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17 Things To Know Before Visiting Dominica: Travel Tips For A Hassle Free Holiday

From when to visit and how much things cost, to a few island surprises, these Dominica travel tips will help you plan your trip to this special Caribbean island.

Dominica might be known universally as the nature island, but I’d describe it as the island of surprises. Surprising landscapes, surprising activities and… surprising prices! This is a Caribbean island, but not like the others you know.

White sandy beaches? Nope Luxury hotels? Not really…. Honeymoon destination? Nope – well, actually yes, but only if you’re an adventurous couple! Expensive prices? Nope

If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend reading my guide to the best things to do in Dominica , which gives you the lowdown on the island’s attractions and beauty spots. But first, scroll on to read a few Dominica travel tips to make your first trip to the island totally hassle free!

17 Things To Know Before Visiting Dominica

Don’t expect to laze on the beach… although you can .

While Dominica has plenty of lovely beaches, due to it’s volcanic origins, the majority of the island’s beaches have black, brown and silver sand. They’re still very pretty, with palm trees and clear, Caribbean waters, but perhaps a little different to the Caribbean postcard you have in your minds.

Instead, hike into the mountains, go whale watching , visit the island’s waterfalls, take a dip in the Emerald Pool and learn to cook Caribbean cuisine – the options are endless, so you’ll never be bored!

READ MORE: Top things to do in Dominica, Caribbean

Dominica is NOT the Dominican Republic. Not even close! 

I feel like an idiot for writing this, but when I told people I was visiting Dominica, they thought I meant the Dominican Republic… or that Dominica was the capital of the DR! Nope, they’re completely different islands, with different cultures, landscapes and reasons to visit. Make sure you book a flight to the right place!

Dominica is known as the nature island

As we landed in Dominica, I could see exactly why it’s known as the nature island! With lush rainforests, incredible volcanic landscapes and rugged bays, it looked wild – like a little Jurassic Park! There are nine volcanoes, 365 rivers, 18 named waterfalls and one boiling lake (the second largest in the world after Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand). If you love adventures, this is the island for you.

Dominica is one of the cheaper Caribbean islands

First up, I’ll admit I’ve always found the Caribbean an expensive part of the world to travel around, especially compared to regions like South East Asia and Eastern Europe. Despite having amazing ingredients on the doorstep, a lot of items still have to be imported. Plus, once you’re on the islands, you become a captured market. Particularly on smaller islands, there aren’t many tour companies, so the ones that exist set the price they want, and that’s what you pay.

That being said, I found Dominica to be cheaper than most Caribbean islands I’ve visited (Barbados, Antigua, St Kitts, Cuba, St Martin). Here’s a quick rundown of the prices…

How much do things cost in Dominica? 

Main course in a nice restaurant: $12 USD (33 ECD / £9.80) Whale watching tour: $69 USD (186 ECD / £55) Two tank scuba dive: $108 USD (293 ECD / £87) Half day island tour:  $45 USD (121 ECD / £36) Car rental (per day): $50 USD (135 ECD / £40) Taxi from Douglas-Charles Airport (Dominica Airport) to Roseau: $30 USD (81 ECD / £24) Room (sleeping 3) at Picard Beach Cottages: $103 USD (278 ECD / £83) Hostel dorm (at Fort Shirley): $15 (40 ECD / £12) 

Also, there’s a great value pass you can buy if you plan to visit multiple attractions in a week. About that…

It’s CHEAP to visit Dominica’s attractions, yes really! 

Continuing the budget theme here (and a great Dominica travel tip for you!!) you can visit most of Dominica’s natural wonders for just $12 USD (33 ECD / £9.50). The special tourist site pass gives you entry to Trafalgar Falls, Cabrits National Park, Emerald Pool, Middleham Falls, Soufriere Sulphur Springs, Boiling Lake and Morne Trois Pitons Trail just to name a few!

There’s now a luxury hotel in Dominica!

Dominica has never been associated with luxury holidays. Most people visit because they love the great outdoors. They want to go hiking, diving and explore the abundant nature of the island. Those travellers aren’t usually in need of a personal butler or swim up bar, and are happy in a more rustic hotel.

