Original Post Date: Jan 29, 2024

Dominica vacation offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you’re exploring the island’s lush rainforests or unwinding on its secluded beaches, a Dominica vacation promises unforgettable moments in nature. Dominica island, often referred to as the “Nature Isle,” is a haven for eco-tourism enthusiasts. I wasn’t one to truly believe in bucket list experiences, but after having lived in Dominica for 10+ years, I can say for sure that this island overflows with so many natural experiences that are worth adding to a bucket list.

Here are my top recommendations of 10 bucket list adventures you should add to your Dominica vacation!

Dominica vacation Bucket List Experience #1: Go canyoning at Ti Tou Gorge

 

From the French expression “Petite Gorge” (in English, “Little Throat”), Titou Gorge is a natural cold water pool that was formed from splashing volcanic lava. The depths of the cave sparkles with naturally filtered sunlight, creating a magical ambiance that is simply too difficult to describe. You can swim in the cave only if you’re an experienced swimmer.

Otherwise, it’s Ok to simply stand inside and let the refreshing water cool your pores. Titou Gorge is one of the top tourist attractions in Dominica for those who don’t want to get too far away from the city. But if you are an adventure seeker or want to face your deepest fears, take it a step further by booking a canyoning experience at Ti Tou Gorge when visiting Dominica. 

 

Canyoning (or canyoneering) is traversing a canyon or gorge by combining hiking, climbing, swimming, rappelling, and cliff jumping. It is safe even for those who do not know how to swim, or those who are afraid of heights. I recommend booking your experience with Extreme Dominica, which is the company that we chose for our very first canyoning adventure in Dominica. 

Want to see what it looks like to go canyoning as a beginner? Check out my first grou canyoning adventure in the Caribbean here. 

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #2: Go Snorkeling at Champagne Beach

 

Dominica is one of the few Caribbean islands with black sand beaches. This is because the island has a history of volcanic activity. One of my favorites is Champagne beach, named as such because deep down, the water has a “champagne bubble” appearance that results from the dormant volcanic activity). When you go to Champagne Beach during your Dominica vacation, you can actually experience hot and cold water at the same time, while swimming at the beach (especially closer to the shores).It is a pretty interesting and fun natural phenomenon to experience, and I recommend it as a top Dominica vacation travel experience.

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #3: Swim at Emerald Pool

 

Emerald Pool is one of the most magical places in Dominica, hands down. Seeing the hues and shades of blue reflect on the waterfall pool as you are about to step in, is indescribable. And whilst you are in this enchanted area, you are surrounded by beautiful and lush flora that just makes the entire experience even more magical. I absolutely love to go to Emerald pool, and no matter how long I have lived in Dominica, it never ceases to amaze me. 

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #4: Kayaking at the Indian River

 

In case you didn’t know this, now you do: the Indian River in Dominica is one of the sites where the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” was shot, and we are very proud of this: so much so that we share this bit of “history-making” information to every single visitor we see. So, this is definitely worth a visit as part of your Dominica vacation travel adventures! I love how peaceful the ride through the Indian river is: canopied under nature’s own embrace, you can’t help but feel serene. The river tour ends at a very popular bush rum bar, when you can try different types of locally made bush rums. Authenticity guaranteed. 

Bucket List experience #5: River Tubing at Concorde (Pagua) River

 

If you love a bit of adventure and like to spice things up, then try out River Tubing at Concorde river as part of your Dominica vacation travel experiences. River tubing is safe for adults and kids. If you don’t know how to swim, you are equipped with a life jacket. You can also use one even if you know how to swim, for additional safety. 

I enjoyed my first river tubing experience in Dominica for several reasons: first, I was looking for more adventure, and secondly, I felt like I wanted to learn how to let go. And there is no other way to do so than by being led by the flow of the river: in the water, the river decides. I felt this to be a great exercise for me personally: I learned to hold on tight, loosely.

I did my first river tubing experience with Hibiscus Valley Inn, and you can contact them to book yours as well!

