Original post date: Aug 12, 2019

Updated: Oct 11, 2024

Things to do in Dominica include exploring the island’s breathtaking waterfalls, eating some of the best dishes you might have ever had and diving into a culture that is so rich that you would never want your trip to end! If you’re a fan of sun, beaches, cocktails, natural wonders and parties, then you should come to Dominica! The rumors are true: the island never sleeps. Better yet – the island excitement tends to magnify during the summer. Locals come back home, and they bring friends along with them. The sand is warm, the beaches call: you can’t afford to miss a day. 

Whether you are exploring Dominica during the winter, spring, summer of fall, here is my list of recommendations of the best things to do in Dominica for your next trip!

Things to do in Dominica 1: Go Scuba Diving

Dominica is the best Caribbean islands for scuba diving. The island’s uncanny geography and peculiar landscape makes it the number one destination for scuba divers in the Caribbean. From plunging seawalls to mesmerizing and colorful coral reefs, scuba diving in Dominica is a feast for the eyes and the diver’s soul. Because of the island’s volcanic activity, underwater volcanoes create an enchanting experience, like what you experience at Champagne beach. This is easily one of the best things to do in Dominica for both visitors and locals. And for locals who can swim, this is truly something you should do at least once in your life. Dive Dominica is the place to go for more information on the best diving sites on the island. They also give recommendations on the safest companies to work with. 

PS: If you’re courageous enough, you might get the chance to swim with the turtles (unless they out swim you!)

Best Thing to do in Dominica 2: Enjoy a staycation

If you did not make any plans to travel out of the island for the summer, a Dominica staycation is definitely one of the best things to do in Dominica. Several local boutique and luxury hotels have packages that can make staycations more affordable for all locals. This means only one thing: you have every reason to jump on these amazing deals! Whether you want to get out of the city on a budget or celebrate a birthday with friends at a local resort, the staycation deals are really one of the best things to do in Dominica this summer!

Things to do in Dominica 3: Take a trip to the Indian River

The indian river was previously used by the Kalinagos for commercial exchange across different regions of the island. Today, it is one of the top rated tourist attractions in Dominica and one of the best things to do in Dominica. Paddle on the banks of this historical and mesmerizing river. Marvel at the diverse flora of the island. Discover where the names of some of the island’s regions came from (eg. Roseau).

Your tour is not complete until you’ve tasted the famous dynamite punch from Cobra’s bar and hang out spot! This is where the river tour stops briefly before taking you back to the boarding wharf.

Best Thing to do in Dominica 4: Marvel at 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.

Things to do in Dominica 5: Get splashed at one of the waterfalls

One of the best things to do in Dominica is, exploring the majestic waterfalls. In fact, if you go to Dominica and don’t make a stop at one of the island’s beautiful waterfalls, have 威而鋼 you even been? (Smile). Accessing the waterfalls usually requires a small hike, and there are so many options available based on your level of fitness (5-min walk to 30-45 min walk). Whether you go to Trafalgar Falls, Victoria Falls, Spanny Falls, Jacko Falls or Middleham Falls, you’re in for a memorable and “refreshing” adventure! But I’ve got to warn you: you will 100% FALL in love!

Best Things to do in Dominica 6: Take a cold bath at Titou 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 and one of the best things to do on the island for those who don’t want to get too far away from the city.

Things to do in Dominica 7: Explore Chaudiere Pool

Located in the vicinity of the Hampstead river, the Chaudiere Pool is an excellent day trip activity if you’re spending the night at the Atlantique View Resort. This is also the perfect escape for a hot summer, and it requires a small 45-min hike to get there. But the experience is definitely worth the effort! PS: several reviews and tourists consider it to be one of the best things to do in Dominica, and one of  the best swimming waterfalls in Dominica.

Best Things to do in Dominica 8: Devour Lobster at The Lobster Palace

Your Caribbean summer would simply not be complete without you devouring a lobster/crab delicacy. There are a few choices of restaurants that serve great lobster around the island, but I think I have discovered my personal favourites!

The locally owned restaurant Keepin’ it real in Toucarie Bay takes the cake. Next, you also have the Lobster Palace at the Sunset Bay (Salisbury, Dominica) and the Riverside Restaurant in Portsmouth. 

Things to do in Dominica 9: Take a day trip at one of the black sand beaches

“I am tired of going to the beach”, said no one ever! If you’re wondering why international tourists are flocking to the Caribbean during the summer season every year, it’s because of the gorgeous beaches! The black sand beaches in Dominica are one of the top tourist attractions in Dominica, and always a crowd favorite! Of all the parts of the world where I have been to, Caribbean beaches are unique in their own way.

Dominica is one of the few Caribbean islands with black sand beaches. This is because the island has a history of volcanic activity. There are countless beaches on the island, and you can literally pick one for every summer weekend! My favorites are Mero Beach, Purple Turtle Beach and Champagne Beach (named as such because deep down, the water has a “champagne bubble” appearance that results from the dormant volcanic activity). Lazing on the beach (or well… swimming) is definitely one of the best things to do in Dominica especially when you visit in the summer or the winter, so make sure you add this to your itinerary. 