All that has now changed with the opening of Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica , just north of Portsmouth (which opened in 2019). I passed it one day, and saw the vast resort being constructed. It’s in a beautiful location, close to Cabrits National Park, in its own sheltered bay. Rumour has it, the presidential suite is around $15,000 a night – no doubt attracting a luxurious style of traveller to the island.

Just a few minutes away (and also under construction during my visit) was Cabrits Hotel Resort and Spa, which has been financed by the Kingdom of Morocco as a gift to Dominica. It’s in another lovely location, with a beautiful view over Portsmouth. 

Don’t believe what you read – Hurricane Maria hasn’t destroyed this beautiful island

Dominica hit the headlines after category 5 Hurricane Maria swept over the island in September 2017. It was regarded as the worst natural disaster on record for the islands in the region. I was actually supposed to visit in October 2017, but the trip was cancelled to allow the island time to recover. And you know what? It has. Lots of people told us that they learned lessons about construction in the aftermath of the hurricane. It was also an important time to look at the island’s economy and industries. With a combination of positivity and hard work, the island has bounced back.

During my visit in July 2019 some evidence remained, but all major attractions were open, cruise ship schedules were back to normal, and Dominica was definitely ready to welcome tourism again.

There are no direct flights from the UK or US to Dominica  

Don’t worry though – it’s a very simple journey! If you’re visiting from the UK, you’ll need to fly to Antigua (with Virgin or British Airways) and then catch a LIAT flight over to Dominica. The flight from Antigua to Dominica only takes 30 minutes, and on a clear day, the views are amazing. The quickest routes I found from London were around 12 hours (including the transfer). Plus, you don’t need a visa to visit!

You’re guaranteed to see the Queen in Dominica… seriously!

Yes, you’ll spot a very young Queen Elizabeth II on the Eastern Caribbean Dollars – the main currency used on the island. 

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is used in: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

It’s worth downloading an app like XE Currency to convert currency on the go, but as a guide: 1 USD = 2.70 ECD = £0.80 While not exact, I spent the week dividing the ECD amount by 3 to work out the rough cost in £.

English is the principal language in Dominica

It’s the official language of the island, but you might hear a little Creole spoken too. 

Sadly, much of the indigenous Kalinago language has been lost, but there are efforts by the Kalinago people to preserve it, and you’ll occasionally hear ‘Mabrika!’ (welcome) when you meet someone. 

You could use Dominica as a base to explore the Windward and Leeward Islands in the West Indies

The ferry port in Roseau has regular ferries which connect Dominica with its neighbouring islands. You can reach Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Lucia in just a few hours. There’s more info on the ferry website , including timetables and prices. Often it’s cheaper to travel by ferry than to fly, and by the time you’ve travelled to the airport, you might actually find it quicker going by boat.  

Peak cruise season in Dominica runs from October to May

The big cruise shops visit Dominica from the autumn to spring / summer, docking in Roseau. Carnival, Princess, Silversea, Celebrity, Cunard, Azamara and Royal Caribbean all sail there, spending one day on the island. If possible, I’d recommend visiting out of season, as I did. Rather than fighting the crowds at beauty spots like Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pool, you could have them all to yourself!

Dominica has an incredible hiking trail going all the way across the island

The Waitukubuli National Trail is a 114-mile hiking trail which guides you through many of the island’s most impressive landscapes. If you were to hike the entire trail from Scotts Head in the south to Capuchin in the north you’d pass through Kalinago villages (where the indigenous people live), up volcanoes, past waterfalls, cross several rivers and more. It’s worth noting that a few parts of the trail are still closed after the effects of Hurricane Maria.

Dominica is the whale watching capital of the Caribbean

If you’re visiting the island, you have to book a whale watching tour . Over 20 species have been spotted in the waters around the island, but the big draw is the pod of sperm whales. There are said to be around 300 in total, and Dominica is the only country in the world where they can be spotted all year round. 

READ MORE: Whale Watching In Dominica

Everybody knows everybody in Dominica

I’m writing this with a smile on my face, as some of my happiest memories from my time on the island are from spending time with the locals. We had some great drivers who took us to see some of the main attractions, and they seemed to know everyone!

