Have you ever heard of Dominica? No, not the Dominican Republic—this is the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Located between Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica is a hidden gem filled with lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, and some of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever encountered. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Dominica twice, giving me the chance to truly experience and explore all that this incredible island has to offer.

So here is the ideal itinerary for 7 days on this incredible island, packed with hikes, waterfalls, and underwater adventures!

Quick Overview

• Day 1: Sulphur Springs and Waterfalls
• Day 2: Champagne Reef & Scott’s Head
• Day 3: Boiling Lake Hike
• Day 4: Batibou Bay
• Day 5: Indian River
• Day 6: Rosalie Bay
• Day 7: Pool Day

Arrival

On my first trip, I stayed close to the town of Marigot in the northeast of Dominica, specifically at Pagua Bay Resort. This area is close to Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), so it makes sense to stay there if you fly in through this airport. The second time I visited Dominica, I was based in the southwest of the island. This is where Dominica’s capital, Roseau, and the other airport (Canefield Airport), as well as the ferry terminal are located.

Personally, I preferred staying in the southwestern part of the island. It was easier to reach the attractions located in the Morne Trois Piton National Park like the Boiling Lake Hike, Titou Gorge and various waterfalls. The north of the island is less touristy and you are closer to some deserted beaches like Batibou Beach. It’s also great for day trips to the Indian River, or the charming town of Portsmouth.

Wherever you choose to stay, I highly recommend renting a car. Dominica’s attractions are spread out across the island, with some only accessible by car (or taxi). Renting a car offers a much more comfortable and flexible way to explore. While the roads are generally in good condition, you may encounter some narrow, winding stretches. As long as you’re comfortable driving on the left side of the road, you’ll have no trouble.

Day 1: Sulphur Springs and Waterfalls

Wotten Waven Sulphur Springs

Start your Dominica adventure with a proper dose of the island’s natural beauty. Just a 15–20 minute drive from the capital Roseau, you’ll find the small village of Wotten Waven, a lush, laid-back spot tucked into the rainforest and surrounded by geothermal activity. Thanks to Dominica’s location between nine active volcanoes, the area is full of bubbling hot springs, steamy fumaroles, and natural sulphur baths that locals have used for generations to relax and recharge.

Wotten Waven is home to several small spas built around these hot springs. Think stone pools filled with warm, mineral-rich water in jungle gardens. The most popular ones include Screw’s Sulphur Spa, Ti Kwen Glo Cho, and Tia’s Hot Spa. Entry usually costs around $5–10 USD, depending on the location and facilities.

Important tip: Don’t just type “Wotten Waven” into Google Maps and expect to land in the right place. Unfortunately, I learned that the hard way. Instead, search for the exact spa you want to visit (e.g., “Screw’s Sulphur Spa”) or follow signs once you get close. The village is small, and locals are helpful if you’re unsure.

If you go for a dip, make sure to wear dark swimwear since the sulphur in the water can stain light fabrics. Also, take off any jewelry before entering the pools, as the minerals can oxidize metal. I didn’t end up getting in myself because I didn’t have a swimsuit I was willing to risk. However, even just sitting nearby with my feet in the water was incredibly soothing.

Trafalgar Falls

After your soak, it’s time for a little waterfall magic. Just a 10-minute drive from Wotten Waven, you’ll reach the Trafalgar Falls, one of Dominica’s most iconic sights. These twin waterfalls, affectionately called Mama and Papa Falls, cascade down a cliffside into a rocky, jungle-filled valley. The right one (Mama) carries hot spring water from the Breakfast River, which you’ll cross if you ever do the famous Boiling Lake hike. The left one (Papa) is colder and flows from Titou Gorge.

From the entrance, it’s just a 10-minute walk on a well-maintained trail through the forest to a viewing platform. Most visitors stop there for photos, but if you’re up for a bit of a scramble, you can climb over the boulders to reach the pools at the base. Be prepared to get wet and wear proper shoes as some rocks can be slippery.

Middleham Falls

Still up for more adventure? Hop back in the car and drive about 20 minutes to the trailhead for Middleham Falls, in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. This one’s a little more of a workout: the hike takes about an hour each way, with a mix of rainforest paths, stone steps, and some steeper sections. But the reward is huge! Middleham Falls is one of Dominica’s tallest waterfalls, dropping an impressive 260 feet (80 meters) into a misty pool below.

Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll hear the roar before you see it. The falls crash into the basin with real force, sending mist into the air and cooling you off instantly. If you climb a bit closer (carefully), there’s a small, quieter pool off to the left where the water is a little warmer and calmer. It’s perfect for a quick dip!

Day 2: Champagne Reef & Scotts Head

Champagne Reef

For your second day, head to the south of the island. Close to the town of Pointe Michel, you’ll find one of Dominica’s most famous sights: the Champagne Reef. The reef got its name from the bubbles rising out of the sea floor due to geothermal activities in the area. The reef’s impressive volcanic formations and crystal clear water is full of corals and colourful fish. This makes it a popular spot for snorkelers and divers alike. You can bring your own gear or rent it at one of the many stalls along the beach. Keep in mind that parking spaces are very limited!

