Dominica’s Boiling Lake
The Complete Guide to the Hike
Dominica is a land of natural wonders, where lush rainforests meet rugged volcanic terrain. Among the many enchanting attractions, the Boiling Lake Hike stands out as a testament to the island’s unique geological heritage. This phenomenon is definitely a must-visit for adventurers looking for an unforgettable experience.
Even the first time I visited Dominica, I wanted to hike to the Boiling Lake. My family was not so convinced, though. They didn’t seem to enjoy the idea of trekking through the jungle for seven hours. Crazy, right?? But then again, I’ve always been interested in Geology so I just had to tick this hike off my list!
What is the Boiling Lake?
Dominica is home to 18 volcanoes, setting the stage for the creation of the Boiling Lake. This natural wonder owes its existence to a fumarole, a vent that releases volcanic gases and steam. Over time, such a fumarole became submerged, giving birth to the Boiling Lake, which is now the second-largest of its kind in the world. Only New Zealand has a bigger one. The Boiling Lake resides within the “Valley of Desolation” which can only be reached after many hours of hiking.
The Challenge of the Hike
To reach the Boiling Lake, you’ll take off on one of Dominica’s most demanding hikes. It’s a 13-kilometer round trip that typically takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. Given the challenging terrain and potential for getting lost, it’s highly recommended to hire a knowledgeable guide, available from various hotels on the island for approximately 100€.
The importance of a guide becomes clear through a crazy unfortunate story about a French man who went on the trek alone. He didn’t know about the dangers of volcanic valleys and fell through a thin layer of sulfur. His leg landed in boiling water and he had to be carried all the way back. There are no emergency helicopter, so if something happens, you’re on your own. Many hiker I saw strayed off course, and my guide had to show them the correct path.
I’m not the biggest hiker and I get anxious when I feel like I’m trapped and can’t just turn around and go home. When I talked to staff from my hotel, everyone told me they had never done the hike and had no interest in ever doing it. So, mentally, I was definitely off to a great start.
What to Expect
So, what can you expect from this hike to the second biggest boiling lake in the world? No worries, I’ve basically written a play by of the trek for you!
The Start
First, you’ll make your way through a lush jungle, following a fairly clear path with some wooden steps to help you climb. It’s a steady start, and before you know it, you’ll reach the “Breakfast River” – the perfect spot for a quick snack and a breather. To be honest, this was my least favourite part of the hike. The scenery is rather monotonous and there’s not even a hiking challenge due to the wooden steps.
After crossing the river, things get tougher. The trail turns steep, taking you over rugged volcanic terrain, leading up to the final climb. About 30 minutes before the summit, we ran into thick clouds and a light drizzle. This sadly hid the views of Dominica we were hoping for. Still, it was an amazing feeling standing at the top of one of the island’s biggest peaks. Our guide pulled out a fresh pineapple and we all had a quick bite before continuing. His words: “So this was the tricky part. Now comes the really tricky part”.
The Valley of Desolation
Heading down into the Valley of Desolation really was the trickiest part of the hike. The trail was super steep and slippery from the rain, so we had to step carefully. Thankfully, there was a rope to hold onto for some extra stability. The scenery completely shifted as we descended—it turned into a rocky, almost alien landscape, with sulfuric steam rising all around us.
Our guide warned us to stick close and follow his lead since things were getting riskier. The air was thick with the smell of sulfur, and we had to cross rivers (luckily, not boiling ones!) and use ropes to make our way through the rugged terrain. The whole experience felt super eerie and surreal. It was a bit of a dream come true for me, to be honest.
The Boiling Lake
After making it through the challenges of the Valley of Desolation, we climbed two more hills and finally arrived at the Boiling Lake. At first, it was hidden by a thick layer of steam, but when the wind cleared, the view was absolutely stunning. The lake lived up to its name—a bubbling, boiling pool surrounded by an incredible landscape. We took a break to enjoy some sandwiches, snap a few photos, and just soak in the awe of this natural wonder. My boyfriend’s unpopular opinion is that the lake was actually the most boring part of the hike. I loved seeing the boiling lake, but I do get his sentiments. For this hike, I would say, the journey is the reward.
The Way Back
After about 20 minutes of rest, we started to make our way back. I was feeling surprisingly refreshed and ready to tackle the last 3 to 3,5 hours of the hike. Someone else from our group didn’t feel the same way, unfortunately. He didn’t seem to have the required fitness and our guide stayed with him at all times. Just before reaching the end of the Valley of Desolation, the latter told us to continue without them. He actually seemed quite worried about the time and the impending darkness.
So, my boyfriend and I went on alone which was honestly fine after leaving behind all volcanic dangers. We were on such a roll that we didn’t even stop at the Breakfast River. After roughly 7,5 hours of hiking, we finally made our way back to the car park. We were muddy and completely exhausted, but so so happy and proud of us.
How to Prepare for the Boiling Lake Hike
Put on your best hiking shoes
Make sure to wear your best hiking shoes, or at least shoes with enough grip. They will most likely get wet and muddy, so don’t worry about keeping your feet dry.
Be in good enough shape
You need to be able to hike (and climb) for 7 hours. It really does get dangerous if you get stuck due to lack of fitness, so make sure you’re in good enough shape!
Pack enough Food and Water
Bring enough food, but especially water, to last you for the whole day. We didn’t have quite enough water, so we had to ration it. You need at least 2 litres per person!
Where are you off to Next?