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #6: Horseback Riding at Kempinski

 

Dominica is the island for romance. When in Dominica, even nature itself agrees that you should fall in love: in love with her, and in love with yourself. If you have a special someone in your life, then fall back in love with them too! There are so many scenic spots in Dominica that make horseback riding such a dreamy experience, and this is also one of my favorite Dominica vacation travel adventures. I booked my horseback riding experience with Rainforest Riding. Colette and her mom do an amazing job taking care of the horses, and helping you pick soft, easy itineraries with hidden paths and gems to make your experience even more memorable.

During my adventure, we passed through the Cabrits Resorts & Spa Kempinski, and it felt absolutely magical. When you book, you can decide on where you want to go (based on the suggestions) and how long you want your itinerary to be. And to make this experience even more memorable, make sure you dress up for the occasion! I was going for the “heroic princess” vibes, and had my outfit entirely made by The Ngaska Store. This white lace dress? You can’t find it anywhere else. Contact the Ngaska Store today to also get your tailored-made fits for experiences like these. They ship everywhere around the world. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #7: Soaking at the Sulphur Springs

 

Every single Dominican I am friends with absolutely recommends Sulphur Springs as a bucket list experience. And the reason is this: nothing on the island compares to the rejuvenating feeling of being immersed in a hot water bath after a long day. Just as the bearable steam from the sulfur springs ascends in the air when you dip your toes (and whole body) in, so do your troubles, muscle aches and worries evaporate into thin air. 

Sulfur springs experiences like these are possible during your Dominica vacation because Dominica is a volcanic island. You don’t need to prebook this experience. Simply head to Wotten Waven in Dominica and you can pick from a wide variety of Sulphur Springs, which include: Tia’s, Screws, De Escape. Bongo Baths and Ti Kwen Glo Cho (which means “the little hot spot”. Top rated across the board as one of the best things to do in Dominica.

Bucket List Experience #8: Exploring the Red rocks in Calibishie

The Red Rocks in Calibishie are definitely one of the northeastern wonders you ought to see whenever you visit Dominica.  A very uncanny, caved landscape formation, consisting of smooth reddened earth that has been compacted and shaped by both ocean and weather. The Red Rocks offers an unbeatable view of some of the neighboring French islands and the beautiful north-east coast of Dominica. No wonder they are always rated as one of the best things to do in Dominica.

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #9: Have Lunch or Dinner at Toucari Bay

Toucari Bay is by far one of my favorite places to spend time with and have lunch when in Dominica. There is something about the Toucari village that I haven’t found in any other community on island: an uncanny level of peace, easy-going flow, as if everything really, is alright. I love spending time at Toucari. Additionally, when you add this spot on your Dominica vacation travel itinerary, you will get to appreciate some of the best northern views of the island, guarantee.

A visit to Toucari Bay would not be complete without a spot at the legendary Keeping it Real” restaurant: they have one of the best lobster meals that I have had in Dominica. I can almost guarantee that you will fall in love with it too, when you visit. Beyond their marvelous and delectable grilled lobster, I also recommend the fish, chicken and pork ribs meals. Every single time I have gone there, I have tried something different and the food is consistently good. This is definitely one of the best, locally owned restaurants to eat at in Dominica. Go there, and you will thank me later.

Dominica Vacation Bucket List Experience #1: Visit Scottshead

Spending time in Scottshead Dominica is like spending time at a historical site with unmatchable nature views. There are many beautiful spots in Dominica (with many other black sand beaches in Dominica), but… the viewpoints in Scotts Head are unlike any other on the island, and you have to stop there during your Dominica vacation. You will also get the chance to stand between the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic ocean: how cool is that? Tell me where else in the world you can do this: I would happily travel to that place and experience it too.

There you have it! My top 10 bucket list adventures recommendations when visiting Dominica. Bucket lists are definitely one of the ways to make your travels more memorable and unique.

Tell me: which one will you try on your next trip? I would love to know!

Adventurously,

Clem