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Planning a trip to Dominica? You’re in the right place!
We love exploring this lush Caribbean island, which is often called the “Nature Island” for its waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanic wonders. With bubbling hot springs, black-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and friendly small-town charm, Dominica feels unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. But with so many adventures to choose from, deciding what to do first can be overwhelming!
That’s why we’ve rounded up the very best experiences in Dominica. Whether you’re canyoning through jungle gorges, spotting whales offshore, snorkeling over volcanic vents, or learning to cook Creole food, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Dominica was this outdoor highlights tour. Exploring with a local guide made it easy to see multiple waterfalls, walk on a black sand beach, and relax in hot springs—truly soaking in Dominica’s beauty!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Dominica
- 1. Experience Dominica’s outdoor beauty on a canyoning adventure
- 2. Visit waterfalls, a black sand beach, and a sulphur spa
- 3. Spot whales and dolphins on a cruise
- 4. Get your adrenaline pumping on a river tubing trip
- 5. Learn how to cook Caribbean food
- 6. Snorkel at the Champagne Reef Volcano
- 7. Explore Roseau with a local guide
- 8. Explore North Dominica – Indian River, Cold Soufriere, and Fort Shirley
- 9. Discover Dominica’s best sights on a fully customizable tour
- Where to Stay in Dominica
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the Caribbean
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Dominica
1. Experience Dominica’s outdoor beauty on a canyoning adventure
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Jump into natural pools, rappel down waterfalls, swim through jungle canyons, traverse lush rainforest, and go on a guided outdoor adventure
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, safety gear (neoprene suit, harness, helmet, life jacket), snacks, coffee, and tea
- Rating: 5.0 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Canyoning in Dominica is equal parts adrenaline rush and jaw-dropping natural beauty. We had the best time, and thought it was such a great way to explore the island’s dramatic and varied scenery.
The day started with a pickup in Roseau and a short ride to the canyoning base, where we geared up and had a quick training session. Then, we drove about 15 minutes deeper into the rainforest, where the real fun began.
Soon, we were jumping into crystal clear pools, rappelling down waterfalls, and scrambling across canyon walls. I especially loved swimming through narrow gorges, carved by thousands of years of flowing water. It was surreal!
Our guides were incredible, too. They were fun, professional, and very reassuring, which makes a big difference if you’re trying canyoning for the first time. It’s so worth going with guides who know the terrain inside out and take every measure to keep you safe, but at the same time make it feel like an adventure with friends. Every challenge came with plenty of encouragement and high-fives!
At the end of the adventure, we hiked out of the gorge with bellies full of fresh fruit and cocoa tea. I felt so exhilarated and just grateful to have experienced this side of Dominica. This tour is truly unforgettable – and the hundreds of glowing reviews certainly attest to that.
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. Visit waterfalls, a black sand beach, and a sulphur spa
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am onwards
- Highlights: Visit Trafalgar Falls, relax at Wotten Waven sulphur springs, walk along a black sand beach, enjoy scenic drives through Dominica’s rainforest, small-group experience
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide, entrance fees, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever tried to plan a day in Dominica, you know how overwhelming it can be. There’s so much to see, and it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why this half-day highlights tour is our top pick for things to do in Dominica, because it lets you experience the island’s highlights efficiently, without feeling rushed or missing anything.
Pepper and his team picked us up right on time, and from the start, their energy and local knowledge set the tone for the day. We began with the Emerald Pool, a short rainforest walk that led to a stunning waterfall – just the perfect spot for a refreshing dip! Next, we drove along scenic mountain roads to Mero Beach, a dramatic black sand stretch where we relaxed, enjoyed drinks, and grabbed a quick bite at a local eatery.
Trafalgar Falls, aka “Mama and Papa Falls,” was next, with a short walk to the viewing platform that offered an unforgettable view of the twin cascades. Finally, the adventure wrapped up at Ti Kwen Glo Cho Hot Springs. The naturally heated pools and serene surroundings felt like a private oasis.
Every detail of this tour was handled for us, from tickets to drinks, so we could just relax and focus entirely on the scenery. If it’s your first time in Dominica, we think that this tour is the perfect, stress-free way to see it all.
Book this top-rated tour here before it sells out!
3. Spot whales and dolphins on a cruise
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Spot sperm, pilot, and false killer whales, see spinner, spotted, and bottlenose dolphins, small-group experience, learn about marine life from expert guides, enjoy rum punch on board
- Inclusions: Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off, professional guide, bottled water, rum punch, National Park fees, reef tax
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a nature lover, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy this whale and dolphin safari in Dominica. It’s an unforgettable experience from start to finish!
