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Hiking in Dominica

An Island Tailor-Made for Walkers

In a landscape dominated by forest green, a network of footpaths follow cliff-rimmed beaches, lead through gorges and rivers valleys to reach postcard-perfect waterfalls, or climb rainforest-clad slopes to reach bubbling mud baths, alpine lakes and mountaintop views. The Caribbean's longest hiking trail winds its way across the island's central spine, passing through six climate zones, the homeland of the indigenous Carib people, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a National Park that encompasses the world’s second largest Boiling Lake. Some routes are challenging, while others deliver a relaxing stroll that leads to a refreshing swim in an emerald-green pool of water.

Highlights

  • Best for: Everyone, watersports and spa enthusiasts & adventurers from soft to rugged
  • Best season to visit: Year round, drier January - April
  • Weather: Trade winds and forests keep temperatures mild throughout the year. Wintertime lows run in the mid 70s, while summer rarely sees daytime temperatures above the mid 80s

Dominica Information

Hiking in Dominica Overview

More than two-thirds of Dominica is covered in forests, and accessible only by footpaths. Waterfalls abound on more than 360 rivers originating in the island's interior mountains, and many trails follow river valleys upward. Other routes cling to ridge tops or skirt beaches. This diversity creates opportunities for all levels of hikers, from those seeking an easy afternoon stroll to adventurers who make multi-day treks across the island.

Hiking in Dominica Tips

Many of Dominica's more popular trails are well-marked and mapped, but others are not. Rather than go it on their own, many hikes take advantage of guide services. Guides can help plan routes based on changing trail conditions and are a wealth of knowledge on the plants, animals and geology of the island.

Best Places to Hike in Dominica

The trek to Middleham Falls leads you into the heart of the rainforest, where a 275-foot cascade awaits. Follow the Sari-Sari River into pristine forests on the island's Atlantic coast. The Waitukubuli National Trail is the Caribbean's first long-distance hike, winding more than 115 miles along the island's mountainous spine. The route to Boiling Lake wanders through rainforests before climbing to a spectacular mountaintop viewpoint that takes in a crater containing a lake so hot that it is literally boiling.

What to Pack for Hiking in Dominica

For anything more than a short stroll to a scenic overlook, you'll want self-wicking socks and sturdy, moisture-resistant walking shoes, preferably with enough tread to grip in mud. Fill a backpack with a couple of water bottles and some snacks, including the fresh fruits that can be picked up at market stalls all around the island.

Packages

Hiking

Dominica

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa Dominica

DOMINICA DIVE & ADVENTURE PACKAGE – 7 night accommodations, 5 days 2-tank boat dives with Nature Island Dive, marine park fees, all meals (full board, fresh fruit juices & snacks), round trip airport transfers, dive shop transfers, taxes, and service charges.

Divers receive 1 scheduled off-site excursion/activity, 1 on-site activity per stay and 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay.
Non-Divers receive 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay and 6 days of scheduled excursions/activities (these excursions/activities can be exchanged for half-hour spa treatments).
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Resorts

Hiking

Dominica

Secret Bay Dominica

PORTSMOUTH Secret Bay Resort is located on the northwest coast of Dominica on a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the Caribbean. Each of the eco-luxury villas and bungalows have a fully equipped kitchen and comes with a replenished daily pre-stocked organic breakfast basket (farm eggs, fruit, granola, yogurt, bread, jam, local beverages). Also, breakfast can be prepared in villa daily at guests time of preference.
Positioned for privacy and seclusion while offering ocean and mountain views. Use of mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkeling, and swimming gear. High-speed WiFi access, audiovisual system with Apple TV, iPod dock, cable television, books and games and daily international newspapers on your "Villa Kindle". Stays of 7-nights or more include roundtrip airport transfers and welcome dinner complimentary.

Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

Take an adventurous vacation to the Nature Island of Dominica while staying at Fort Young Resort, a full-service hotel nestled at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and cradled in the beauty of Dominica’s mountainous landscape.