Best things to do in Dominica 10: Take a tour of the only chocolate factory on island

Located in the scenic village of Calibishie, the Pointe Baptiste chocolate factory is a unique gem of the nature isle. This chocolate factory was founded by Alan Napier, a self-taught chocolatier originating from the United Kingdom. The tour can be a fun adventure for the curious (and hungry) minds. Discover the different steps to create chocolate, including drying, condensing and mixing of the cocoa beans. While you’re there, you can delight in exciting local flavors of chocolate such as mango, peppermint or tangerine (my favourite!) This is a pretty unique experience on the nature isle, and has been ranked as one of the best things to do in Dominica by many tourists and visitors. 

Things to do in Dominica 11: Go on a River Tubing Tour

Rivertubing is one of the best things to do in Dominica if you love water adventures. Several companies offer river tubing on the island. You can book your adventure either solo, as a couple or as a group. But before picking your group, make sure your adventure buddies don’t mind getting wet!

Best Things to do in Dominica 12: Experience Whale Watching

The world’s largest predator is the revolutionary Sperm Whale, and it lives in Dominica. According to science, over 300 whales still feed on the nature isle.  

But if you’re new to this field or just looking for light adventures, there are several opportunities for you to go on a Whale and Dolphin Watching trip. For 65 EC/person (approximately 25 USD), you can enjoy a relaxing and memorable whale watching tour at the Fort Young Hotel,  on a boat, for 3-4 hours, solo or with loved ones. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Dominica if you’re into water adventures and marine life watching!

Best Things to do in Dominica 13: Go Horseback Riding

On the beach, in the rainforest or at Dominica’s top national parks, Horseback Riding in Dominica is definitely an activity to include in your Dominica summer bucketlist. For locals and visitors alike, there is no better way to experience the underrated beauty of the north side of the island. Through an excursion in the lush green rainforest, you get a face-to-face encounter with the island’s flowers and fruit trees. On the beach, you get to enjoy a romantic ride with your loved one, and swim with your horse in the pristine St Rupert’s Bay. Riding through the Cabrits National park, you get to rediscover history. Regardless of the itinerary you choose, it’s a win-win, if you ask me. You can book your horseback riding experience with Rainforest Riding. 

Things to do in Dominica 14: Venture on the Waitukubuli National Trail

The Waitukubuli National Trail is a historical pathway. The indigenous population used it to travel the island for trade, business and exchange. It covers 114 miles of land. This scenic hike around the island takes you along coastal villages, up woodland hills, into lush rainforest, past waterfalls, down to rivers, back up to the mountains and then down again to the sea. The trail is divided into 15 segments, and all of them (except for segments 2, 8 and 9) have been made accessible again following Hurricane Maria. Now would be the perfect time to conquer one of the trail’s segments and embark on one of the most picturesque hikes of your life! Totally worth it and one of the best things to do in Dominica for those who love challenging hikes in the outdoors!

15. Attend Summer fetes, parties and festivals

When you live in the Caribbean, there is always a reason to celebrate! This is one of the things that I learned about living in Dominica. It is one of the life lessons I am forever grateful for. If you’re visiting the island this summer and are looking for things to do in Dominica, make time for a “fete” (party). Make sure you follow the page Dominica Events to stay in the know about all parties happening in Dominica.

Come rejoice with the crowds! Put on your dancing shoes (or rather, take them off), and let go of your troubles for a day! I promise you, you will be making memories that will last a lifetime! 

Things to Know Before Planning Your Trip to Dominica

Getting to Dominica, The Caribbean: you can get to Dominica either by flying, or using a connecting ferry from neighboring islands. Most airlines that fly to Dominica serve the Caribbean region. If you are coming from Europe, Africa, Asia or the Americas and want to get cheap flights to Dominica, you will need to make a stopover in another island (Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, etc.) If you are coming from the Caribbean, you can easily get direct flights to Dominica. Ferry companies also provide connections with neighboring islands.

Best time to visit Dominica, The Caribbean: there are so many things to do in Dominica all year round, so every day is a good day to visit the Nature isle! But if you’re looking for specific activities happening on island, make sure you check out my Dominica Travel Guide which highlight essential information you need to have for your trip to Dominica. Nonetheless, here are the best recommendations for the best time to travel to Dominica: 

• February – March: Carnival Season
• May – June: Jazz and Creole Season
• July : Dominica Dive Festival 
• September – November: Dominica Independence Season (during this season, the World Creole Music Festival is also held, at the end of October)
• December: Christmas season

Dominica Weather: in general, the weather in Dominica is sunny all year long. Just like any other Caribbean island, Dominica is prone to hurricanes. The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November. 

Dominica Currency: Dominica currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. This currency is used in the 7 islands which are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These include: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and Montserrat. 1 USD = 2.67 XCD approximately.

Dominica Language: English and Creole French (Antillais Creole/Dominican Creole) are the official languages in Dominica.

Now that you know one of the best Dominica accommodation options to stay for an eco-conscious Caribbean vacation, you definitely need to check out my bucketlist experiences for summer travel when you visit Dominica!