Tips on What To Do in Dominica

Don't go to Dominica for the beaches -- they can't compare to other Caribbean destinations. But that's about the only limitation on Dominica's outdoors scene. Everything from hiking to mountain climbing to swimming to scuba diving is within your reach on the island. Boat and diving tours are also available from Roseau, and the island is particularly renowned for its whalewatching.

If you're looking to get rowdy after hours, you'll have better luck on nearby Martinique. Dominica doesn't have much of a nightlife scene; bars and entertainment are typically confined to local hotels. If you're itching to dance, try The Warehouse, right next to the Canefield Airport in Roseau. Another popular local music spot is Symes Zee's in downtown Roseau.

• The beaches aren't worth the effort to get here, but the green landscape and rivers, as well as increasingly renowned scuba diving, are. Nature lovers who visit Dominica (Dom-in-ee-ka) experience a wild, rugged Caribbean setting, as well as the rural life that has largely disappeared on the more developed islands." -- Frommer's
• Dominica is a popular 'alternative' Caribbean experience. It's an ideal place to go if you want to really get away -- hike, bike, trek, spot birds and butterflies in the rain forest, and explore waterfalls; experience a vibrant culture in Dominica's traditions; kayak, dive, snorkel, or sail in marine reserves; or go out in search of the many resident whale and dolphin species." -- Fodor's
• If you can do it in the mountains (hiking, bird-watching, searching for hidden pools and waterfalls) or the water (diving, snorkeling, kayaking), you can do it in Dominica. Don't miss the ancient forests of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, home to the otherworldly Boiling Lake and the spectacular Trafalgar Falls." -- Lonely Planet

Hiking

Hiking is one of the island's top activities, and several parks, such as Cabrits National Park and the Northern Forest Preserve provide ample opportunity for doing so. One of Dominica's most treasured hiking spots is Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a preserved rainforest with giant green peaks, lush trees, winding rivers and large waterfalls. Experienced travelers recommend exploring the park's Emerald Pool Nature Trail or heading out to find natural attractions, such as Trafalgar Falls. Writers also recommend you explore the park from the village of Laudat, a short drive from Roseau.

• Hiking and mountain climbing are good reasons to visit Dominica; its flora is made unbelievably lush by frequent rainfall. Covered by a dense tropical rainforest that blankets its mountain slopes, including cloud-wreathed Morne Diablotin at 1,424m (4,671 ft.), it has vegetation unique in the West Indies." -- Frommer's
• Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Inhale breathtaking mountain and atmospheric rainforest scenery in this Unesco World Heritage site." -- Lonely Planet

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Dominica's dramatic landscape above ground continues beneath the water, so travel writers say scuba divers and snorkelers are in for a treat. Lonely Planet says some of the top dive sites are located in Soufriere Bay area and include Scotts Head Drop-Off, the Pinnacle and the Soufriere Pinnacle. Champagne Reef is a good beginner site. For visitors who don't feel comfortable setting off on their own, experienced travelers suggest setting up an organized dive with ALDive & W.A.T.E.R Sports in Roseau.

• Take the plunge and play in the bubbles of Champagne Beach, the star underwater attraction." -- Lonely Planet
• If you want to explore the park underwater, we strongly encourage you to take one of the scuba or snorkeling trips organized by the officially designated dive operator for the park, Cabrit's Dive Center, Picard Estate, Portsmouth." -- Frommer's

Sightseeing

Dominica is home to some of the few remaining indigenous Carib people, who moved to the Carib Indian Territory in northeast Dominica in the early 1900s. You can visit the Carib museum and cultural center, Kalinago Barana Autê, and purchase hand-woven baskets from local roadside stands. Recent visitors also recommend taking the short hike to Fort Shirley, located in Cabrits National Park at the northern tip of the island. Visitors can walk around the ruins of the fort while enjoying breathtaking views.

• Don't Miss Experiencing … Carib Indian Territory, where the last of the once-cannibalistic Carib Indians are found on the northeast coast in a 1,480-hectare (3,656-acre) reserve with their own chief. Some 3,000 Indians still practice their ancient way of life, such as carving canoes from tree trunks." --Frommer's
• Kalinago Barana Autê is Carib Territory's newest addition and the place to learn about Carib customs, history, and culture. A guided, 45-minute tour explores the village, stopping along the way to learn about plants, dugout canoes, basket weaving, and kasava bread making." -- Fodor's