Why Dominica is the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret (Visit Before Everyone Else!)

When most people picture the Caribbean, they imagine fancy all-inclusive resorts, white sand beaches, and frozen cocktails served under swaying palm trees.

But, there’s another side of the Caribbean. One that feels wildly untouched and deeply alive!

Welcome to Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) — a lush, mountainous island where waterfalls cascade through the rainforest, lakes boil from volcanic activity, and sperm whales call home year-round.

It’s known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”, and once you set foot here, you’ll understand why.

I had never heard of Dominica before I landed there — now it’s one of my favorite places on Earth!

This isn’t the place to come for lounging on the beach, luxury shopping, or unlimited cocktails.

It’s where you come to slow down, breathe in the pure mountain air, and reconnect— with nature, with adventure, and maybe even with yourself.

Here’s why this small island deserves a top spot on your travel list.

A Caribbean Island Untouched by Time

Dominica is unlike many of it’s neighbors — such as Guadaloupe, Antigua, or Saint Lucia — as it has resisted the rapid pace of mass tourism.

It remains as one of the most undeveloped and wild islands in the Caribbean. In fact, over 60% of the island is covered in rainforest, much of it protected.

You won’t find high-rise resorts or crowded beaches here. Instead, you’ll find volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

🇩🇲 The Nature Island of the Caribbean

Dominica was nicknamed “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” for a reason.

It has nine active volcano craters, which is the highest concentration of volcanos in the WORLD!

Not only that, but here are some fun and amazing facts about Dominica:

• Dominica has over 365 rivers
• Home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake
• Has the longest walking trail in the Caribbean, Waitikubuli National Trail
• The only country you can find the Sisserou Parrot (also found on the country’s flag)
• Home to the largest remaining indigenous Kalinago community in the Caribbean
• The only place in the world where you can find Sperm whales year-round

If that’s not enough to convince you that Dominica is the best Caribbean island, let’s keep going.

✅ Eco-lodges Instead of Mega-Resorts

You wont find any luxury resorts such as a Sandals or Beaches like you’d find in Jamaica.

Instead, you’ll mostly find eco-lodges or locally owned establishments.

If you are stuck on deciding where to stay in Dominica, consider staying at a couple of different locations to maximize your time on the island.

Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay both have received a Green Globe Certification for their commitment to sustainability — impressive!

Another eco-lodge that I’d like to stay at is Rosalie Bay Eco-Resort & Spa because of their focus on sea turtle conservation programs. 🐢

There is also InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa by IHG located in Portsmouth. Although it’s a large corporation resort, it does have some eco-friendly practices such as utilizing solar panels and by using locally sourced materials during development.

🌴Where the Rainforest meets the Sea

The visual contrast of the lush green colors of the rainforest against the black sand beaches and the turquoise blue waters is something I could wake up to everyday.

The coastline is undeveloped, meaning the trees and mountains make a seamless connection with the water without the interruption of high-rises or boardwalks.

Adventure Awaits Around Every Corner

If you’re looking for adventure, Dominica is full of it!

From hiking to the boiling lake to exploring waterfalls to canyoning in Titou Gorge — adventure awaits.

🥾Hike to the Boiling Lake – 2nd Largest in the World!

Located in the heart of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you’ll find the second-largest boiling lake in the world.

The boiling lake is a natural fumarole (opening in the Earth’s crust that releases steam or gas) which is what heats the water and creates the bubbles in the lake. Water temperatures on record are an average of 194°F (90°C).

To see this natural wonder for yourself, however, will require a rigorous 3-4 hour hike (6-8 hours roundtrip), along muddy paths and through the Valley of Desolation. Taking a tour is highly recommended, you don’t want to guess where or where not to step. ☠️

The lake itself is usually covered with a cloud of steam, although sometimes it clears long enough for a great view with an opportunity to see the island of Martinique off in the distance.

💦 Waterfalls Worth Every Step

My favorite part of Dominica… the waterfalls!

There are quite a few waterfalls in Dominica, some requiring extensive hikes while others are relatively easy to reach.

Middleham Falls is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever been to. The hike is a fun adventure as well!

An easy waterfall to reach but not crowded is Spanny Falls — it even has a great swimming hole.

Emerald Pool is as beautiful as everyone says it is, but, it’s usually way overcrowded. We got lucky as we visited at the very end of the day as the park was closing and there were only a handful of people.

🌿 The Waitukubuli National Trail – 115 Miles of Untamed Beauty

For those advent hikers who love a good challenge, the Waitukubuli National Trail would make a great bucketlist adventure.

Stretching 115 miles (180 Kilometers) from the south of Dominica in Scott’s Head to Cabrits National Park in the north, it’s the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean!

The hiking trail is sectioned off into 14 different segments, each one representing a day’s hike. If you aren’t up to hiking for two weeks straight, you can choose individual segments to hike depending on hiking difficulty, trial highlights, etc.

