The iconic trek is 114 miles, spanning the island's length from the northernmost Scott's Head and snaking through the dramatic mountainous landscape and dense rainforest to Cabrits National Park. All that has now changed with the opening of Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, just north of Portsmouth (which opened in 2019). Dancehall isnt just a genre of music. Geologists believe the 63-meter-wide actively boiling lake, the world's second largest, is a flooded fumarole, a crack in the earth allowing hot gases to vent from the molten lava below. Find What You're Looking For Easily Here! Well neither did we until we visited the laid back and friendly island of St. Kitts. Fun Things to Do in Dominica with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Start with the Old Market, which was once a bustling trading post in colonial times. Check latest prices and availability now. As we landed in Dominica, I could see exactly why its known as the nature island! This is who I went Whale Watching with and I recommend them as they know the Whales well and are respectful of them. While Santo Domingo's booming metro population of over two million people makes it the largest city in the entire Caribbean, the over 500-year-old town is also known . Ive been a travel addict since 2010 visiting 65+ countries & all 7 continents! Inside, & a short, well-maintained path through the undergrowth brings you to a . The whale watching tours use hydrophone technology (a bit like an underwater microphone with a 7km range) to track their location, and while sightings on these tours arent 100% guaranteed, theyre pretty common! Be warned, its refreshing, but the cooling waters were just what I needed, and as I splashed around, I could see why its one of the islands top attractions. (Photo courtesy of Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism_. Transparently, while we had planned on doing a roundup of last minute travel ideas to satisfy your spring break wanderlust, with the recent turn of events in America and across the world with the coronavirus, travel isn't exactly top of mind at the moment. Visit the Amber Museum of Puerto Plata 10. We hopped out and enjoyed some local rum punch, before venturing back along the waters. The vibrance of the pink azure, red rope, yellow tube, and purple vase sponges adds to the kaleidoscopic effect. There's also plenty of parking if you decide to drive yourself. Dominica is full of adventure, its full of nature, and the activities in Dominica reflect this meaning there are lots of fun things to do in Dominica! Museo Del Ambar (Amber Museum). Gallop Through The Water 8. Kids will love the bright outfits, lively music, and tasty treats on offer. WNT is the only long-distance hiking trail in the Caribbean. Choose among the many fun things to do in Dominica in 2023 - an island for adventure enthusiasts! We enjoyed a guided tour of the site, then watched traditional basket weaving, visited a beach and stopped for a drink. Listen to Cuban son musicians ; 3. This is a Caribbean island, but not like the others you know. As I wandered along a beach road near Portsmouth I spotted several of the islands speedy ground lizards (known as abl). For more Dominica travel tips, read my full Dominica Travel Guide here! Dominica is also known for its hot springs, rivers, gorges, lakes waterfalls, and rainforest - which covers about two-thirds of the island. Find out more about visiting Kalinago Barana Aut. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. 19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Dominican Republic Updated December 11, 2019 Share Tweet Email Cities Santo Domingo. So, whether youre visiting Dominica on a cruise ship (they dock in the capital Roseau regularly between October May/June) or fancy a Caribbean break with a twist, heres my guide to the best things to do in Dominica. Whale Watching 9. The golden hue of the actual reef completes the illusion. There's a little bit of everything sold here, from fresh fruits and cooking spices to handmade knick-knacks. This wild and staggeringly beautiful river boat ride will be one of the highlights of your trip to Dominica. Often its cheaper to travel by ferry than to fly, and by the time youve travelled to the airport, you might actually find it quicker going by boat. In general I found people to be friendly and welcoming. 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! From there you can enjoy the impressive cascades, or venture closer and take a dip! Dominicas water is safe to drink, however some people dont like the taste. Particularly on smaller islands, there arent many tour companies, so the ones that exist set the price they want, and thats what you pay. Rivers made for rafting and tubing adventures, hinterland hiking trails to a Boiling Lake, a snorkeling reef that effervesces with volcanic vents, and a pod of resident sperm whales are just a few. I use Wold Nomads who offer a good range of adventure cover and you can start your cover with them even if you are not in your home country so if youre in Dominica now and have just realised youre not covered, you can get a quote from them here! The centre is open all year and all week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for people to pass by. Im 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. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Colorful Roseau, the main town and capital of the island, reflects the island's cultural roots in its food, art, languages, and customs. I spent my 20s backpacking solo around the world and I fell in love with Asia and the Middle East. Getting its name from the fact the Kalinago (Carib Indian) people lived along its banks, and used it as a means of transport, the river is one of 365 rivers on the island. A little museum at the entry sheds light on Dominica's colonial history. This was a huge highlight of my trip, and Id definitely recommend a visit to Darias cooking school if you have time! Start here or see where I am in the world over on Instagram. 