What we love about this tour is that it’s a small group experience, so there is plenty of room to move around and get unobstructed views of the whales and dolphins. The local guides are professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the marine life. They explain everything about sperm whales, pilot whales, and the various species of dolphins you might see, and they do a fantastic job of keeping the mood fun and engaging throughout the trip.
We’ve done plenty of whalewatching excursions before, and there’s nothing quite like spotting your first group of whales! Watching them glide gracefully through the water is mesmerizing, and seeing playful dolphins leap alongside the boat is a bonus.
To top it off, you will be treated to complimentary drinks, including rum punch, which makes relaxing on deck even better as you cruise along Dominica’s stunning coastline! If you’re visiting Dominica, this whale and dolphin tour is an absolute must-do. We found it totally awe-inspiring, and we’re not the only ones – check out all of the 5-star reviews here!
Ready to see some whales? Book this half-day tour here with FREE cancellation!
4. Get your adrenaline pumping on a river tubing trip
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Navigate the Layou River on a fun river tubing adventure, experience gentle floats and exciting rapids, enjoy lush tropical scenery, learn about local wildlife and river history
- Inclusions: Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off, river tubing equipment (tube, helmet, life jacket), professional guides, bottled water and refreshments
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As self-professed adrenaline junkies, we knew this river tubing safari would be epic! So if you also love a thrill, do not pass up the chance to book this tour.
The tour is designed as a shore excursion, so it’s great for cruise trip passengers, but of course, you can still book it if you’re staying on the island. Or if you have a rental car, you can just head to the port for pickup – easy peasy!
From the port, you’ll be taken on a scenic 30-minute drive through the island’s lush interior to the river launch site. Then, gear up and listen to a quick safety briefing before launching the tubes and following the guides down the Layou River. We love the mix of gentle floats and exciting rapids, and that you’ll get a chance to swim in the calm stretches of the river.
And the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, so you really couldn’t ask for a more beautiful location to go tubing! You’ll see dense tropical foliage, waterfalls in the distance, and glimpses of local wildlife.
At the end of the journey, you’ll pull your tubes onto the riverbank and enjoye complimentary rum punch and fresh local fruit while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Talk about a great way to end a tour!
If you’re visiting Dominica and love outdoor adventures, this river tubing safari is an absolute must. It’s exciting, safe, and a fantastic way to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty.
Book this exciting tubing adventure here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
5. Learn how to cook Caribbean food
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Hands-on Caribbean cooking class with a local chef, prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients, enjoy a three-course meal, learn about Dominica’s culinary culture in a scenic open-air kitchen
- Inclusions: Round-trip shared transfer from central Roseau, all cooking ingredients, three-course buffet meal, rum or fruit beverages
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Getting to know true Dominican cuisine can be tricky as a visitor. It’s all too easy to get stuck with touristy versions of local dishes and miss out on the authentic flavors! That’s why we love this Caribbean cooking class, because it’s the ultimate way to understand and get to know the real tastes of Dominica.
One of the best things about this tour is that it’s set in a beautiful, open-air kitchen up on the lush hillside above Roseau. Well, that and the fact that you’ll be learning from Chef Daria, who is so warm and patient. She and her husband, Michael, welcome guests into their kitchen and take a little tour of the garden, where so many fresh, seasonal ingredients are grown.
Then, step by step, you all prepare traditional dishes like rice and beans in coconut milk, Caribbean-style fish fillets, sweet potato and pineapple mounds, and a fresh tropical salad. Cooking alongside Daria is fun, interactive, and informative, and she makes sure that everyone got involved!
When it was time to eat, savor the three-course meal you created with your small group, accompanied by rum punch and a Caribbean dessert. It’s always so rewarding to know that you made it all yourselves!
We loved this class because it offered insight into Dominican culture and culinary traditions. For anyone who loves food, it’s the best way to experience the island like a local.
Check availability and book this small group cooking class here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Snorkel at the Champagne Reef Volcano
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Snorkel at Champagne Reef and Scotts Head Pinnacle, see volcanic underwater bubbles, explore Soufrière Bay, observe tropical fish and marine life, enjoy a scenic boat ride along Dominica’s coastline
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off within Roseau, snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, vest), professional guide, light refreshments
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Snorkeling at Champagne Reef in Dominica is an absolute must for anyone visiting the island. This tour is not just a fun activity, it’s a chance to see a truly one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon. The name stems from the fact that there are volcanic vents on the ocean floor below the reef, and thermal bubbles rise up, creating that “champagne” effect!