They’d stop to say something out of the window, honk the car horn to get a friend’s attention and shake hands with people left, right and centre! It was lovely to see how close knit the island’s community is. As we headed up to a cookery class in the hills, we passed a car, and our driver mentioned the person driving was his old secondary school teacher!    

In general I found people to be friendly and welcoming. They were passionate about their home and keen to share their stories. This left me with a real feeling of warmth towards the island.

Dominica’s water is safe to drink

I always look up whether the water is safe to drink in advance and I’m SO relieved when it is. Dominica’s water is safe to drink, however some people don’t like the taste. Bottled water is available everywhere, and most restaurants will offer you the option of a proper bottle or a glass of water, which is usually filtered tap water.

Dominica is very different to Antigua

These two islands are just a 30 minute flight apart, but couldn’t be more different!

Antigua has 365 beaches (one for every day of the year) while Dominica has 365 rivers. Antigua is famed for its white sands, while Dominica’s beaches are silver and black. Antigua is relatively flat while Dominica is volcanic and mountainous. Antigua attracts families and couples wanting to relax, while Dominica attracts adventurers and nature lovers.

Rather than pick one or the other, I’d recommend a multi-stop holiday with four days in Antigua followed by four days in Dominica. You’ll get the best of both!

I hope you’ve found my guide to Dominica travel tips helpful. If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments below.

Don’t forget to check out my other Dominica travel blogs: Top Things To Do In Dominica Whale Watching In Dominica

I was invited to explore the island by Discover Dominica , but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

6 thoughts on “17 Things To Know Before Visiting Dominica: Travel Tips For A Hassle Free Holiday”

hello! Thanks for the write up. Just started exploring hte idea of Dominica and knew nothing about it until now. Would love to be able to converse via email with you with questions i may have along the way.

Hi Collin – of course. Feel free to email me if you have any more Qs. I’d be happy to help!

What time of the year do you like to go to Dominica? We like to go off season and avoid crowds and cruise ships. But hurricane season doesn’t sound good either.

Hi Pat, I visited in July. It’s probably not peak time to visit but we had great weather and a lovely trip. I’ve travelled to that part of the world during hurricane season and never had an issue. Obviously, you can’t rely on it, but often the weather is fine still, just a few showers etc. I hope that helps. It’s the most wonderful island – definitely recommend!

There appears to be a direct flight from Miami to Dominica now! Dominica sounds lovely… I’ve added it to my short list and must get there someday soon!! Thanks for the tips.

Oh that’s amazing news! I hope you get the chance to visit!

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Map of Dominica — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Dominica, Caribbean for travelers! Check out Dominica’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Dominica? See our Dominica Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Dominica. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Dominica map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Dominica by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 14 attractions in Dominica

Trafalgar falls, batibou beach.

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Kalinago Barana Aute

Boiling lake, middleham falls dominica, titou gorge, emerald pool, papillote tropical gardens, screw's sulfur spas, fort shirley, ti kwen glo cho, valley of desolation, morne bruce, dominica botanical gardens, top 10 restaurants in dominica, old stone grill and bar.

Palisades Restaurant

Pearl's cuisine, poz' restaurant & bar calibishie, madiba beach café, petit paris restaurant & bar, islet view restaurant & bar, river rock cafe and bar, pagua bay bar & grill, riverside café, transportation in dominica, nearby airports, douglas-charles airport, pointe-à-pitre international airport, martinique aimé césaire international airport, highways and major roads.

• E.O. Leblanc Highway
• Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway
• Independence Street
• Bath Estate Road
• Canefield Estate Road
• La Plaine Highway
• Grand Bay Highway
• Portsmouth Road

Top searches in Dominica

Explore nearby places.

