Experience Dominica: Warm & Welcoming, Unspoiled Caribbean

It’s time to experience an alternative Caribbean in Dominica, an unspoiled destination without the crowds of visitors. Most Caribbean islands feature huge, all-inclusive resorts, where many tourists spend their time, rarely leaving the grounds. Dominica is different and offers a range of smaller accommodation options where visitors are truly welcome. Read on to find out more about this alternative Caribbean destination.

Dominica – an unspoiled and welcoming destination

Vacations in the Caribbean are a popular choice; however, first-time visitors are often disappointed with the crowds of tourists and the general package-tour feel of the islands. Dominica, which is often confused with the Dominican Republic, is a unique choice, offering an unspoiled getaway. In fact, it is a paradise for those who love being out in nature or diving in crystal-clear waters.

You won’t find the huge, all-inclusive resorts here, but the island offers a good selection of smaller, eco-friendly hotels and bed & breakfasts. Meanwhile, in its towns, like Calibishie and Roseau, Dominica offers many options to enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Moreover, the local people are genuinely friendly and welcoming and only too happy to show their visitors around.

Hiking in nature

Dominica has a spectacular landscape to explore, with its idyllic beaches, the dense mountain rainforest, streams and waterfalls. This makes the island an ideal place for hiking in nature, and getting to see the colorful and amazing flora and fauna.

– Hike the Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica

Meanwhile, the island features the first long-distance trail of the Caribbean – the Waitukubuli National Trail. This trail takes hikers through Carib territory, which is home to the indigenous people of the island. Moreover, the trail heads up to Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its 50 fumaroles, three freshwater lakes, hot springs, five volcanoes, and the second-largest Boiling Lake in the world.

The Waitukubuli trail is ideal for hikers of every level, as it has been divided into easy, intermediate and advanced hikes.

– Bird watching on the Syndicate Nature Trail

This nature trail starts at the foot of the island’s tallest mountain, Morne Diablotin, where hikers can spot some of the wide range of local and migrant bird species of Dominica. In fact, this is the perfect hiking trail for bird watchers and romantic couples. The trail heads to Titou Gorge in the Roseau Valley of the island where visitors can swim at the base of a waterfall through a number of natural caves and ponds.

– Jaco Flats and Steps trail

For those advanced hikers with plenty of stamina, the Jaco Flats and Steps are named for a runaway slave called Jaco, who found refuge there. Access is gained by climbing 135 steps up the steep incline, which was built by the slaves who once lived there. It’s heavy going, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views are very rewarding.

Exploring underwater in Dominica

Those adventurers who prefer to explore under the water are spoiled for choice in Dominica. In fact, the island offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean. Head to Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve to explore the pristine marine habitat. Here, divers will experience colorful coral walls and volcanic underwater features.

Meanwhile, the Cabrits National Park Marine Section to the north of the island is renowned for its wide variety of rare fish. In fact, it offers some of the best reef diving in all of the Caribbean. Moreover, try out the “Champagne” dive site, to swim through the warm, bubbling waters of the geothermal vents.

Head to the beach in Dominica

While Dominica might not have as many beaches as its neighbors, it does feature beautiful bays in the north of island. Among the best is Batibou Beach, a remote stretch of sand around a 15-minute stroll from Calibishie. Here, the golden sand is backed by waving palm trees and overlooking clean waters, but without the usual crowds

Visit the unspoiled island of Dominica on your next Caribbean vacation. Find out more on the country’s official tourism website and see more of the island in the video below.