Things to Do in Dominica, the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

With its soft sand and warm, bright blue water, the Caribbean has long been a family vacation favorite. Beaches may be the standout in this region, but the Caribbean has much more to love — you just need to know where to find it. That’s where Dominica comes in.

Often confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is located in the Eastern Caribbean, between the French Islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. English is the official language, and unlike its better-known island neighbors, beaches are not the star of the show here. (A majority of the Atlantic coast is not swimmable.) Sure, if you look closely you can find them, but as you’re searching you’ll likely get distracted by the list of unique possibilities the Nature Island, as it’s nicknamed, has to offer. From cascading waterfalls and trekking through the jungle to swimming in thermal hot springs, your family will be too busy to miss the beach.

Best Things to Do in Dominica with Kids

Watch for Whales

Dominica’s towering mountainous interior is contrasted by a coastline surrounded by deep waters, making it a favorite locale for sperm whales. Although resident whales can be seen year-round, the odds of success on a whale-watching trip increase from the end of November through March. Sperm whales dominate the waters, but you might also catch sight of an assortment of other whales, including orcas, pygmy killer whales, humpback whales and dolphins. Boats typically depart out of the city of Roseau, Dominica’s capital.

Spot Sea Turtles

Just as if they were taking turns, turtle sightings increase in Dominica as whale sightings slow. From March to October, leatherback, green, loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles come ashore to nest on beaches. Seeing them can be tricky, as females often crawl onto the sand at night to nest and hatchlings also typically emerge in the evening. Rosalie Bay Resort offers a turtle wake-up call for interested guests, so they can head to the beach when a turtle shows up or when hatchlings poke through the sand to make their first trip to the sea.

Play in the Mud

Not far from Roseau, the Wotten Waven area is home to a number of hot sulphur springs said to have healing properties. Ti Kwen Glo Cho, Creole for “little corner of hot water,” is a local favorite. The water isn’t crystal-clear — pools take on a murky look — but once you’re in, you’ll have no regrets. If you’re just not sure, walk past the main pool and changing room along the path and down a set of stairs. Here, a series of old bathtubs tucked into a stand of bamboo are constantly refilled with warm, clear water. The small space makes it a particularly nice spot for parents with young children.

There are a number of both hot and cold pools along with a place where folks are encouraged to get in and cover their entire bodies with mud. If you’re looking to gain the greatest health benefits, there is a specific order to the recommended steps. That said, just soaking without worrying about when and where feels good on travel-weary bodies of all ages. Even though the pools are fed by sulphur springs, the smell is faint.

Be sure to bring flip-flops or wear water shoes; the paths that connect the pools are rocky and can be painful to wander in bare feet. Having bathing suits on underneath clothes can be a time saver for families, enabling them to make a splash sooner. There aren’t any showers, and there’s only one changing room that’s not particularly private. It is large enough to fit a few people at a time, but since it is used by both men and women, it only takes a few soakers to form a line.

Chase Waterfalls

Locals will tell you Dominica has 365 rivers, one for every day of the year. But as all that water zigzags across the island, it creates a multitude of waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible and even swimmable. Park the car on the side of the road, and in less than five minutes you can be standing in front of Jacko Falls. If you’re hunting for a souvenir, a handful of village artisans are often set up selling their wares, plus local snacks and freshly harvested spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Have your swimsuits handy when you head to nearby Emerald Pool. Part of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, an easy-to-navigate loop trail leads to the 40-foot waterfall. When weather conditions are calm, the pool at the base is a popular swimming spot. Water shoes, towels and a waterproof camera are all good to have on hand.

You get two for the price of one 10-minute walk at Trafalgar Falls. One of Dominica’s most popular attractions, these falls are referred to as Mama and Papa Falls. At 125 feet, the latter is the taller of the two; the Mama Falls is 75 feet high. You can soak in the mineral pool at the base, but getting there can be a bit tricky. There isn’t a clear path and you’ll have to climb atop a series of rocks.

Both Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool are popular cruise excursions, so if you want to avoid the crowds, try to arrive first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Although all of the waterfalls mentioned are easily accessible, there are steps, so you’ll want to leave strollers in the car.

Where to Stay in Dominica

Secret Bay

Secret Bay is the perfect blend of luxe accommodations, exemplary service, adventure and a focus on the natural surroundings. Tucked along Dominica’s northwest coast, this enclave features six stylish, spacious villas perched on a bluff above the shoreline, crafted entirely with sustainable building materials. Each villa comes with its own plunge pool; a dedicated host; on-call chefs, guides and concierge support; and access to a private beach.

Onsite activities include kayak fishing, paddleboarding, daytime and nighttime snorkeling, spa treatments, yoga and meditation, cooking classes (either in the restaurant kitchen or in your villa kitchen) and more. The Secret Bay team can also arrange excursions that range from guided hikes and lionfish hunting to art lessons and a visit to the Saturday market in the nearby town of Portsmouth.

TIP: Our Ciao Bambino Travel Advisor team can book your stay at Secret Bay with perks and benefits you can’t access on your own, at the same rate you’d get if you booked directly. Click to request more info.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly Caribbean destinations and accommodations on Ciao Bambino

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Essential tips for a Caribbean family vacation

Secrets to an affordable Caribbean family vacation

Six Caribbean islands for kid-friendly bliss

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.