Did you know the major sequences of the original “Pirates of the Caribbean” film were shot in the jungles of Dominica Island? This film played a huge role in promoting and putting this lush green tropical island on the tourist maps. The fact that only two small airports service the island of Dominica, the place remained untouched and unseen by tourism package companies and large scale resorts of other islands. Nevertheless, Dominica is the most mountainous island with gorgeous views, refreshing waters, and tropical lushness. Many people visit Dominica on a one-day trip via a cruise ship or a multi-day trip from nearby islands while others spend the winter in Dominica to enjoy its natural splendors. 

Dominica, the last Caribbean island to have colonized because of fierce resistance from the native Caribs is often confused with the nation of the Dominican Republic. However, Dominica is not the same as the Dominican Republic, Dominica is situated on the windward island between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea while the Dominican Republic is on the island of Hispaniola in the Antilles. 

Of course, the main thing that draws everybody to Dominica is nature itself. So, save a week or more from your busy schedule to visit this unspoiled paradise to enjoy peaceful surroundings, friendly faces, a slower pace of life, and an incredible view that will surely own a big slice of your heart. This travel guide will help you in exploring the most popular attractions that you might have not seen ever before! 

The Boiling Lake: 

Situated in the heart of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the boiling lake is the world’s second-largest hot spring after the frying pan in New Zealand. This eerie-looking lake of bubbling gray-green water is located at the end of a strenuous 3-hour hike from Laudat to Cauldron but is definitely worth the physical pain. Geologists believe that this 63-meter wide lake is heated to a boiling point with temperatures ranging from 82-93°C in the center by molten lava below in the mysterious depths. This is a must-visit place that a local guide will definitely take you to and once you’ve traveled all through Dominica and wish to explore other such places than with a Dominica Passport (多米尼克护照) you can even avail visa-on-arrival and visa-free travel to other destinations. 

Trafalgar Falls:

Also known as “Twin Falls” at the Trafalgar falls you get to have two for the price of one. It is also named Mother and Father falls, the former is a 65-meter drop while the other is half of that. Dominica is blessed with so many waterfalls that literally falls with a mesmerizing beauty that you can’t get your eyes from. It can be found after a hike through ginger plants forest and vanilla orchids. This hike to the twin falls is of the most popular things to do in Dominica. The mother falls are more welcoming with a large bathing pool for those who’re daring to scramble down. However, while hiking one should watch their steps as the rocks are slippery and then soothe your sore muscles in the hot springs or shallow river pools. The cool stream of Trafalgar Falls originates through the mountains which are joined near the bottom of a hot mineral spring. You can even take a dip in cold pools lying amidst the sulfur dyed rocks at the base of the fall. This spectacular nature and its proximity to the capital city of Dominica, Trafalgar Falls is certainly on every visitor's list. 

Cabrits National Park: 

Situated at a scenic peninsula beyond the town of Portsmouth, this park is the last stop on the Waitukubuli Trail. Cabrits National Park is home to wetlands, coral reefs, dense forests and is an ideal place to explore. This is also where the ruins of Fort Shirley, an 18th Century British Garrison defensive fort can be found with a beautiful view of Prince Rupert Bay. In the Northwest of Dominica, this park preserves and protects the lush green rain forest, black sand beaches, and swampland. It also gives a scenic peninsula panoramic view from the top and its reef offers the best snorkeling and diving activities and just like the rest of Dominica, here too, nature wins your day! 

Roseau: 

This is Dominica’s capital and the main seaport. Explore Roseau on foot, framed by lush peaks of mountains and a colorful, vibrant Rastafarian vibe. This city is filled with modern buildings, West Indian cottages, and markets of fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables, and souvenirs. It also has other numerous historic attractions such as Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral which is a 19th Century Gothic Romanesque-style church and the city’s one of the major landmarks. Roseau’s waterfront has a seaside promenade and a cruise ship dock which is usually crowded in the winter season with visitors. Other highlights in Roseau also include Dominica’s Botanic Gardens and compact Dominica Museum. You can also take a short drive to Morne Bruce a historic place to see the panoramic view of the flamboyant city. 

Champagne Reef: 

This is one of Dominica’s most notable dive and snorkel site with a hot tub in the middle of the ocean. Sounds like heaven. No? Champagne reef is located in the marine reserve off the country’s southwest coast. The geothermal activity is what causes thousands of bubbles to emerge from beneath the rocks, a few feet from the shore that makes you feel like you’re swimming in a big glass of champagne. This is one of the few places on the earth where gas is gorgeous and you get a chance to snorkel amongst trumpet fishes, lobsters, squids, batfish, harlequin bass and turtles, and tiny sea horses. The best time to visit this reef is usually at early AM or late PM to avoid the crowds from cruise ships. You can swim in the most peaceful Champagne beach where you don’t even have to worry about changing rooms, shower rooms, and snack bars.