Hiking the full trail though will give you the ultimate experience of Dominica.

Not only will you experience what it will be like living in the rainforest for two weeks, but your chances of spotting wildlife will be significantly higher, especially certain bird species like the Sisserou or Jaco parrots! 🦜

Dive Beneath the Surface

Not all of the wonders of Dominica are on the island — many are found beneath the surface!

Dominica is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the west coast of the island and the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast.

Because of the island’s volcanic terrain, the underwater environment includes unique geothermal features, steep-drop offs, and sheltered bays that provide beneficial feeding and nursing grounds for many marine species, including the sperm whales.

For these reasons, Dominica is one of best places in the Caribbean for activities like snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.

🐋 Whale Watching in the Caribbean’s Deep Blue

Whale watching in Dominica is a must, offering the chance to see a variety of whales—including sperm whales, humpback whales, and pilot whales—along with several species of dolphins.

The whales in Dominica are highly protected. In fact, Dominica has made an amazing accomplishment by establishing the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve.

The Act will ultimately reduce vessel traffic and regulate certain fishing activities, noise pollution, and direct interactions with whales.

Establishing the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve is not merely an achievement for Dominica but a triumph for the global community committed to preserving the wonders of the deep and mitigating the effects of climate change.

https://www.oneearth.org/dominica-sperm-whale-reserve/

We took a tour with PH Dominica and had the entire boat to ourselves! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the whales and even stayed in touch with other tour operators so they could share whale sightings and help each other out.

They also kept a safe distance from the whales, ensuring they were not disrupting them.

🥂 Champagne Reef — Snorkel in a Sea of Bubbles

Champagne Beach is noted as the best place to snorkel in Dominica for many reasons.

The reason it’s called Champagne Beach is because of the volcanic vents on the sea floor that release small bubbles of gas into the water, giving a fizz-like effect.

You’ll find various marine life such as rays, eels, and even hawksbill turtles. Watch out for the sea urchins along the sea floor! Wearing water shoes is highly recommended.

I’d recommend bringing your own snorkel gear when visiting Dominica. However, if you don’t have space in your luggage or don’t own any, you can rent equipment right at Champagne Beach. Just keep in mind that when it’s busy, rentals can run out, and you may need to wait for gear to become available

A tour isn’t necessary to snorkel at Champagne beach but it can be helpful!

🤿 Why Divers Love Dominica’s Underwater Volcanoes

As one of the top ten diving destinations in the world, divers worldwide are drawn to Dominica for it’s diving scene.

Bubbling vents, mineral-rich formations, and dramatic volcanic landscapes create an otherworldly playground beneath the waves.

Many vibrant marine life thrive in this environment, as it creates nutrient-rich waters and unique habitats around the underwater volcanic formations.

Some of the best places to dive in Dominica include Champagne Reef, Scotts Head Pinnacle, L’Abym, Cabrits National Reserve, and Toucari Caves.

Cabrits Dive Center is a 5-star PADI dive center located in the north while Nature Island Dive is located in the south.

Culture & Community

Dominica’s culture is a lively mix of Kalinago, African, and European influences, visible in its music, dance, and festivals.

Villages are warm and welcoming, and locals take pride in sharing crafts, food, and traditions with visitors.

From Creole cuisine to colorful festivals, experiencing Dominica’s community life is as memorable as exploring its stunning landscapes.

🛖 The Kalinago Territory

On Dominica’s east coast, the Kalinago Territory is home to the island’s Indigenous people, who have kept their culture alive for generations.

I had the chance to witness one of their traditional dancing ceremonies, and it was incredible — full of energy, rhythm, and deep cultural meaning.

Walking through the villages, admiring handcrafted arts, and seeing these ceremonies firsthand gives you a real sense of the Kalinago’s connection to their land and history.

🎶 Creole Cuisine and Music

Dominica’s Creole culture comes alive through its food and music.

Every year, visitors flock to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival, held on the last weekend of October, to celebrate the island’s vibrant music, culture, and community.

Savor flavorful dishes like mountain chicken, fish stews, and tropical fruits, all infused with local spices.

🙂 Friendly locals and Slower Pace of Life

The people in Dominica are incredibly warm and welcoming.

In the villages, locals are happy to share their stories, crafts, and traditions, making you feel right at home.

For example, we had a great time meeting the owner, Corinne, and her daughter at Top Bar — a fantastic place to visit for food and drinks near Roseau! They were super friendly and inviting, and the views from here are top notch!

Healing Hot Springs & Eco-Luxury

Dominica is dotted with natural hot springs and geothermal pools, perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating after a day of adventure.

Many eco-lodges and resorts blend luxury with sustainability, offering serene accommodations that let you soak in the island’s natural beauty without leaving a footprint.

