The travel guide to Dominica
Dominica: The Nature Paradise of the Caribbean
If there’s one question we often get asked, it’s this: Which is the most beautiful island in the Caribbean? For pure nature, there’s no doubt — it’s Dominica.
Listed by CNN Travel as one of the most beautiful places on earth — and the only Caribbean island to make that list — Dominica is a true natural wonder. With its towering mountains, lush rainforests, countless waterfalls, and volcanic beaches, this island is unlike any other in the region.
In this Dominica travel guide, we take you across the Nature Island of the Caribbean — from swimming through the famous Titou Gorge (featured in Pirates of the Caribbean) to waking up in a jungle treehouse surrounded by tropical sounds.
Arriving in Dominica
After two months of island-hopping across the Caribbean — from Guadeloupe to Martinique and beyond — we finally boarded a ferry for our first real sea crossing: a two-hour journey to Dominica.
Arriving after dark, we couldn’t see much, but the jungle’s symphony surrounded us. When the sun rose the next morning, we opened our eyes to a view straight out of Jurassic Park: misty green mountains, waterfalls in the distance, and dense rainforest as far as the eye could see.
The first nights we stayed at Cocoa Cottages, a charming eco-lodge tucked in the hills near Roseau, where the sound of nature never stops — birds singing, frogs calling, and waterfalls rumbling in the background.
Exploring Dominica’s Wild Interior
Dominica is about 750 square kilometers, with roughly 70,000 inhabitants — meaning most of the island remains untouched wilderness. Two-thirds of it is covered in tropical rainforest, making it the greenest island in the Caribbean.
The roads are narrow, steep, and incredibly scenic, winding through lush valleys and over mountain ridges. Around Roseau Valley, we explored multiple waterfalls and embarked on one of Dominica’s most unique adventures: swimming through Titou Gorge.
This natural canyon of volcanic rock, filled with freezing-cold mountain water, leads to a hidden waterfall — the same one used in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Floating through the narrow gorge, with light beaming down between the cliffs, felt surreal — a must-do for every adventurer visiting Dominica!
Chasing Waterfalls
Dominica is famous for its waterfalls — and you don’t have to go far to find them. We visited Trafalgar Falls, a pair of spectacular cascades surrounded by steaming geothermal pools, and later Emerald Pool, one of the island’s most iconic spots.
Hidden deep in the rainforest, Emerald Pool lives up to its name — a glowing green lagoon where you can swim beneath a gentle waterfall. It truly feels like the Garden of Eden.
For nature lovers, this island is a dream come true — wild, raw, and peaceful at the same time.
Volcanoes, Black Sand Beaches & Hidden Bays
Dominica’s volcanic origins are everywhere — even the beaches tell the story. Instead of white sand, you’ll find black and gray lava beaches, especially around Scotts Head Peninsula in the south. Here, you can hike up the narrow ridge where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the entire region.
Further north, near the coastal town of Soufrière, we watched brown pelicans glide above turquoise water and stayed in Portsmouth, a laid-back town on Prince Rupert Bay. From our mountain stay at The Champs, we had panoramic views of the bay — and even spotted Guadeloupe shimmering on the horizon.
Island hopping in the Caribbean
Culture and History
Dominica’s wild beauty is matched by its powerful history. In Cabrits National Park, we visited Fort Shirley, a British fortress from 1765 known for its slave revolt in 1802. It’s a moving reminder of how Dominica became the first British colony with a Black-led government, and eventually, in 1978, an independent nation.
The combination of culture, freedom, and nature makes this island truly special.
Remote Luxury on the East Coast
To end our trip, we crossed the island’s mountainous heart to reach the rugged east coast. There we stayed at Pagua Bay House, a remote boutique resort overlooking the wild Atlantic. With an infinity pool facing the ocean and only the sound of waves crashing below, it was the perfect place to unwind after days of adventure.
From here, we explored La Plaine Beach, a tropical stretch of sand where the rainforest meets the sea — untouched and raw, like most of Dominica.
Island hopping in the Caribbean is something you should definitely add to your bucket list! Even after visiting almost all Caribbean islands, it’s so hard to tell which island is the most beautiful. It depends on what you prefer the most. Is it the best bounty beaches? Or are you looking for an island in the middle of the jungle? We show you all the highlights of the Caribbean islands we visited in our videos. We even wrote a blog about the top 10 best Caribbean islands. To watch all the other Caribbean videos and a travel guide such as this one about Dominica, click here.
Our Final Thoughts
Dominica is not your typical Caribbean island — it’s not about luxury resorts or endless cocktails on the beach. It’s about nature, adventure, and authenticity.
If you love hiking through rainforests, chasing waterfalls, diving in volcanic waters, and connecting with real island life, Dominica is the place you’ve been dreaming of.
The hotels we have stayed in:
🎥 Watch our full Dominica Travel Guide
We show you everything — from jungle treehouses to secret waterfalls — and discover why this island is truly the nature paradise of the Caribbean.
Island Hopping in the Caribbean 🌴
Dreaming of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and tropical adventures? Island hopping in the Caribbean should be high on your travel bucket list! With over 7,000 islands spread across crystal-clear seas, each one offers something unique—whether you’re chasing hidden jungle escapes, world-class diving spots, or the ultimate beach vibes.
Even after exploring nearly every corner of the Caribbean, it’s impossible to pick just one favorite. Some islands win your heart with their laid-back charm and untouched nature, while others shine with vibrant culture, historic towns, or unbeatable snorkeling.
Watch the highlights in our travel videos
In our videos, we take you along to the most stunning islands we’ve visited—showing you the must-sees, local secrets, and unforgettable experiences.
Looking for inspiration?
Don’t miss our blog post: Top 10 Best Caribbean Islands — your starting point for planning the perfect island-hopping adventure.
Explore all our Caribbean videos and let the journey begin.
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We’re Wout & Suus, traveling full time around the world with our little globetrotters Jens & Céline.
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