Dominica Will Leave You Speechless

Dominica (not the Dominican Republic) is the destination, and it is the kind of island that grabs you immediately with its raw, untouched beauty. With 365 rivers on the island, waterfalls spill across the landscape in every direction. It is a paradise for anyone who loves adventure. You can hike to the second-largest boiling lake in the world, snorkel over bubbling geothermal reefs, dive on world-class sites, wander through canyons, climb on red volcanic rock while the waves crash around you, and seek out "Pirates of the Caribbean" filming sites. One thing that makes it special is how authentic and uncommercial it feels compared to other Caribbean destinations; the culture, food, and people are genuinely connected to the land.

Breitling and Beyond tip #1

If you’re in decent shape and adventurous, hike to Boiling Lake. You must go with a local guide, and for good reason. The hike is 6–8 hours round-trip and will challenge your body and mind, but the sense of accomplishment at the end is euphoric. The terrain takes you through rainforest ridges, down into the Valley of Desolation, across loose volcanic rock, and over active fumaroles. It’s not recommended for young children, but we had a couple of preteens in our group who stayed in the middle of the pack and especially loved swimming in the rivers and watching our guide cook an egg in boiling water along the way.

Afterward, don’t miss swimming in Titou Gorge, where you move through a narrow volcanic canyon with towering rock walls and warm water to reach a hidden waterfall.

Breitling and Beyond tip #2

Use local knowledge and services, especially for transportation and adventure guiding. The roads, although in great shape, are very windy and hilly and not for the faint of heart. It takes longer to get between activities than you’d expect, so sit back, relax, and let a local resident transfer you to your next adventure. Their kindness shines through every interaction, and they genuinely want to share the beautiful island with you.

Final tip

Finally, go discover Dominica before the new international airport—which is already under construction—opens and the rest of the world finds it. It’s the kind of place that still feels wild, with mountains, canyons, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches all waiting to be explored.

Accommodations

Accommodations range from mid-budget to over-the-top luxury, so there’s something for everyone. This hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long. If you want to experience Dominica while it still feels raw, untamed, and under-the-radar, get it on your itinerary now.

Top choices of where to rest in between activities: Secret Bay, InterContinental Dominica, Jungle Bay.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Caribbean page.