Original Post Date: Aug 2, 2021

Looking for things to do in Dominica in Soufriere? Search no more! This blog post will give you a comprehensive rundown of all the best things to do in Dominica in Soufriere for your next visit. 

 

On my quest to find “things to do in Dominica this summer”, I decided to add Soufrière to my bucket list. Generally, when we think ofSoufrière Dominica, we think of “diving”. And that is both a good and a bad thing. For those who are into diving, theSoufrière Bay is the G-spot (G for golden). But for those who are not, they automatically “write off” Soufrière from their list as it seems like a village that might not have something to offer to them. But I firmly believe that there is something that makes every village in Dominica unique, and we only have to… find it. In Soufriere, it’s diving … but there is a lot more! 

So, hang in there, as I reveal to you my list of top things to do in Dominica in Soufrière during your visit! But first…

What does Soufrière mean? (A little bit of history)

Dominica has a dual francophone and anglophone heritage, and the names of various places and villages tend to reflect that. As a French and English speaker, it’s always exciting for me to try to figure out what each name means, and naturally … What is the history behind it!

Etymologically, “Soufrière” refers to a place where natural sulfur can be collected, usually on the slopes of a volcano. By translation, “Soufrière” means “soufre dans l’air” in French, which in English, translates to “Sulphur in the air. The same name was given by the French to similar communities in other caribbean islands where there was volcanic activity following which sulphur deposits could be found on land. For instance, in addition to Dominica, other islands with a “Soufrière” region or volcano include:

• St Vincent and the Grenadines – La Soufrière Volcano which recently erupted,
• Guadeloupe  – La Grande Soufrière, also known as “vyé madanm la” (“The Old Lady”)
• St Lucia – The Soufrière community is a highly touristic site, which is in part due to its close proximity with the Gros Piton and Petit Piton (St Lucia’s emblems),
• Montserrat – The Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat last erupted in 1997, a legendary eruption that destroyed the then capital (Plymouth), now a ghostcity,
• Haiti – La Soufriere is also a community on the island,
• Reunion – a small dolomite crater volcano also exists in Reunion island, in the St Rose community.

Because of the volcanic activity associated with the region, one of the best things to do in Dominica in Soufrière revolves around the perks of having such a volcano. So… what exactly can you do during your stay in Soufriere?

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #1: Swim at Bubble Beach 

Bubble Beach in Soufrière is one of the most exciting things to do in Dominica. Its name comes from the fact that looking up close while in the water, you can see real bubbles under you. They emanate from the underwater volcanic activity. As I dove into the And I said to myself. What an amazing island Dominica truly is!

 

#2: Take a Dip at the Sulphur Springs 

The Sulphur Springs in Soufrière used to be a great tourist attraction years ago. Since Hurricane Maria, the area has changed a lot compared to what people used to know. Nonetheless, the springs are still accessible, and you can still take a dip during your visit!

 

Clem’s tips: 

• Go early in the morning. 
• Wear long pants and shirts that cover your body, you might encounter some prickly bush on the way. Also wear comfortable hiking/tennis shoes with a grip. There are a handful of stones to climb. 
• Carry a backpack that includes your change of clothes, towel, sunscreen and umbrella (in case it rains on the way. Yes, you can shelter under the trees, but if you have an umbrella, it helps too!) 
• Finally, go with someone who knows the area and the village – otherwise, you will get lost. During my visit, I was staying at the Soufrière Guest House, and the owner (Wes) took us there. It truly was a memorable morning adventure!

 

 

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #3: Take a Free Diving Class

Locally, people mostly go to Soufriere for diving. In fact, the Soufrière Bay is the best diving spot in Dominica, and probably in the world. So much so that international athletes travel from around the world to train here (speaking of treasure chests in your backyard). I didn’t know about this before, I had to see this for myself. During my stay at the Soufriere Guesthouse, I had the pleasure to meet and chat with Sofía Gómez, professional free diver and 3-times World Record Holder.

She was training for her upcoming diving competition, and kindly spared some time to tell me more about what she loves about the Soufriere bay for free diving, as well as how she moved from being a civil engineer to a freediver (speaking of the freedom to live life in your own terms, this was a juicy talk!). She also gave me some tips on the best things to do in Columbia (her home country), and I surely made a list for an upcoming trip soon! (you’re coming? *wink*)

Sofia has free dived in different countries around the world: Colombia, Venezuela, Turkey, the Bahamas, Honduras, Mexico and Indonesia, and she stated that the Soufriere Bay is the best diving site where she has trained.  She also now owns a free diving school (based in Soufriere), called Blue Element, where you can learn to dive (as a beginner) or train (as a professional).  

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #4: Explore the Dive Shop

While in Soufriere, you must make a stop at the Soufriere Dive Shop. It is owned and ran by Simon Walsh and his team at Nature Island Dive. The Dive Shop was an educative and entertaining highlight of my stay in Soufriere. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the conservation work they are doing there: from reducing the lionfish population in Dominica’s sea waters, to surveying and assessing Dominica’s marine corals for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Dominica especially if you are into eco-travel and sustainability.

Ok, let me explain.