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. Dominica in Pictures: 17 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 9 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pointe--Pitre, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Martinique, Martinique in Pictures: 18 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe in Pictures: 16 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montserrat, Montserrat in Pictures: 8 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Lucia, St. Lucia in Pictures: 19 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda in Pictures: 18 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World. That being said, I found Dominica to be cheaper than most Caribbean islands Ive visited (Barbados, Antigua, St Kitts, Cuba, St Martin). If youre self-driving around Dominica its easy to get to and only a few miles from the airport. These passes will really help you save money on attraction fees in Dominica and encourage you to see more of the island and do even more of these fun things do in Dominica! And you know what? 1. Stay at the Fort Young Hotel. And the park has another surprise: The steaming Valley of Desolation is an area of boiling mud ponds, brightly-colored hot springs, and mini-geysers. What To Pack For A One Week Holiday in The Caribbean. After a rum-infused interlude, we sat outside on the terrace, sharing the feast wed created and listening to Darias incredible stories about life in Dominica. Batibou Bay has to be on your list of places to see in Dominica because this secret beach is a true gem! Kalinago Cultural Centre. It's also a great place for snorkelling. This building was once the palace of the governor of Santo Domingo (one step below the Queen of Spain). you can visit most of Dominicas natural wonders for just $12 USD (33 ECD / 9.50). The lovely Emerald Pool may be found in Morne Trois Piton National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dominica's Boiling Lake is a well-trodden landmark but worth the fanfare. Freshwater Lake is in the Morne Trios Pitons National Park, the largest National Park in Dominica. Several of the guides we met were involved in the film, from being location scouts, to make-up artists and playing extras! I always say my favourite way to get to know a destination is through its cuisine, so what better way to start my trip through Dominica than with a cooking class at a locals house! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im Chloe and I absolutely love travelling the world and sharing stories and memories from my trips, as well as helpful travel advice so that you can follow in my footsteps. Theyd stop to say something out of the window, honk the car horn to get a friends attention and shake hands with people left, right and centre! (WNT) is unique among the Caribbean islands. Known as Mother and Father, these twin falls lie at the end of an easy 10- to 15-minute hike through a forest of ginger plants and vanilla orchids. Author Karen Hastings spent weeks exploring Dominica's lush wilderness areas, black-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Thanks for providing a fun hiking experience and a memory that will last a lifetime. Thanks for the write up. Indian River, Dominica. Planning Tip: With 365 rivers woven throughout the island, running into one during a hike is inevitable. Do be warned that the Lake is pretty high, therefore it can sometimes be covered in cloud and be very windy and cold. Santo Domingo Este. One of the best starting points for a visit to the park is the village of Laudat, 11 kilometers from Roseau. However, on a Saturday morning, there is a Saturday Market, the market mainly sells fresh fruits and vegetables and its a very local market so its nice to walk around for a bit and see local life making it one of the uniquethings to do in Dominica. *. We spent the morning cooking up a huge feast of delicious Dominican dishes, created from locally sourced ingredients (some picked from the fields next to her house!) You can relax at the end with a dip in the warm pool. These tours also generate income for members of the community. All rooms have incredible sea views something I loved when my jet lag woke me up earlier than desired! Insider's Tip: Bring shoes to walk on Dominica's beaches, as the black sand gets really hot! The Emerald Pool is located on Dominica's northern border with Morne Trois National Park. Nestled amid banana and breadfruit trees, the village is a cluster of traditional wooden buildings. A gush of fresh water from a 40ft waterfall feeds the ethereal grotto. If you have any questions, you can leave them in the comments below. The Indian River is one of 365 rivers in Dominica and it makes for a relaxing but adventurous activity. Learn the history of Dominican rum production. If youre visiting the island, you have to book a whale watching tour. Visitors can roam the surrounding jungle exploring other parts of the fort's ruins on short, easy hikes and enjoy dazzling views of Prince Rupert Bay from the event center. We saw 3 Sperm Whales- one baby and two adults, plus lots of playfulDolphins making it one of the most fun things to do in Dominica! Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the jewel of Dominica. 