River)
A waterfall tumbling into the sea, reached on the Kalinago Barana Autê trail. - Castle Bruce Bay (Castle Bruce)
A wide Atlantic bay with a river mouth and views of the rugged east coast.
Shopping and Markets
- Kalinago craft stalls (Salybia)
Roadside stalls selling larouma baskets and carvings made by Kalinago families.
Things to Do
- Waitukubuli Trail Kalinago segment (Kalinago Territory)
A section of the national trail that passes through Kalinago villages and coastal forest.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Guiyave Restaurant (Cork Street, Roseau)
A balcony lunch spot known for fresh juices, rotis and Creole dishes, popular with office workers. - Ruins Rock Café (Hanover Street, Roseau)
Set inside the stone ruins of an old building, it mixes a craft shop with juices, rum punch and light bites. - Cocorico Café (Bayfront, Roseau)
A waterfront café for coffee, crêpes and people watching on the Bayfront promenade. - Anchorage Hotel (Castle Comfort, Roseau)
A seafront hotel south of Roseau known for its dive and whale watching links and sunset views. - Old Mill Cultural Centre (Canefield, Roseau)
A former sugar mill near Canefield that hosts cultural events and heritage displays a short drive north of Roseau. - Kubuli brewery area in Loubiere (Loubiere, Roseau)
Kubuli is the national beer, brewed with Dominica's spring water, and you'll find it chilled in every rum shop. - Rainforest Shangri La Resort (Wotten Waven, Roseau Valley)
A hillside retreat with private hot spring pools surrounded by rainforest. - Papillote Wilderness Retreat (Trafalgar, Roseau Valley)
A garden lodge near Trafalgar Falls, known for its tropical plants and natural pools. - Wotten Waven bush bars (Wotten Waven, Roseau Valley)
Small roadside bars where hikers end the day with local juice, bush rum and fried bakes. - Scotts Head fish fry (Scotts Head, Soufrière)
Fishermen's stalls and small bars at the isthmus serve fried fish and cold drinks right off the boats. - Petite Savanne (Petite Savanne, Soufrière)
A dramatic southern hillside village with views and bay rum farms, worth a careful drive or tour. - Rosalie Bay Resort (Rosalie, Soufrière)
A quiet eco resort on a black sand beach where leatherback turtles nest in season. - Jazz n Creole (Cabrits National Park, Portsmouth)
A festival of jazz and Creole music staged inside the walls of Fort Shirley around Pentecost. - Morne aux Diables (Penville, Portsmouth)
A remote northern peak and village area with sweeping views toward Guadeloupe. - Sunset Bay Club (Coulibistrie, Portsmouth)
A small, laid back hotel on the west coast between Roseau and Portsmouth with a dive centre. - Macoucherie Distillery (Macoucherie Estate, Portsmouth)
A traditional rum estate where sugar cane is still crushed for the island's own rum. - Mero beach bars (Mero, Portsmouth)
Simple bars on the beach for fried fish, grilled chicken and music on weekend afternoons. - Point Baptiste Estate (Pointe Baptiste, Calibishie)
An old estate near Red Rocks with paths to quiet beaches. - Bwa Nef Falls (Bwa Nef, Calibishie)
A short walk to a small fall and pool in the forest behind the north coast. - Pagua Bay House (Marigot, Calibishie)
Modern cabanas on the Atlantic cliffs near the airport, good for a first or last night. - Chaudiere Pool hike from Bense (Bense, Calibishie)
A forest walk inland from the north coast to a deep swimming pool. - Kalinago Week (Kalinago Territory, Kalinago Territory)
Each September the territory celebrates its heritage with crafts, food and cultural shows. - Kalinago canoe makers (Kalinago Territory, Kalinago Territory)
Watch gommier trees being shaped into dugout canoes by skilled builders. - Islet View Restaurant (Castle Bruce, Kalinago Territory)
A roadside spot overlooking the Atlantic serving Creole lunches and juices. - Atkinson coast (Atkinson, Kalinago Territory)
A quiet stretch of wild coast just north of the territory, ideal for photographs. - Cassava bread bakers (Kalinago Territory, Kalinago Territory)
Small bakeries making cassava bread on hot griddles, best bought warm. - Kalinago guesthouses (Kalinago Territory, Kalinago Territory)
Simple family guesthouses that let you stay in the territory and meet the community. - River tubing in the Roseau Valley (Roseau Valley, Roseau Valley)
Guided tubing on the Roseau River through forested gorges. - Laudat village shop (Laudat, Roseau Valley)
A small shop and snack stop for hikers before the lakes and Titou Gorge. - Dominica Botanic Gardens craft stalls (Bath Estate, Roseau)
Small stalls near the gardens selling crafts and fruit. - Portsmouth fish stalls (Bay Street, Portsmouth)
Fried fish and bakes by the waterfront, the town's everyday treat. - Bataka coast (Bataka, Kalinago Territory)
A quiet coastal village in the territory with views over the Atlantic. - Whale and dolphin trips (Prince Rupert Bay, Portsmouth)
Boat trips that head along the west coast in search of dolphins. - Roseau street art (Roseau, Roseau)
Painted walls around the town centre celebrating Dominican culture. - Canyoning in the Titou Gorge area (Laudat, Roseau Valley)
Guided canyoning trips abseiling down waterfalls in the rainforest.