Things to do in Dominica: the Boiling Lake, waterfalls and whales

Dominica is the Caribbean turned up to its wildest. There are few beaches to speak of and no big resorts; the draw is the interior, a volcanic rainforest of rivers, waterfalls and steaming ground, much of it inside Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What to do

The famous, and hardest, walk is to the Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole reached by a long hike through the Valley of Desolation, three to four hours each way. For less effort, Trafalgar Falls, the Emerald Pool and Titou Gorge sit close to Roseau, and Champagne Reef lets you snorkel over volcanic vents that send warm bubbles up through the water. Offshore, Dominica is one of the few places with whales year round, and boats run out to see them. Serious hikers take on the Waitukubuli National Trail, which runs the length of the island.

Where to start

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Red Rocks

HMW4+JH5, Calibishie, Dominica

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Toucari Bay

Dominica

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Batibou Bay

Dominica

Open until 10:00 PM☆

Champagne each

Point, Pointe Michel, Dominica

Open until 7:00 PM☆

Botanical Gardens Gazebo

7JX9+R2R, Roseau, Dominica

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Boiling Lake

8P94+76J, La Plaine, Dominica

Open until 10:00 PM☆

Paradise Valley Garden Nursery

Borne, Dominica

Closed☆

Bwa Nef Falls

JHCJ+4G2, Penville, Dominica

Closed☆

Boeri Lake

Dominica

Before you go

The big hikes need a guide and an early start, and trail conditions change, so check before you set out. The number on each page is the operator’s own.