Thursday March 28 Arrive 08:00
Depart 17:00

Hibiscus Falls

Cruise ship port at Rosseau

Cabrits National Park

Dominica is the model getaway for nature lovers. The kaleidoscopic menagerie of wildlife is everywhere you go, from the lush rain forests to the ethereal water, even up to the top of the island's volcanoes. Waterfalls greet hikers as they explore the extensive national parks and divers are sure to speak fondly of Dominica watersports. The entire island is a visual feast: whales and dolphins surround the tiny island and those fond of birdwatching could hardly choose a better location. On the island of Dominica adventure is everywhere.

In comparison to the rest of the Caribbean, Dominica has rocky, uninviting beaches. A volcanic island, black powder covers the Dominican coastline. Since the island of Dominica gets only a fraction of visitors compared to nearby Guadeloupe or Martinique, there are fewer hotels and bars, but that is hardly why anyone seeks out this refuge. Almost the entire landscape is preserved national forests and parks – and each is fervidly protected by the vigilant island's forestry service. The northeast corner of the island is one of the few remaining homes of the Caribs – the indigenous people who give the entire sea its name – a people with a longstanding connection to the storied history of Dominica. The traditional crafts of the Carib Indians are on display throughout the nation – not to mention many fine rum and coffee products. There are also extensive island remedies for nearly every malady, whether physical or mental. The proof that modern times have not yet diluted ties to the history of Dominica.

Dominica adventure tours are rare due to the relatively small tourist industry on the island, so you will have to do much of the exploring on your own. What is available are usually run through one of the few resorts on the island, and involve a variety of dives and hikes. And though the coastline is nothing spectacular – and relatively unsafe to swim in - it is what's underwater that counts. Even the most cursory dive will redefine the word "teeming" for most visitors, and it is easy to see why Dominica adventures are the island's main attraction.

The history of Dominica is another. Though it was eventually colonized by the British, the island remained virtually untouched throughout its foreign rule. Thus Dominica offers a rare glimpse into what the islands must have looked like hundreds of years ago, before tourism, slavery and colonization scratched their marks onto the Caribbean.

"We usually just hop in a taxi at the port and tell the driver to take us up into the rain forest, with a few stops to smell the flowers/take photos/maybe a quick dip in a waterfall/and a couple of stops at the roadside bars/fruit stalls/shacks for a chat and a drink, for a couple of hours, the drivers are generally very knowledgeable about the flora, the trails and where’s best to go

Trafalgar falls...its a very high (magnificent) waterfall with a small trek down (a dirt path) from the road, through the rain forest where there is a viewing platform (and some great views over the rain forest)

Emerald pool...very cool clear pool/pond surrounded by flowers & jungle foliage.... short walk on a signposted trail from trafalgar falls...locals call the pool the elixier of youth....you can take a dip but there are no changing facilities....just some nearby rocks

Hibiscus falls...smaller than trafalgar falls but easier to get to from the road...down a flight of cement steps....theres a fruit/juice/coconut oil/herbs/flowers stall/guy at the the entrance and a rest room to change in if you decide to take a dip

Titou gorge....another pool with a fresh water waterfall actually inside the gorge you have to swim to get to it…. and a hot water waterfall in the pool (heated by the volcano) lady with an ice box nearby selling cold juices, fruits, & beers....she will look after your stuff if you want to swim in the pool/waterfall.... (or sit under the hot waterfall in a very shallow pool strewn with flower petals... ms magot was greatly enamoured by this experience, no proper changing facilities other than a bench where the ice box lady sits


The sulphur springs are nearby where there is a signposted trail passing fumaroles & bubbling mud pools...its a very pretty walk (a bit smelly) about 15 minutes with signs explaining what you are looking at and some info on the various (large) plants that you pass on the way.... there is a small market near the entrance where they sell all manner of volcanic skin treatments and the usual herbs/flowers/juices/fruit/beers

Cabrits National Park

Trafalgar Falls

Mero beach....a jet black (very hot underfoot) sand beach, rustic setting with local fishing boats pulling in from time to time to sell their catch and surrounded by pineapple fields....water is very warm and shallow for swimming and there is a beach bar/hut/restaurant/rest rooms

You will need trainers or closed in shoes in the rain forest as the trails/steps/rocks can be slippery....its likely to rain briefly, its cool(er) in the shade of the forest, the roads into the forest are quite steep/hair raising but some fabulous views and the herby smell will hit you the minute you leave Rousseau

indian river....if you like a gentle row in a 'rustic' wooden boat thru the trees with a man with 2 planks rowing? then yes go for it...they take you to a garden down river where there is a little bar and offer you a free (dynamite) cocktail and slices of unidentified? delicious tropical fruits...probably not too easy to do this and visit the waterfalls in one day but it might be worth considering if you are going to the beach as its in the same direction

Or if you are docking at portmouth then the Cabrits National Park....very spooky overgrown jungle & the ruined fort shirley with abandoned cannon/caves/bats/humoungus mahogany trees and gorgeous veiws over douglas bay at the end. Admissions are between $2 - $5pp

there are lots of other things to do which we haven’t done

Whale watching where they boast a 99% success rate...bookable with Thomson only i think?