A little more
Dominica.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Dominica: what to know before you go

Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is a mountainous, volcanic island in the Lesser Antilles between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Known as the Nature Island, it has rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs, a boiling lake and resident sperm whales offshore, rather than long white beaches and large resorts. It suits hikers, divers and nature lovers who are happy with small, locally run places to stay. Do not confuse it with the Dominican Republic.

Where to go

• Boiling Lake. A flooded fumarole in Morne Trois Pitons National Park where grey-blue water bubbles under a cloud of steam.
• Morne Trois Pitons National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic peaks, rainforest, lakes and waterfalls in the south of the island.
• Trafalgar Falls. Twin waterfalls in the Roseau Valley, reached by a short trail through the forest.
• Champagne Reef. A snorkelling and dive site on the south-west coast where volcanic gas bubbles up through the sand and rocks, like swimming in a glass of champagne, among corals and reef fish.

Best time to visit

The drier season, roughly from February to May, is the best time for hiking, with less mud on the trails. Dominica is lush because it rains often, so expect showers year-round, especially in the mountains.

Staying online in Dominica

Mobile coverage is generally good in Roseau, Portsmouth and the villages along the west coast, but drops in the mountainous interior, deep valleys, on long rainforest hikes and along parts of the east coast. Guesthouses and hotels usually offer Wi-Fi, which can be slow. Download offline maps before setting out on trails, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.