Honestly, floating above them feels like being in a natural Jacuzzi, and it’s made even better by the fact that schools of tropical fish were swirling around. It is truly a pinch-me moment! This combination of volcanic activity and marine life is unlike anything else in the Caribbean, so don’t miss out on the chance to see it for yourself!
You will also explore Scotts Head Pinnacle, where we saw a head-spinning amount of pelagic fish. Then, we went to Soufrière Bay to admire the rainbow-colored reefs, before getting back on the boat to enjoy some rum punch in the sunshine.
The guides are fantastic, swimming alongside and explaining the details of how Dominica’s volcanic activity shapes the reef. Honestly, this is a tour you could do over and over again – I don’t think snorkeling at Champagne Reef is something you could ever tire of!
Book this snorkeling tour here, before it sells out!
7. Explore Roseau with a local guide
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Explore Roseau Botanical Gardens, stroll through Morne Bruce historic site, learn about Dominica’s history and culture with a local guide, see native plants and tropical flowers
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 65+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Our Roseau city tour was the perfect way to get to know Dominica’s capital without worrying about missing any highlights. We were picked up right at our hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and as soon as we started, our guide Adin began sharing fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture.
The first stop was the Botanical Gardens, which was a great opportunity to see some of Dominica’s most interesting tropical plants and native flowers. The space is beautiful, and walking through it was both relaxing and educational. Next, we headed up to Morne Bruce, a lookout with stunning panoramic views of Roseau.
From there, we drove through the Roseau Valley while Adin taught us about local communities and the island’s unique geography. And of course, one of the tour’s highlights was Trafalgar Falls. Even though the hike to the twin falls is a bit steep and over uneven steps, it’s short and totally worth it. Standing at the base of the cascading waterfalls with the water roaring all around us was incredible!
Along the way, we had the chance to stop at a local fruit stand and sample fresh tropical fruits, which was such a treat. The fruit in Dominica is next-level tasty!
We loved how personalized this tour was, and how much we learned along the way. If you want to get a full appreciation for the history, beauty, and culture of Roseau, this tour is a must.
This comprehensive Roseau tour fills up fast, so book it sooner rather than later!
8. Explore North Dominica – Indian River, Cold Soufriere, and Fort Shirley
- Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Explore Indian River by boat, hike through Cold Soufriere rainforest, visit Fort Shirley and learn about its history, spot native wildlife, enjoy scenic views of Dominica’s northern coast
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, Indian River boat tour, admission to Fort Shirley, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This tour of Northern Dominica is a must for history fans! It’s a small group excursion that takes a deep dive into the island’s past, and there’s plenty of epic scenery sprinkled in along the way.
Our Northern Dominica excursion was an unforgettable way to experience the island’s history, culture, and scenery. Our first stop was Cold Soufriere, a volcanic site nestled in the Morne Aux Diables caldera. We went on a short forest hike to get there, which was actually pretty refreshing. Then, we got to see the rare cold sulphur vents up close!
Next, we explored Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park. It’s a super historic fort and as we walked through, our guide, Leonard, taught us all about its role in colonial conflicts and the 1802 revolt. The views were stunning, too, as we could see all the way along the coastline!
But for me, the highlight of the day was cruising along the Indian River on a small rowboat. It felt very Indiana Jones, and Leonard did a great job at pointing out native plants and wildlife.
This tour is such a great way to get off the beaten path and see a more raw, less touristy side of Dominica. If you’re looking for a mixture of history and adventure, this will be right up your alley.
Read all the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
9. Discover Dominica’s best sights on a fully customizable tour
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Choose your own adventure tour: Visit Emerald Pool, Indian River, Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, Cabrits National Park, Mero Beach, or Chaudière Pool, enjoy waterfalls, rivers, beaches, and cultural experiences, fully customizable private tour
- Inclusions: Private air-conditioned transportation, local guide, lunch, flexible hotel or port pickup and drop-off
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Exploring Dominica on your own can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time. There’s so much to see, the roads are narrow and winding, and it’s hard to know where to start! That’s exactly why we think that this private full-day tour is perfect.
We had the best day exploring with our guide, Devon, who was worth his weight in gold! His local knowledge meant we didn’t waste time figuring out the best routes, and he helped us prioritize the must-see sights without feeling rushed.
We used this tour to visit some lesser-known areas that other tours don’t hit. We chose option three, which included a visit to the stunning Red Rocks. This location was so unlike any other place in Dominica, we couldn’t believe we were on the same island! Another memorable stop was Chaudiere Pool, which was cool, refreshing, and seriously beautiful.
Our afternoon slowed down by visiting a chocolate factory, where we had a tasty and informative tour. Finally, we relaxed at Batibou Beach, which was the most serene and secluded beach we’d experienced in Dominica! It was the perfect end to an off-the-beaten-path day.