Modern, boutique style air-conditioned rooms, seaside dining, entertainment, and duty-free shopping on the resort’s waterfront, to neighboring Saturday markets and unfathomable adventures at your doorstep — waterfall hikes, hot spring soaks, rainforest walks and world-class scuba diving — Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is your gateway to experiencing Dominica by both land and sea.
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Hiking

Dominica

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa Dominica

Jungle Bay is a unique oasis for divers, nature lovers, individuals, active and adventurous travelers, as well as for those who seek tranquility, relaxation, yoga, and wellbeing. A place to wind down, to rejuvenate your mind and body in a natural environment. Jungle Bay’s accommodations are in 60 island-inspired villas (suites & rooms), nestled within tropical trees, banana plants and flowers. “Nature Island Dive” in Soufriere is located 5 minutes from the hotel; right offshore lays the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. You can explore nearly 20 dive sites in the Marine Reserve and some of them – according to experienced divers – are among the top sites in the entire Caribbean! All the dive sites are less than 15 boat minutes from the dive shop. The hotel offers transfers, guided hikes, excursions & activities, spa treatments & massages, yoga, delicious and fresh island meals.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional info.
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Hotel The Champs

Small 5-room comfortable hotel, situated on the hillside in the Picard, Portsmouth area, close to the sea. Attentive and personalized service for all guests. Home away from home ambience.
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Passport and/or Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required with at least 1 blank page for entry stamp. No visa is required for stays of less than 6 months with proof of onward or return ticket. See the entry/exit requirements here.

Immunizations

Vaccinations are not required for entering the Caribbean if you’re coming from the U.S. Before traveling check the CDC here.

 

Culture and Customs

Dominica is known as "the Nature Island" for good reason. It is a land of unspoiled rainforests, volcanic hot springs, wild rivers and waterfalls. More than 60 percent of the island is covered in lush tropical vegetation and protected within three national parks, including the Morne Trois Piton National Park, which has been named a World Heritage Site. The mountainous landscape rises to almost 5,000 feet above sea level to harvest moisture from passing trade winds. Water is one of the island's most abundant natural resources, and more than 350 rivers gush out of the mountains to create dramatic gorges and spectacular waterfalls that spill into emerald pools. Among the most popular are Middleham, Victoria, Trafalgar and Sari Sari Falls. This landscape creates a mecca for the adventure traveler. Tours and activities range from kayaking, bird watching and hiking to jeep/ATV safaris and mountain bike treks. For the rugged hiker, there is the cross-island Waitukubuli Trail, or the climb to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest volcanically-active bodies of fresh water. With a glimpse of pre-Colombian culture, a visit to Carib Indian Territory provides a chance to interact with the largest remaining population of indigenous people in the Caribbean. For a take on the island's current culture, plan a visit during Carnival season, when calypso crooners and dance troops take to the streets. Dominica has earned a reputation as the whale watching capital of the Caribbean. Sperm whales can be seen in the waters of Dominica through the year, but prime viewing months are between November to March, when mothers arrive to nurse their calves. Other marine mammals often seen in the same area include pilot, pygmy, and false killer whales, plus spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphin.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

The island operates on 220/240 volts - 50 cycles, so both adapters and transformers are necessary for U.S. made appliances. However, many hotels have dual 220/110 voltage, with 110V US style outlets in the room, along with 110 outlets available in the dive shops for camera equipment. Approximately 70% of Dominica’s electric power supply is hydro generated. Diesel generators provide the remainder.

The island area code for Dominica is 767. There are 3 mobile service providers on the island, check with your local provider to see what plans are available or roaming charges will apply. Many hotels offer WiFi.

Water Quality

Tap water is safe to drink, if you prefer bottled water, it is available for purchase.

Language & Currency

English is the official language though much of the local population speaks Creole (French based Patois). The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD) is the currency used locally. Check the current exchange rate here. United States Dollars, British Pounds and the Euro are accepted. ATMs are available and dispense EC Dollars. Most vendors will accept foreign currency and give your change in local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Time

Dominica is on Atlantic Standard Time and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Dominica is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).

Location, Size and Population

Dominica is a sovereign island country that is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. It is located SSE of Guadeloupe Islands and Northwest of Martinique. Dominica is 289 square miles, roughly 29 miles long and 16 miles wide at it's widest point.

Dominica's population is 73,016 (2016).

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