Discover Dominica through its Enchanting Drives and Beaches

If you are a person who likes trekking over high tops, exploring aquatic world under waters, and living a contented night with only music as the medium of entertainment, Dominica is just made for you! This is what I experienced at this mind-blowing island of national parks, mountainous tops, handful of beaches, and waterfalls.

Despite being small, the island can only be explored through unexpectedly long drives. Therefore, I recommend to opt for one or two tours rather than looking in any random direction. On the land while mountaineering, solve the mystery of finding secret pools and waterfalls or halt some time to spot some beautiful birds. Below the waters on the coast, be ready to experience the thrilling experience of diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Above all, you will really admire the gratitude of the local people who might stop you to wish for happy memorable tour.

Dominica Tourist Attractions

Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Entitled as the World Heritage Site, this park provides a few breathtaking trails of hiking in the Caribbean that even stretch over 483 km. Covering over 6,870 ha, the park comprises of steams, clean tropical rain forest, several hot springs, waterfalls, and mountains holding 5 volcanoes and 50 fumaroles. The main puller of the tourists here is the Boiling Lake located below a thick vapor cloud, which is the second largest water pool wherein the white waters’ temperature varies from 82 to 92 Celsius.

Trafalgar Falls

Located on the western border of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, these breathtaking falls are on a soothing hill reachable through a sheer trek of 0.4 mile. This walk starts at about 1 mile east of the Trafalgar village at Papillote Wilderness Retreat. Starting the hike at the bottom on an east cement trail, continue walking here until you find a little snack bar. Then, walk on that road that takes you downhill from here from where you are just a few minutes away from the clear-cut viewing sight of the magnificent falls.

At the start of the trail, you will find men advertising themselves as guides. However, the trek to view the falls is quite easy and without any problems. So, there is hardly any need of any of those hanging out. Guess what you get gifted with this? Money worth EC$20 that you need not spend on the guide.

You will find that there are two distinct waterfalls. From the upper falls, the water passes the Titou Gorge and then dips down the steep 200 feet rock facing the viewing site. At the bottom of this fall, you can enjoy soaking yourself in hot sulfur springs. For this, find out rocks with yellow streaks for a comfortable spot under springs. On the other hand, the lower falls come from the Trois Pitons River in the Boiling Lake region and are comparatively calmer and wider. At the bottom, you can grasp the opportunity to swim in its profound and wide pool.

Now, if you want to go ahead of the viewing site, this needs planning and is not that easy. To reach to the bottom of the falls requires passing through a river that needs a guide here. So, decide where you want to go before hiring a guide at the trail start. The guide will help in trekking down the slippery rocks to the lower pool or hot springs. Be alert during the wet seasons as it is really dangerous even with a guide. If flooded where the water levels rise, get out instantly.

A canyoning trip is held by the Cocoa Cottages at $150 for half a day.

Cabrits National Park

This is the location of Fort Shirley, a 18th century British barrack on a picturesque peninsula situated 1.25 miles north of Portsmouth. Besides the Cabrits peninsula, the park also covers the ringing coastal region and the largest marsh on the island. The two dead volcanoes have formed this Cabrits Peninsula by splitting the Prince Rupert Bay and Douglas Bay. In the park, the coral reefs and waters of the bays that also lie within the park are ideal for snorkeling. You can explore this worthy park at $ 2.50 between 8 am to 6 pm.

The Fort Shirley’s ramparts are partially converted into a reconstructed structure and the remaining is concealed in the forest. To the right of the fort, there is a small museum with restoration and unearthed relics’ display. Within the fort, the lonely crabs, risk-free snakes, and ground lizards (Ameiva Fuscata) rush about the ruins and along the climbing trails reaching up to the two volcanic peaks. At the rear side of the fort, the trail for the 560 feet West Cabrit starts that takes you along the wooded areas at maximum and nearly 30 minutes to hike after which you can enjoy the panoramic view atop.

Layou River Area

The Layou River is the longest river on the island that meets the sea south of Layou at the west coast. This is a perfect place for swimming in freshwaters, but check out whether the tides are suitable. Towards the north of the river, do not miss a trip to the gray unspoiled sands of the Mero beach.