• Saint Joseph
• Morne Trois Pitons National Park
• Wotten Waven
• Cabrits National Park
• Scotts Head
• Grand Bourg
• Saint Louis
• Grand'Riviere
• Trois Rivieres
• Basse-Pointe
• Capesterre-Belle-Eau
• Basse-Terre

All related maps of Dominica

• Map of Giraudel
• Map of Mero
• Map of Salisbury
• Map of Saint Joseph
• Map of Morne Trois Pitons National Park
• Map of Canefield
• Map of Wotten Waven
• Map of La Plaine
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• Map of Roseau
• Map of Hampstead
• Map of Portsmouth
• Map of Delices
• Map of Cabrits National Park
• Map of Toucari
• Map of Berekua
• Map of Soufriere
• Map of Scotts Head
• Map of Grand Bourg
• Map of Capesterre
• Map of Saint Louis
• Map of Grand'Riviere
• Map of Trois Rivieres
• Map of Macouba
• Map of Vieux-Fort
• Map of Basse-Pointe
• Map of Gourbeyre
• Map of Capesterre-Belle-Eau
• Map of Basse-Terre

Dominica throughout the year

• Dominica in January
• Dominica in February
• Dominica in March
• Dominica in April
• Dominica in May
• Dominica in June
• Dominica in July
• Dominica in August
• Dominica in September
• Dominica in October
• Dominica in November
• Dominica in December

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A first-time guide to Dominica

Oct 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Wild nature – not beaches – is the main attraction in the Caribbean island of Dominica. Joseph Thomas Photography/Shutterstock

Dominica is one of the few Caribbean islands where the beach is the least captivating attraction. 

The real reason to visit this tropical paradise? Natural outdoor experiences, which abound here.  Blanketed in emerald vegetation and liberally sprinkled with hot springs, waterfalls, gorges, volcanoes and black sand, Dominica lets you get up close to nature at its most unspoiled and idyllic.

After all, in what other place would you find 365 rivers?

When should I go to Dominica?

The so-called Nature Island consists of 290 sq miles (751 sq km) of dense rainforests, deep gorges, towering mountains and natural hot springs – which add up to an optimal playground for ecotourists and adventurers. 

Such rugged terrain unlocks year-round opportunities for exploration . When you go depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for. As on most Caribbean islands, there’s really never a bad time to visit.

Dominica has two primary seasons: the dry season, which runs from December to May; and the wet (rainy) season, from June to November. The wet season is also hurricane season, so expect intermittent showers and potentially stormy weather.

(Category 5 Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017). Barring a steady downpour, the rainy season typically allows for outdoor activities, too.

Dominica is blessed with warm waters all year round, perfect for exploring the island’s abundant marine life by scuba diving or snorkeling. If hiking is your vibe, the dry season is your time to shine; just be sure to head out early before the blazing midday temperatures set in.

If cultural exploration is more your speed, consider a getaway during Carnival , known locally as “Mas Dominik.” This colorful celebration takes place in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday, usually in February or early March. Another staple on the calendar is the World Creole Music Festival in October, which pays homage to marvelous, indigenous Dominican music, and features other popular genres.

How much time should I spend in Dominica?

Dominica is the perfect getaway if you’re searching for relaxation and renewal. Visitors should stay for a week or longer to make the most of their time on the island and let their stress truly go. 

Is it easy to get in and around Dominica?

American Airlines provides daily direct service from its Miami hub, from which flights reach cities throughout the USA and the world.

Douglas-Charles (formerly Melville Hall Airport) is the larger of Dominica’s two airports, and lies a little over an hour’s drive from the capital of Roseau. Canefield Airport, which has propeller-plane service to other Caribbean islands, is 15 minutes from the capital. Visitors can also get to the island via the Express des Îles ferry service from Guadeloupe , Martinique and St Lucia . 

Upon your arrival, you’ll have multiple options for navigating the island. Taxis are stationed outside both airports and at various spots around the capital. Privately owned minibuses – denoted by the letter “H” – ply several routes across the island.

You can flag one down by the roadside, depending on the area (fares start as low as EC$1.50 / US$.50). There is also the option of renting a vehicle, which you’ll need to purchase a permit for EC$30 (US$11) to do.

Top things to do in Dominica 

Take a (very) long walk across the island 

It’s possible to hike across the entire island along the Waitukubuli National Trail. This path is unique among Caribbean long-distance hiking routes – it’s the longest in the region – and extends an incredible 115 miles (185km) from tip to tip, starting in the southern village of Scotts Head and terminating at Cabrits National Park in the north.

Waitukubuli (the Indigenous Kalinago word for Dominica) weaves through thick rainforests and thunderous waterfalls like Trafalgar , with plenty of stops in thriving local communities along the way.

