6 Day Nature Itinerary for Dominica

Dominica is a natural paradise. It is lush and a breath of fresh air. Known as “The Nature Island,” Dominica’s tropical rainforests cover two thirds of the island, and are home to 1,200 plant species. There are hiking trails for all ages, emerald pools, bubbling waters, and as many rivers as there are days of the week. I recently spent six magical days in Dominica exploring the best that the country has to offer. This itinerary will bring you back to nature and make you drunk with happiness.

6 Day Nature Itinerary for Dominica

Day One – The Arrival

– Arrive at Douglas Charles Airport – International flights from US and Europe are connected to the island through hubs in Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI), St. Maarten (SXM), Puerto Rico (SJU), Guadeloupe (PTP), and Martinique (FDF). LIAT is the most unreliable airline that travels to Dominica. If you have other options, I’d strongly suggest you consider them. Other airlines include BVI Airways, Windward Islands Airways and Seaborne Airlines
– Transfer to Rosalie Bay Resort – Rosalie Bay Resort is an eco-boutique and wellness resort inspired by nature. It is only a short drive from both Sari Sari Falls and Emerald Pool.
– Arrive & check in
– Dinner at hotel – Dominica has an abundance of fresh fish. It’s an excellent choice for dinner.
– Rest your legs after flying because adventure awaits 

There are a couple options for your arrival. You can choose to rent a car and drive on your own or you can hire a driver. I would recommend having a car during the trip because the hikes are spread out across the entire island. Relying on a hotel would limit your island experience. Jenner Robinson at Jenn Tours is a good choice regardless if you just want to rent a car or if you want a guide for your entire trip.

Day Two – Letting the Bubbly Go to Your Head

– Breakfast at hotel
– Check out & transfer to Sari Sari Falls
– Begin hike to Sari Sari Falls – Sari Sari Falls is an intermediate hike with river crossings and steep inclines. It takes about 1.5 hours round trip. It is possible to hike Sari Sari Falls without a guide. I’d recommend if you’re traveling with children that they are at least 5 years of age.
– Transfer to Emerald Pool
– Visit to Emerald Pool – This wonderful waterfall grotto is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Trois Piton National Park. An easy 30-minute hike takes you through magnificent overhanging trees and lush vegetation to the shimmering pool, which appears green in the tree-filtered sunlight.
– Transfer to Champagne Reef for a Snorkel Tour– Champagne Reef Dive & Snorkel is Dominica’s premier adventure tour company. They are located at the world famous Champagne Reef. Diving and Snorkelling are their signature adventures but they also offer land based tours.
– Lunch at Champagne Reef – There is a small restaurant at Champagne Reef Dive & Snorkel where you can grab lunch before your snorkel experience
– Begin snorkel tour
– Transfer to Scotts Head Peninsula – Scotts Head is a small fishing village located on the southern tip of the island of Dominica, overlooking Soufriere Bay. A peninsula located west of the village is called Scotts Head Peninsula and is the meeting point of the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
– Visit to Scotts Head Peninsula
– Transfer to Evergreen Hotel – The Evergreen Hotel is a charming sea-front inn located along Dominica’s west coast, only one mile south of Roseau, Dominica’s capital city. This boutique hotel affords perfect sunset views and cool ocean breezes
– Arrive and check in
– Dinner at Evergreen Hotel – The menu is refreshed daily and blends international & creole cuisine.

This is a busy first day but I’ve tested it and it is all possible. Start the hike to Sari Sari Falls early and don’t pass on Emerald Pool. It is one of the most stunning views in the entire country.

Day Three – Double the Beauty

– Breakfast at hotel
– Check out of hotel
– Transfer to Trafalgar Falls 
– Visit to Trafalgar Falls – The twin falls are an easy 20 minute walk to the viewing platform. You can continue on and climb over rocks and swim in the smaller of the falls.
– Transfer to Titou Gorge
– Visit to Titou Gorge – The hike through Titou Gorge is actually a short swim from the base of a waterfall through a series of natural “rooms and ponds” formed by high cliff walls.
– Transfer to Mero Beach 
– Lunch at Romance Café – Romance Cafe proudly serves their take on French cuisine. The style of the restaurant and its dishes is beach casual.
– Flyboarding or jet skiing activity at Nature Island Adventure Tours – Exciting ATV and Dune Buggy Tours as well as Flyboarding and jet-skiing are offered by Nature Island Adventure Tours.
– Check in to Fort Young – Fort Young’s oceanfront location is at the heart of the island’s historic capital, Roseau. For scuba divers, Fort Young has their own fully equipped dive shop and a jetty where the boats come to pick you up, whether you are diving, snorkeling or heading off into the bay to go whale watching. Hikers can arrange a wide variety of excursions in close proximity to the hotel such as treks to waterfalls in the rainforest and bird watching trips from our hotel’s own activities desk.
– Dinner at Palisades Restaurant at Fort Young Hotel – Palisades combines the finest of local cuisine with the latest twists on international classics in a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors. The services is fantastic and the view is spectacular.

Day Four – Extreme Dominica

– Breakfast at hotel
– Transfer to Extreme Dominica for Canyoning – Canyoning in Dominica offers a great way to explore the hidden depths of this magical island, while at the same time, enjoying the fun and adventure of this great water-sport.
– Begin canyoning activity 
– Light snacks included
– Return to Fort Young Hotel
– Dinner at hotel

Day Five

– Breakfast at hotel
– Transfer to Colihaut Heights
– Begin Segment 10, Waitukubuli National Trail – The Trail opens up and showcases the best of Dominica – culture/heritage, local lifestyles, and our island’s rugged terrain and wild nature – rivers, waterfalls, mountains, exotic gorges and rainforests.
– Complete hike/ return to Fort Young
– Lunch at hotel
– Dive Dominica for whale watching – Dominica enjoys whales and dolphins all year round. Sperm whales breed in the waters and sightings are common. Dive Dominica often meets huge pods of dolphins leaping out of the water and swimming alongside boat.
– Begin whale watching excursion 
– Return to Fort Young Hotel
– Dinner at hotel

Day Six

– Check out and transfer to Douglas Charles Airport
– Check in for flight
– Breakfast option at Orchard Oasis
– Depart Dominica

This extensive itinerary was developed by Dominica Tourism, and tested by me, as an example of the best the island has to offer. It’s busy and full but allows you to really take in the natural beauty of Dominica. Hikes like Sari Sari Falls will challenge you, adventures like flyboarding will get your adrenaline pumping and views like Scotts Head Peninsula will mesmerize you. Dominica is a hidden gem in the Caribbean.

*Disclosure: A special thanks to Dominica Tourism for making this trip a reality. All opinions and thoughts are my own.