The best things to do in Dominica are perfect for nature-lovers, who will find no shortage of ways to fill their time outside. Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica has a host of natural attractions with which to satisfy the most demanding adventurer, and it’s recognized as one of the best diving destinations in the region. Densely clustered about with dormant volcanoes, Dominica is home to some of the world's most unique geothermal features, as well as excellent scuba diving, rocky volcanic coastlines, tropical forests, and a veritable maze of rivers running through the mountains.

Morne Trois Pitons

One of the most popular Dominica attractions is the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first established national park on the island, Morne Trois Pitons National Park is named after the mountain Morne Trois Pitons, the park's highest mountain. The park is home to the Boiling Lake, perhaps the most well-known attraction of the island. It is the second-largest boiling lake in the world (the largest being in Rotorua, New Zealand), at 200 feet in diameter and more than 195 feet in depth, with bubbling hot waters covered with a cloud of steam.

Dominica Map

Boiling Lake Hike

Hiking to the lake is one of the most popular things to do in Dominica, although the walk is not easy for inexperienced hikers. Travelers should obtain the services of a guide at the nearest town, Roseau, before heading out on the treacherous trail, which takes about 3 hours each way and covers dangerous geothermal territory, as well as cliffs and rocks. The hike is well worth the aches and pains, however, as you will cross Titou Gorge, the Valley of Desolation which has numerous fumaroles, and have the chance to swim in some thermal areas of the river. Not for the faint of heart, this activity is nevertheless one of the most exciting of Dominica attractions.

Scuba Diving

Dominica is also one of the best places in the Caribbean for scuba diving, as it is relatively untouched compared to more touristed areas. Avid divers will rejoice in the uncrowded and pristine reef and wild assortment of colorful fish, sponges, squid, stingrays, and barracuda. There are a variety of different diving sites catering to divers of varying skill levels. The most famous dive site, however, is Champagne, an underwater hot spring that spurts hot water and bubbles, giving divers the impression that they are swimming in a giant goblet of champagne. Colorful parrotfish and squid are commonly seen around the Champagne site. If you're a fan of underwater photography, Dominica is the perfect place to get some amazing shots.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the most famous things to do in Dominica, due to its spectacular 90 percent success rate for seeing sperm whales. Known as the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean, Dominica's has a uniquely deep underwater terrain that attracts sperm whales to come and feed near the coastline. Sperm whales can be seen year-round, and at various times other whales and dolphins can be seen. Numerous tour operators provide whale watching tours to see these priceless Dominica attractions.

Dominica features a host of other attractions, such as jeep safaris in the jungle, snorkeling, sailing, sport fishing, as well as the usual assortment of resort and spas. Don't neglect the island's natural beauty, however, as the forests, rivers, and underwater marine life are the best of what Dominica has to offer.