The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Dominica, Dominica

June 18, 2021 Etsuko Causey

Welcome to the Nature Island. Remote, affordable and, as yet, unspoiled, Dominica deserves more than a day's visit from your cruise ship. Spend a week (or more) exploring mountains covered by tropical rainforest, endless hiking trails, some 40 dive sites and black-sand beaches. You'll soon be plotting ways to return every year.
Restaurants in Dominica

1. Boiling Lake

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Dominica http://caravanspirits.com/our-favorite-things-to-do-dominica
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 380 reviews

Boiling Lake

Said to be the second largest in the world, this hot springs lake is a caldron of gray-blue water at a temperature ranging from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit; a full-day rigorous hike with a guide is needed to visit this awesome sight.

Reviewed By Ctru8

This was the best. He is the BEST! We considered ourselves intermediate hikers.. this hike was hard, and satisfying. Nigel made it totally worth it. He was consistently upbeat, encouraging (we needed it) and overall a wonderful and friendly person with a heart of gold. At one point when I wanted to give up he was encouraging and keep me going. He knew exactly what he was doing, was full of information and facts about the local wildlife and foliage, had amazing stories to keep us entertained and answered all our questions! We had a fantastic time hunting the mysterious Agouti, stopping at the streams for a dip, eating eggs cooked in the Valley of Desolation and conversation with Nigel where he thought us all about the multipurpose use of materials you find on the way! Our tour consisted of us and another couple. Not only did he do well with mixing our levels of ability, he is great at interacting with all and keeping our conversation going! We have already talked about returning and when we do we will be hiring Nigel again for all of our guide needs! Our trip would not have been the same without him making it as memorable as he did! Thanks Nigel!

2. Ti Kwen Glo Cho Hot Springs

Dominica
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 65 reviews

Ti Kwen Glo Cho Hot Springs

Reviewed By Kelstar1972 - Melbourne, Australia

Great place for to chill relax in lovely natural quite surroundings June the owner is wonderful Great Bath tubs, hot pools and mud Bath with cold water mini falls Animals on site lots of rum And fresh food Nice way to chill

3. Trafalgar Falls

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Dominica http://www.dominica.dm/index.php/day-trips
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 637 reviews

Trafalgar Falls

Two spectacular waterfalls, Mother and Father, which you can climb around and have their rainbow encircle you.

Reviewed By liverdream - London, United Kingdom

We found the tours to Trafalgar falls a bit expensive and as we didn't have cars, we managed to get a public bus up to Trafalgar village (departs from Roseau in front of the Labour house every day btw 7-19) The fare is 5EC/person. From there it's an easy walk up with a little elevation to the falls. They only take cash for entrance ticket. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. Try to visit on non-cruise day as otherwise it will be jammed with tour buses from the cruise.

4. Boeri Lake

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Dominica
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Boeri Lake

This crater lake on the slopes of Morne Micotrin is the island’s highest, at 2,850 feet.

5. Indian River

Dominica
Excellent
47%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 178 reviews

Indian River

This mangrove-fringed river flows into the Glanvilla Swamp, which is prime birdwatching territory.

Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States

It's been completely different than what I expected but at the same time I loved it - don't expect action, fast paced entertainment etc. (I think most of us hear about the scene from the move and automatically associate with that). This is a very relaxing boat ride where you get to enjoy the sun, beautiful lush jungle views while listening to some info from time to time from your tour guide; and ours said it best by saying that he will stop talking at times exactly to make people appreciate the silence and peacefulness of this river! I was curious about how to organize this tour but in reality it's pretty straight forward; 1. You park the car either at the bank across the street or simply at the parking lot for the Indian River; this place after all is park of the national parks system in Dominica and the weekly pass is accepted. 2. From here you can use the restroom and organize your tour with many tour guides on the spot, or very likely you will have one already in advance as most people recommend someone (we drove all the way from Marigot/North East and as soon as we arrived our tour called us out by the name of hotel we stayed out - yep there are not that many tourists in Dominica, especially who drive their own cars) - the tour is I believe less than $20 per person and considering your guide will do the physical workout on your behalf be nice and tip accordingly afterwards! 3. The boat ride is serene and peaceful; motors aren't allowed so that makes this experience even more relaxing - you will bump into other boats going back or into the jungle but that's about it, no noise. The water color is very specific too, like a "milky green" at times and the overgrown banks and rich vegetation (in particular old big trees with huge long roots) are astounding! 4. You make it to the Bush Bar for a short stop - the drinks were decent, definitely try the Dynamite for its unique flavor. Pretty cool dock and decor - the barman, as others mentioned here on TripAdvisor already, could cheer up a bit as he made us feel a bit unwelcome.... but that has nothing to do with the tour - I review the tour and our guide experience and not the Bush Bar 5. On the way back you visit the Calypso Hut :) also serene and calm time, don't expect the snakes and voodoo dolls here - it's just an old hut on the river that was used in the move, still super cool! All in all the tour is very easy to organize and I say a must while in Dominica; it's very unique for the island as I don't recall anything like this in any other Caribbean country/islands and we have been to over 15+ already - there are of course river tours but not one like this, and that's exactly what made it so unique and took me by surprise as mentioned at the very beginning. TIP: our hotel recommend James Bond and Lawrence of Arabia (they work together and we met both); James took us on the tour and I would highly recommend him same as others did here already (by the way I was impressed with his multi language skills! and of course his sense of humor and personally add up to the experience!)