 

During my visit at the Nature Island Dive, I learned more about the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease that is currently affecting coral reefs around the world, including the Caribbean. It affects 20+ species of corals in the marine world, and can be transmitted via direct contact and water circulation. According to the Reef Resilience Network, “While diseases are not uncommon on coral reefs, SCTLD poses a particularly significant threat to Caribbean reefs because of its large geographic range, extended duration, high rates of mortality, and large number of coral species affected.” Coral reefs are important because they protect coastlines from storms and erosion, serve as food and shelter for some marine species, and also contribute to the marine ecosystem. So if they disappear, all this could be lost. 

Simon and his team (Nature Island Dive) are currently working to survey and assess the extent of this disease in Dominica. You can contact them to find out more about their work and support it (either book an educational tour, or sign up for one of their classes. The proceeds go towards building capacity and getting resources needed for their work). 

I also learned that the LionFish is a predatory fish species that preys on other fishes in the sea and ocean. For humans, their poisonous venom can be hazardous for fishermen and divers. Because lionfish species are predators, they can cause extinction of other fish species. And if other fish species disappear, we would have less variety of fish (to eat), but also to preserve the marine ecosystem. 

 

You can also support their work by patronizing the Dive Shop and purchasing a local souvenir – lionfish jewelry, handmade from lion fish scales! And in addition to that, you can also…

#5: Try out a Lion Fish Sandwich

This was my first time trying a Lion fish sandwich! It tasted good, and felt like I was also doing something good. The Dive Shop in Soufriere is the only place I know of to offer these sandwiches, and I’d definitely recommend it! If you know of any other place, let me know in the comments below!

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #6: Do a Staycation at the Soufriere Guesthouse

My trip to Soufriere was actually motivated by my stay at the Soufriere Guest House! I was looking for a place to stay that was nestled within the community, where I could have access to everything to do in Soufriere within a walking distance. Convenient, clean, spacious and welcoming, the Soufriere Guesthouse was everything I needed for this staycation! You can check out my Soufriere guesthouse experience here to learn more about this beautiful place. 

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #7: Kayaking at Sea

On a sunny or chill day, hop on a Kayak and head to the sea! We did an hour-long tour, exploring the …. Being at sea can be so therapeutic, and is definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Dominica. And faced with the gorgeous green views of the mountain, you can’t but take in the untainted beauty of Dominica. Kayaking at the Soufriere Bay is definitely one of my top recommendations of things to do in Dominica during this summer. But make sure you’re prepared though!

 

Clem’s tips:

• Go with a guide who knows how to kayak: during my stay at the Soufriere Guesthouse, we booked our kayaking adventure with Wes Kayak
• Wear sunscreen: it will help you avoid/reduce the risk of sunburns.
• Carry a light bottle of water: it really gets hot out there. As soon as we got back, I couldnt wait to rehydrate!
• Carry a waterproof camera: perfect if you want to capture underwater footage (photos and videos). For my out-of-water footage, I used my ……

Want to see our full kayaking experience? Subscribe to my Youtube channel to see my entire kayaking experience in Soufriere and everything I did during my stay – you don’t want to miss it!

 

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #8: Go Fishing 

I was told by locals that fishing is a must when exploring Soufriere! Grab a line, hop on a kayak with a pro, and you’re good to go! I did not go fishing this time around, because there was not enough time. But this only means one thing: I need to make a second trip to Soufriere where I could actually take part in this experience. 

 

#9: Reggae Night by Weefee

A popular bar at the Soufriere Bay, Weefee’s bar is a common hangout spot for week days and week nights. He just started “Reggae Night at the Bay”, which happens on Thursdays. Great night to just chill outside, grab a fish or chicken meal, and swing to reggae tunes until you’re ready to go home. Dress code? Casual and chill. 

Things to do in Dominica in Soufriere #10: Saturday Morning Breakfast by Joan

Now, I know every single item on this list is exciting, but you can’t leave Soufriere without having had breakfast by Joan! On Saturday mornings, everyone goes to Joan’s spot to grab their breakfast before starting the day! Sun or rain, you must get your local breakfast there on Saturday! It is THE spot to grab early morning bites, ir even better… a hearty, local breakfast that will fill your belly until noon time!

 

Her breakfast menu includes:

• Cocoa tea
• Stuffed bakes 
• Souse
• Pork stew (or any other stew available)
• Okro bakes 
• Stewed beans 
• Salad
• Local juice (sorrel, beet, passion)

 

Need I say more? I had heard about Breakfast by Joan, and had to make a stop. I was not disappointed! Moreover, if you’re staying at the Soufriere Guest House like I did during my staycation, Wes (the owner) will just take you there. My “Explore Soufriere” Vlog is coming soon and will give you serious food cravings when you see my breakfast experience by Joan. You want to subscribe to my Youtube channel to see this. You really do!

Things to do in Soufriere #11: Visit the Soufriere Church (St Marks’ Parish)

Whilst volcanoes are usually associated with destruction, in Soufriere, the volcanic activity brought life. For instance, the 18th century catholic church at the center of the village was built from volcanic stones. The church is not a traditional tourist site like churches around the world (where you can purchase a pass, enter the church and take pictures). Rather, it is a place of worship. So if you want to see the inside, plan to attend the Sunday morning mass service which starts at 10:00 AM. 

 

As you can see, there is so much to see and so many things to do in Dominica! And this is only the list of the adventures that you can do in Soufriere! Which one of these would you try before the end of the year? Let me know in the comments below: I would love to know!

 

And if you’re planning to explore the island with someone this summer, share this with them – Soufriere should definitely be on your list of places to go in Dominica!

 

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