A remote mountainous island nation in the Caribbean, Dominica remains somewhat unspoiled compared to its other well-touristed neighbors in the sea. With natural hot springs and tropical rainforests, the island has long been a popular stop for cruise ships—but it is gaining popularity as a destination all its own. Here, you can spend days packed with plenty of things to do in Dominica, including exploring natural attractions like Morne Trois Pitons National Park, traveling challenging hiking trails, discovering some 40 dive sites, and strolling black-sand beaches.
The cooler, drier season, which takes place between January and May, is considered the best time to visit Dominica. This is also when you’ll encounter the biggest crowds. Cruise passengers tend to flood attractions when ships are docked, so factor that in when planning your day-to-day itinerary. Starting in mid-May, the heat and humidity begin to increase, with June marking the beginning of the island’s rainy season. Also, keep in mind that the period between August and October is the peak time for hurricanes.
Part of the reason Dominica has remained unspoiled is because it’s not as easily accessible as some other Caribbean islands. There are few direct flights from the US, and driving around the island in a rental car usually involves long, bumpy drives on narrow roads—it’s best to use taxi services to get to/from the airport. Plus, the mountainous terrain makes it difficult to get around on foot and makes hiking a challenge. The government is currently working on a large, new international airport, about an hour’s drive from the capital, Roseau, where many travelers base themselves; it’s expected to be completed by 2027.
Inside Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you’ll find top attractions like Trafalgar Falls. The upper waterfall cascades from the Trois Pitons River and empties into hot sulfur springs, while the lower waterfall flows from the river into a natural swimming pool. To avoid the midday heat and possible tourist crowds, plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
Another popular park attraction, the Boiling Lake is an opening in the ground that releases steam and gas (known as a fumarole). It’s filled with hot bubbling water that rises into a cloud of vapor, giving the lake its name. It can only be reached via an intensive, lengthy hike that can take up to six hours to complete (one way); the trek should only be done with the help of a guide.