It’s an admittedly arduous trek, and hiking the entire trail will require a two-week commitment. Yet since it’s strategically chopped into 14 segments, you can pick your adventure based on time and level of difficulty.

Some sections are perfect for a family stroll, while others are more demanding and suitable for only seasoned explorers. If you’re up for the full challenge, it’s a truly immersive experience, one that gets you to the core of Dominican culture.

Decompress at one of the island’s natural spas

A tiny village tucked away in the Roseau Valley, Wotten Waven boasts a concentration of natural spas. While they are on the rustic side, these open-air havens might be just what you need to decompress. 

Tikwen Glocho (literally “little corner of hot water”) is a garden sanctuary with adjacent cool springs and a collection of enormous stone pools brimming with therapeutic thermal waters in which you can take a soak to ease your tension. At Tia’s Hot Spa , you’ll find three large outdoor pools and two private pools encased in bamboo huts.

Screw’s Spa , perched on the outskirts of Wotten Waven, is a scenic retreat overlooking a river. The spa features several pools of varying depths and temperatures connected by cascading man-made waterfalls.

Float along the most famous of Dominica’s 365 rivers 

Gliding down Dominica’s Indian River, the island’s most famous, is a peaceful way to absorb and appreciate the island’s seemingly untouched beauty.

The wildlife-laden route is fringed by thick greenery and shaded by a loose canopy of towering mangroves, while the twisted roots of bwa mang trees wrap around the swampy riverbank. 

Moviegoers may recognize Tia Dalma’s Shack, a popular stop on the trip, from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Don’t miss the signature Dynamite, a potent concoction of local cask rum, gooseberry, passionfruit, lime and guineps. 

Uncover Dominica’s wild side at Morne Trois Pitons

In Morne Trois Pitons National Park , marvel at the striking Boiling Lake, which began as a volcanic crater and today is one of the world’s largest extra-hot bodies of water. 

In the nearby, vividly named Valley of Desolation, bubbling fumaroles, steaming vents and hot springs make for an almost post-apocalyptic scene. Hikers exploring the area will also come across Ti Tou Gorge , a sliver of a canyon filled with gin-clear water. 

And towering over it all is the park’s centerpiece, the imposing 4403ft (1342m) Morne Trois Pitons, whose summit unveils unfettered views of neighboring Morne Micotrin, Morne Watt and Morne Anglais.

My favorite thing to do in Dominica 

Dominica has an untamed, raw quality that suggests how the place will stay itself even as visitors start catching on . This aura is reflected in my favorite Dominican event, the World Creole Music Festival, a three-day party that celebrates the island’s sensational music. 

I grew up obsessed with the WCK Band, a legend of Bouyon music and Dominican culture. My body still moves involuntarily when ” Band Wagon Train ,” “ Balance Batty “ or ” Met Veye ” catches my ear. And to witness a performance in Dominica at WCMF? Electric. 

How much money do I need for Dominica?

Tourists from the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe can take advantage of a favorable currency-exchange rate when they convert their money to Eastern Caribbean dollars.

Accommodations: EC$270–540 (US$100–200) per night

Restaurants: EC$30–200 (US$11–74)

Public transportation: EC$1.50–12.50 (US$.50–4.50)

Private taxi service: EC$80–250 (US$30–92)

Glass of rum punch: EC$12–20 (US$4.50–7.50)

Cup of coffee or cocoa tea: EC$5.40–13.50 (US$2–5)

More tips for enjoying Dominica

Wear dark swimsuits in hot waters

If you’re visiting a sulfur spring, remember that light swimming suits and trunks will easily stain. It’s also wise to remove your jewelry before entering the pool to avoid damaging the metal. 

Carry cash 

Some businesses don’t accept credit or debit cards, and it is unlikely that any will accept Apple Pay. So it’s always advisable to carry some cash – either local EC or US dollars – to ensure smooth transactions, especially at smaller establishments. 

Hire a guide to get the most out of your nature excursions

Some segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail are more difficult and dangerous than others. Hire a knowledgeable guide – you can contact the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division for recommendations – and don’t attempt the hike alone.

Depending on your selected segment, you might also need a hiking pass, which can also be purchased through the forestry agency. As an extra safety precaution, inform representatives at your accommodation of your hiking plans before you set out. 

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