Why Dominica is the Caribbean’s Nature Island: Boiling Lake, Champagne Reef & More

The trek up Boiling Lake Trail in Morne Trois Pitons National Park to Boiling Lake is an arduous one, so only the adventurers willing to hike the muddy trails and challenge their physical and mental agility will want to make this trip, and even then only with a qualified guide. The 8-mile trail with its rugged terrain and steep inclines takes about 3 hours one way. The Valley of Desolation near the end of the trail provides a beautiful landscape. The lake itself is a bluish-grey bubbling boil caused by a fumarole, or steam vent, in the Earth’s crust. Rising water vapors give the lake an ethereal ambiance.

Bois Cotlette Estate is a fully sustainable French colonial maison and organic farming estate offering Heritage and Chocolate Tours to visitors. For over 290 years, the fertile volcanic soil of Bois Cotlette has produced cocoa, coffee, and sugar cane, and it is Dominica’s oldest estate. The maison has been completely restored, and the estate’s 53 acres are a model of self-sufficiency. All food, water, and power is produced sustainably. Heritage tours of the grounds include Dominica’s only windmill, an herb garden with medicinal and cooking herbs, and current archaeological excavations. Chocolate tours take visitors through cocoa processing from pod to candy. Both tours are 2 hours in duration and include tastings.

Cabrits National Park encompasses the entire peninsula north of Portsmouth, including Dominica’s largest swamp and peninsula coastal areas and coral reefs. The park’s highlight is the site of 18th-century Fort Shirley, where 600 British troops were once housed. Today, the old officer’s quarters have been renovated and repurposed as an event center. Weddings, concerts, the annual Dominica Jazz ‘n’ Creole Festival, and other events are held here. 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.

At Champagne Reef, the island’s premier diving and snorkeling site, snorkelers will be amazed by the thousands of warm bubbles emitted from geothermal springs that vent gases through the water, giving a sensation of swimming through champagne. Reef life that snorkelers and divers can expect includes hawksbill turtles, lobsters, sponges, parrot fish, and a myriad more. Divers can choose from one and two-tank certified dives led by PADI Dive Masters or one of the popular night dives. Diving responsibly and protecting the marine environment is a top priority at Champagne Reef.

At 40 acres, Roseau Botanical Gardens, or “the Gardens” as they’re referred to locally, comprise the biggest swath of green space in Roseau. The gardens are home to 50 kinds of indigenous plants, a number of imported trees, and the island’s national bird, the sisserou parrot. Visitors can expect to see two sections, the meticulously landscaped ornamental section and the more practical section dedicated to the propagation of economically important plants. Despite having been repeatedly battered by tropical storms and hurricanes, Dominica Botanical Gardens remain an idyllic setting for local celebrations and parades and offer recreational opportunities for citizens and visitors.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Trois Piton National Park is home to the enchanting Emerald Pool. The waterfall grotto can be found along the road to Castle Bruce, and is an easy 30-minute hike through the rainforest. The bottom of the pool is very rocky and strewn with boulders, so water shoes and careful walking are suggested. Guests can swim or walk out to the waterfall and stand under it. There is a cave and walkway behind the waterfall for those who prefer not to get in the pool. This is also an excellent place to spot (and listen to) Jacquot parrots.

Freshwater Lake is a half-day hike into Morne Trois Pitons National Park from the village of Laudat. It can also be reached by car or taxi and is near a parking area. Visitors can walk a scenic trail that encircles the lake in about 30 minutes. Ferns, mountain palms, and a variety of tropical flora like heliconias, orchids, and bromeliads offer vibrant color to the lush vegetation, making the walk a pleasant one. Situated in a valley, it receives lots of rain, and visitors should expect a misty cloudforest with occasional sunny days. Kayaks can be rented at a nearby visitor center for those not afraid of the mythical lake monster.

The communally owned Kalinago Territory has eight small villages scattered across its 3,700 acres, from the northern village of Bataca to its southern counterpart of Sineku. Other hamlets include Salybia, Concord, Mahaut River, Gaulette River, Crayfish River, and St. Cyr. There are a number of roadside stands throughout the territory selling indigenous handcrafted gifts, including traditional larouma basket products.

Kalinago Barana Autê is an interpretive center where visitors can learn basket weaving, cassava processing, herb collection, and calabash carving; there are also traditional cultural song and dance performances. Traditional boat building is on display in Salybia with master boat builder, Emmanuel “Napoleon” Sanford.

Watch this incredible video about Dominica' marine environment.

Adventurous travelers will find Dominica’s most popular hiking trail, the Syndicate Nature Trail, in the northern mountain ranges of Morne Diablotin National Park. The park was created specifically to protect the habitat of the island’s two endemic parrots, including the sisserou, Dominica’s national bird. Although the park was named after the black-capped petrel, otherwise known as the diablotin (because of its devilish sounding call), it is unlikely visitors will encounter one. Rare sightings may occur on mountain cliff faces. Morne Diablotin is a natural bird watching destination due to the variety of bird species – 18 in total. There is also a strenuous trail leading to the summit of Morne Diablotin, only for the hardiest of adventurers.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is Dominica’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the most popular things to do on Dominica are in this park. Most hikes begin at Laudat, 20 minutes north of Roseau. It is recommended that long hikes be taken with an experienced guide, especially hikes to the Morne Trois Piton mountain peaks of Morne Micotrin and Morne Watt. Freshwater and Boeri Lakes, Boiling Lake, Emerald Pool, and Dominca’s most spectacular waterfall, Middleham Falls, are all highlights within the park. Other alluring sites near the park are Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, Sulphur Springs, Sari-Sari Falls, Victoria Falls, and the Rainforest Arial Tramway.