6. Emerald Pool Nature Trail

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Dominica http://cestlavibe.com/hiking-to-emerald-pool-in-dominica
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 474 reviews

Emerald Pool Nature Trail

Waters from the 50-foot Emerald Falls plunge into this swirling, fern-filled basin, giving hikers a cool respite after a leisurely hike to this sight.

Reviewed By Hogs54

We used Shoretrips on a recent Royal Caribbean Cruise. The tour was called: TRAFALGAR FALLS AND EMERALD POOL. We had a group of 14 so we got a private shuttle with a driver named Clem. He was outstanding!! I am not sure of the actual tour company, but if you ever to Dominica, try to look this up and Shoretrips and ask for Clem. Dominica is a very very beautiful country.

7. Soufriere Scottshead Marine Reserve

Scotts Head Dominica
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Soufriere Scottshead Marine Reserve

This marine reserve, established to preserve the bay and marine area, offers the chance to ocean kayak and view dolphins and whales.

Reviewed By JMGeneva - Geneva, Switzerland

We did some of the best dives of our life ther amazing under water with coral cliffs and pinnacles that are more beautiful than in magazines and fabulous over water with charming villages under luxuriant forests... the bonus is that the place is relatively protected from the cruise crowds invasions.

8. Valley of Desolation

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Dominica
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Valley of Desolation

A moss and lichen covered valley littered with brightly-colored hot springs, boiling mud and mini-geysers.

Reviewed By JemK_ima - Beau Bassin - Rose Hill, null

Even if you do not make it to the boiling lake, hiking till there is a sight in itself! A landscape filled with a myriad of colors, bluish streams, fuming red, yellow and white rocks, boiling black water...tread with caution of course!

9. Scott's Head Pinnacles

Scotts Head Dominica +1 767-448-2045 [email protected] https://discoverdominica.com/en/places/143/scotts-head-pinnacle
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Scott's Head Pinnacles

Steeply sloping pinnacles and a cluster of coral and marine life make this a great dive.

Reviewed By reedmangreg - Chicago, United States

Absolutely perfect place! When I look at our week long trip to Dominica I think this might have been actually my favorite stop! The drive to Scotts Head Villa from anywhere on the island isn't easy but absolutely worth the effort! We drove from Piccard/Portsmouth and stopped on the way in Roseau , to visit the Botanical Gardens and hike Morne Bruce, so the drive up to this point was normal/fairly easy. However, once you get out of Roseau there are stretches where the road gets very hilly and curvy - do you use your horn as much as you feel comfortable - that's basically the only thing that prevents you from hitting a truck or a shuttle - who drive in my opinion wayyyy to comfortably considering the opposite direction traffic on Dominica :) Once you are back on the sea level it's easy and flat - that's where you will arrive also to Scotts Head. Once it the village grab a bite at any of the local place (we did at Chez Wen and would recommend it) as most likely you spent some time getting here and trust me once at the Pinnacles you will want to spend even more :) so MANDATORY LUNCH BREAK and to settle down is a must I say :) the views are really pretty already on the sea level, trust me! Drive up to the Scott's Head Cannons; the little strip of land is covered in stones so drive slowly but once that is passed the drive up the hill is fairly easy on gear 1 or 2 at most :) the cement trails narrow down as you go up so be careful not to scratch your wheels - it's perfectly fine to drive up if you ever wondered (I did and was hesitant whether that's a smart thing to do before we went but I assure you it's perfectly fine and also recommended so you have more time up the hill to absorb the views) The views are unparalleled - this is super unique place for both Dominica and Caribbean standards so enjoy it as long as you want, it deserves it! TIP: take your time and enjoy this stop, it's time consuming to get here and tiresome but it's so worth it, trust me

10. Titou Gorge

Dominica http://feel-dominica.jimdo.com
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 285 reviews

Titou Gorge

A natural water-ride created by two hot springs, a rock pool and a river.

Reviewed By TanAndSand

Don’t let the frigid water keep you from experiencing Titou Gorge. It is absolutely gorgeous and where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean 2. We booked a tour and our guide provided life jackets and went in with us all the way to the water fall. I jumped in from the edge rather than walking in. It was so much fun!

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