7. One of the most unique things to do in Dominica is to go snorkeling and diving through Champagne Reef. If you like Caribbean Food why not get involved and take a Caribbean Cooking Class with Cooking Caribbean? It's an experience you won't forget. Not really.Honeymoon destination? The medium somehow best expresses elements of nature. Youre never far from a waterfall in Dominica, but theres a reason this one is extra special! Wear water shoes with good grip as the approximately 40-minute hike involves river crossings and boulder scrambling, but these beautiful falls and the river itself are worth seeing. Indigenous people still live here. About that. One of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed in this magical spot. The journey to the flooded fumarole starts in Laudat, a small village tucked away in the island's interior. Sadly, much of the indigenous Kalinago language has been lost, but there are efforts by the Kalinago people to preserve it, and youll occasionally hear Mabrika! (welcome) when you meet someone. It is beautiful, soothing, and refreshing. Its greenish tint reflects the foliage, vines and moss-covered rocks that envelop the area, allowing sunlight to filter through. Immerse yourself in the enduring history, rituals and customs of the island's first inhabitants thanks to a collection of tours committed to creating authentic connections to the Kalinago culture. We had some great drivers who took us to see some of the main attractions, and they seemed to know everyone! Dominica offers a weekly site pass which covers entrance fees into various sites and national parks. It boosted Dominicas economy, provided plenty of jobs, and created a legacy that still lives on. If youd rather SEE Dominica, have a watch of my YouTube video here! Just started exploring hte idea of Dominica and knew nothing about it until now. 6 Dominica Day Tours For Cruise Ship Tourists To Avoid The Crowds! Famous for its incredible scenery, spectacular forests, and volcanic peaks, it's an island of contrasts and dramatic vistas, where sulfuric, boiling lakes heated by underground thermals tower above beautiful beaches. The highest peak in Dominica is Morne Diablotin & here in the national park is this strange & unique attraction. Freshwater Lake is mainly visited by locals so for tourists to Dominica, it is one of the top unique things to do in Dominica! Hes been guiding tours for over 30 years but hes been interested in birds and nature since he was a young boy. There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Puerto Plata. My favourites were: Overlooking Roseau and the Botanical Gardens, where you can see the sprawling, colourful capital.. From Islet View (bar and restaurant) which boasts beautiful views over the bay at Castle Bruce on Domincas east coast. All Rights Reserved. Others spend the winter in Dominica to escape colder climates and enjoy the island's stunning natural splendors. Dominica's most famous dive and snorkel site, Champagne Reef lies in a marine reserve off the country's southwest coast. For Travel Insurance in Dominica, I recommend World Nomads. Those travellers arent usually in need of a personal butler or swim up bar, and are happy in a more rustic hotel. It was also an important time to look at the islands economy and industries. The trail is deceptively manageable, but a guide is highly advised to help navigate the occasionally rocky and muddy terrain and paper-thin ridge. Theres nothing fancy here, no beach bars, not even a toilet, but theres palm trees, soft sand and gentle waves making it pure paradise. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Related Post:WhatWhale Watching in Dominicais really like! NopeLuxury hotels? The Dominican Republic's fifth Living Museum in the Sea has just opened. Free Things to Do in Puerto Plata . Cool down here after a long hike through the jungle. Photo from Dan Flying Solo who was on the trip with me. Hi Collin of course. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Some might require a small hike and they are often found clinging next to rivers, waterfalls, and volcanic terrain. Collection of fossils, plants, and ancient animals encased in amber. Would love to be able to converse via email with you with questions i may have along the way. Check latest prices and availability now. Once you make it to Batibou, it's worth it! Renting a car is also a fun way to discover roadside waterfalls and lakes. Best Thing to do in Dominica 7: Explore Chaudiere Pool. Not sure where you fancy going? Near the dock, in the center of town, the Old Market of Roseau sells fresh tropical fruit, vegetables, herbs, baskets, and coconut-shell souvenirs. It's one of the most unusual things to do in London and the views from above are well worth it. Santo Domingo - Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor. Roseau's waterfront features a seaside promenade and cruise ship dock, which is crowded with visitors during the busy winter season. Be extremely careful because slippery boulders can make for a treacherous and challenging climb. What a unique blend of landscapes. Nope well, actually yes, but only if youre an adventurous couple!Expensive prices? Instead, hike into the mountains, go whale watching, visit the islands waterfalls, take a dip in the Emerald Pool and learn to cook Caribbean cuisine the options are endless, so youll never be bored! hello! The temperature at the edge of the lake ranges from 82-92 degrees Celsius and is at boiling point in the center. This is a lovely place to visit for a couple of hours to soak up some history, enjoy a short hike, and snap some photos. has been to . The small family operation takes visitors through a tour of the process that transforms cacao beans into flavorful chocolate bars. After seeing both, theres no doubt about it and this is why its on this list of unique things to do in Dominica! 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