This tour truly solves the biggest problem of visiting Dominica: making the most of your limited time. Everything is planned around your interests, and there are no crowds or rigid schedules, so you get a personalized experience. And don’t just take our word for it – read the great reviews here!
Book this private tour of Dominica here and experience the island your way!
Where to Stay in Dominica
Dominica is a small island, but you can find a variety of areas to stay! Roseau is the main city and a convenient base, but we also enjoyed the quiet nature of the east coast. To help you find the best hotel, I’ve listed three excellent options that range in budget. If these hotels are still available, they will give you a relaxing stay in this beautiful location!
Luxury – $$$
Fort Young Hotel is one of Dominica’s most iconic waterfront hotels. It blends contemporary style with Caribbean charm, offering bright modern rooms, many of which offer incredible views of the Caribbean Sea.
We loved the outdoor infinity pool and hot tub, which is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The on-site Balas Bar is a must for rum punch, and the Waterfront Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a great selection of local dishes. The hotel’s location is unbeatable, too, as it’s right on the boardwalk in Roseau and just steps away from the Dominica Museum, shops, and the ferry terminal.
Prices typically range from $300 to $500 USD per night, depending on room type and travel dates. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa is a serene escape on Dominica’s east coast, combining eco-friendly design with modern comfort. The rooms are spacious and come with private balconies that offer stunning views of the sea, river, or mountains, so you’ll get a great view either way!
We loved the lush grounds, year-round outdoor pool, and peaceful walking paths through the gardens. The spa and yoga classes make it easy to unwind, and the family-friendly restaurant serves delicious Caribbean dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Watching birds from the swinging bench outside our room was our personal highlight!
Prices typically range from $220 to $420 USD per night, depending on season and room type. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
La Maison 29 in Roseau offers charm and comfort on a budget, with air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, walk-in showers, and views of the mountain or the city.
We loved the peaceful, tranquil setting. The property is just a short drive from the heart of Roseau. The staff are attentive and full of great local recommendations. Meanwhile, the hotel’s dining is a standout, with excellent breakfast and dinner served to order, and rooms come with added comforts and conveniences like streaming services and a microwave.
La Maison 29 is ideal for anyone seeking comfort, charm, and easy access to Roseau’s attractions while enjoying a quiet and wallet-friendly retreat.
Prices typically range from $100 to $180 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Renting a Car in the Caribbean
Renting a car in the Caribbean gives you the freedom to explore beyond the resorts—think secluded beaches, remote viewpoints, and vibrant local towns that buses don’t reach. As long as you are prepared for the road conditions and informed about local driving rules, renting a car can be a great addition to your trip!
We always book through Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s easy to compare providers, filter for exactly what you need (like an automatic or 4×4), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want all the details, check out our full Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the Caribbean
- Know the driving side: Some Caribbean islands drive on the left, while others stick to the right. It really varies island to island, so double-check before you go—and make sure you’re comfortable driving on that side of the road, especially if it’s different from home.
- Know the local driving rules: Road laws and signage can differ between islands, so it’s worth doing a quick check before pickup. Seatbelts are usually mandatory, texting and driving is typically illegal, and honking is often just a friendly heads-up. Expect low speed limits and shared roads—think scooters, pedestrians, and even the occasional animal—so stay alert and take your time!
- Add full insurance: Roads can be unpredictable, with potholes, hills, and narrow lanes—especially outside resort areas. For that reason, we always recommend adding on full coverage insurance to your rental. Discover Cars makes this super easy (and affordable!) to add on, so you can drive with peace of mind.
- Choose the right car: For beach tracks or hilly inland roads, a compact SUV or 4×4 might be your best bet. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, or even luggage space to suit your needs.
- Watch for extra fees: Some rental companies charge sand cleaning fees, airport pickup surcharges, or require you to return the car spotless. It’s nothing to stress over—just check the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the Caribbean
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- On some islands, a temporary/visitor’s driving permit may be required. These are normally issued by the rental agency for a fee. Check with your company in advance, so you’re not surprised by extra costs at pickup!
- An IDP (International Driving Permit) may be required depending on your destination and the language of your license. Always check the country’s requirements beforehand so you’re prepared.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Caribbean Islands on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean escape – Dominica is the place to be! We fell in love with the relaxed island vibe, filling our days with swimming and snorkeling, hiking and waterfall trekking, and simply lounging on the beach. This list of top things to do truly highlights this island, so I know you’ll love it as much as we did!
Before you go, check out all of our Caribbean blogs! We have itineraries, where to stay guides, and lists of top activities to help you plan a memorable vacation, no matter where your travels take you. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
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