From mineral-rich thermal waters to eco-friendly retreats, Dominica makes it easy to unwind in harmony with nature.

🧖‍♀️ Soak in Wotten Waven’s Natural Hot Pools

Wotten Waven is a small village located in the Roseau Valley where you’ll find hot springs, hiking trails, and cozy guesthouses.

There are a few established spas and natural pools open to the public, great for a relaxing soak after a long day of hiking or exploring the island.

Ti Kwen Glo Cho is a great start as they offer multiple baths with varying temperatures. Tia’s Hot Spa and Screw’s Sulphur Springs are also good options.

A Model for Sustainability

Dominica sets the bar high when it comes to eco-friendly travel.

Many of the island’s lodges and tours are built around protecting the environment and supporting local communities.

From solar-powered eco-resorts to programs that protect wildlife, Dominica proves that you can explore responsibly while helping preserve the island’s wild beauty for generations to come.

♻️ Building the World’s First Climate-Resilient Nation

After the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Dominica made a powerful commitment — to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation.

Since then, the island has focused on rebuilding stronger homes, investing in renewable energy, and protecting its natural resources.

Imagine if every country made that same commitment! 🌎

A Hidden Gem for Conscious Travelers

Dominica isn’t your typical Caribbean getaway — and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

It’s a place for travelers who crave connection over luxury, adventure over crowds, and authenticity over all else.

📸 Who Will Love Dominica Most

If you’d rather hike through a rainforest than lounge at a resort, or soak in a hot spring instead of a pool, you’ll fall in love with this island.

It’s perfect for eco-travelers, divers, photographers, and anyone who wants to slow down and reconnect.

🐶 Traveling with Pets on the Nature Island

Because of the strict import requirements, vaccinations, and paperwork needed to bring a pet to Dominica, I generally recommend leaving your furry friends at home for this trip.

While it’s not impossible, the process is complex and time-consuming, and any missing documentation could result in quarantine or denied entry.

It’s much easier — and less stressful — to enjoy the island’s adventures knowing your pet is safe at home, and then plan a special trip for them another time.

How to Visit Dominica Before Everyone Else Does

Dominica is still one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, and there are ways to experience it before the crowds arrive.

📅 When to Visit

Traveling during the shoulder seasons — May to June or November to December — means fewer tourists, lower rates, and less crowded attractions.

We visited during the first week of December and crowds were minimal.

November marks the end of the rainy season, so knowing when the best time to visit Dominica makes all the difference.

✈️ How to Get to Dominica

Getting to Dominica takes a little extra effort — and that’s part of what keeps it so special.

While there is a cruise port in Roseau, the island doesn’t see the same crowds as its neighbors.

Most visitors fly in from nearby islands like Antigua, Barbados, or Puerto Rico, or hop on a ferry from Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Saint Lucia.

Right now, there are only two airlines offering direct flights to Dominica from the U.S.: American Airlines from Miami (MIA) and United Airlines from Newark (EWR). All other routes will require a short connection, usually through nearby Caribbean hubs.

Even with a stopover, the journey is part of the adventure, and it’s worth it once you set foot on this lush, unspoiled island.

💡 Quick Travel Tips — Currency, Language, and Logistics

• Currency: Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), though U.S. dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available in Roseau, but smaller towns may have limited access.
• Language: English is the official language, but you’ll also hear Creole spoken widely, especially in villages and local markets.
• Getting Around: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, as public transportation is limited. Roads can be narrow and winding, so take your time and enjoy the scenic drive.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and cafes, but signal can be spotty in remote areas — perfect for unplugging and soaking in nature.

Keep it Secret… or Share it?

There’s a part of me that wants to keep Dominica hidden — to help protect its peace and purity.

But there’s also some amazing benefits to sharing such an amazing place with others.

It’s the responsibility of the people like you and me to keep somewhere you visit untouched by respecting nature and traveling mindfully by doing the following:

• Staying in locally owned guesthouses, hiring Dominican guides, and eating at family-run restaurants — all helping to directly support local livelihoods.
• Travel lightly and leave no trace. Dominica’s ecosystems are fragile, so stick to marked trails, carry reusable bottles, and never disturb wildlife.
• Respect the local culture and pace of life. Ask before taking photos of people or sacred sites, dress modestly in villages, and take time to learn a few Creole phrases.
  • Kouman ou yé? = How are you?

Visit Dominica! Just promise to treat it gently. 🌱

Final Thoughts

Dominica is honestly one of the most underrated islands out there.

It’s full of incredible nature, amazing hikes, and hidden gems you may find you have all to yourself.

If you’re into adventure, waterfalls, and getting a little off the beaten path, this is the place to be.

Just plan ahead, go with the flow, and enjoy the island at its own pace — you’ll leave with memories that stick.