After you make your way across the pebble beach (bring water shoes if you’re sensitive!), you just have to jump in and enjoy the floating bubbles surrounding you. When I visited the first time in 2017, there was only a boardwalk leading to the snorkel area and just one other person was around. Now, there are bars, cafes, tour operators, and plenty of sun beds peppered along the beach, with quite a few more tourists wanting to experience the bubbly water (again, especially on cruise ship days!). If you want to avoid crowds, you can also check out the nearby Bubble Beach in the town of Soufrière.

Scotts Head

Once you’ve had your fun with the bubbles at Champagne Reef and are ready to dry off, Scotts Head is the perfect next stop. This small town sits at the southwestern tip of the island, but what really makes it special is the viewpoint overlooking Soufrière Bay.

You can either hike all the way to the top or drive most of the way and walk the rest. Either way, it’s a short and fairly easy hike. At the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean (to the right) meeting the Caribbean Sea (to the left). I visited during sunset and can only recommend doing the same. It felt surreal standing at the peak, almost alone, looking out over this tropical island.

And if that isn’t reason enough to visit Scotts Head, here’s another one: the bay is a fantastic spot for diving and snorkelling. Just off the coast, you’ll find a coral-covered underwater wall and might even spot turtles or reef sharks. Keep in mind though, the best area is near the Atlantic side of the peninsula, so you’ll need to be a confident swimmer to get there safely.

Day 3: Boiling Lake Hike

So, this may not be for everyone. The 7 hour hike to the world’s second largest boiling lake is challenging, even for locals. Of course, if this is not for you, maybe take the day off to rest and relax by the pool. However, the reward is so great, and it might be one of my life’s biggest accomplishments so far!

To get to the Boiling Lake, you have to hike through the jungle of Dominica, walk up and down various mountains, cross the so-called Valley of Desolation, and climb down steep ledges with only the help of ropes. It’s definitely not easy and people have gotten hurt or lost along the way. I’d recommend getting a local guide to lead you to the lake. If you take the right precautions and are physically fit enough, I’d highly recommend the Boiling Lake hike. I don’t think I will ever forget it this experience.

If you want my full review of the hike, check out my post here: Boiling Lake Hike

Day 4: Batibou Bay

After such an exhausting day before, why not take this one slow and turn it into a proper beach day? I had Batibou Bay saved on my Google Maps, just as a quick stop on the way back to the hotel after a full day of island adventures. Little did I know it would turn into hours of lounging and a late-afternoon moment of “oh shit, we still have to drive back for an hour and it’s almost dark.”

Batibou Bay is in the north of Dominica, near the town of Hampstead. The easiest way to get there is by car. There are a few parking spots up by the road, but be careful not to block the entrance to the path down to the beach. If your car is sturdy enough, you can drive down the gravel road and park right near the shore.

From the cliffs above, you already get a glimpse of the beach with its shimmering blue water, soft sand, and a backdrop of palm trees and jungle that looks straight out of a dream.

After the short walk down, we realized it wasn’t quite as deserted as it seemed. There’s actually a small beach bar tucked right by the entrance. We ended up grabbing some rum punch and a coconut, then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the shade of the palm trees. Everything about it felt like a movie scene, and honestly, I wish I could go back every single day.

Day 5: The Indian River

Today is the day you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. What many people don’t know is that parts of the franchise were actually filmed on Dominica. One of the most iconic scenes, where the crew paddles down a jungle river to Calypso’s hut, was shot right here. And the best part? You can take that exact same boat ride.

The tour takes you along the Indian River, through mangroves and wetlands that get narrower the deeper you go. Keep your eyes open for fish darting through the water, the occasional crab, or birds rustling in the trees. At one point, you’ll float past the hut that was built specifically for the film. After around 30 minutes, the boat stops at the Bush Bar, where you can relax with a glass of rum punch before heading back.

The whole experience takes about 90 minutes and starts right in the center of Portsmouth, in the north of the island. As soon as you arrive in town, chances are someone will approach you offering a spot on their rowboat. You can go with them, or head straight to the bridge on the main road that leads toward Roseau. You really can’t miss it. The tour costs around 40 EC dollars, plus a valid national park permit.

Day 6: Rosalie Bay

Alright, full disclosure: I didn’t make it to Rosalie Bay during either of my trips to Dominica, but I really wish I had. It’s one of those lesser-visited spots that often flies under the radar. Maybe because it’s a bit harder to reach and doesn’t have a long list of tourist activities. But in my opinion, that’s exactly what makes it perfect for a peaceful day trip.

Rosalie Bay is known for its black sand beach and rugged coastline. While it’s not ideal for swimming due to the strong Atlantic currents, it’s a great place to fully immerse yourself in nature. You can visit the Sari-Sari waterfalls or take a hike through the lush vegetation. One of the biggest reasons to come here is the chance to witness sea turtles hatching. Between March and August, leatherback turtles come to the shore to lay their eggs.

If you’re looking to disconnect for a while and experience the wild beauty of Dominica, Rosalie Bay is a wonderful choice. And I’ll definitely make sure to visit next time I’m on the island.

Day 7: Pool Day

Let’s be honest, this is still a vacation. After a few action-packed days, you’ve definitely earned some time to relax by the pool. Chances are you spent good money on your accommodation, so it only makes sense to take the time to enjoy it. I always end up regretting not spending a little more time in the beautiful hotel I paid for.

So take your time with breakfast, grab a book and a towel, and spend the day unwinding by the pool. You deserve it.