Canyoning in Dominica: A Must Not Miss Experience
Have you ever been canyoning in the middle of a gorgeous rainforest? Well, we have! And we think you should, too!
Canyoning in Dominica is a must-not-miss experience!
During our trip to this underrated island, we booked a guided tour and went canyoning through the famous Titou Gorge — where we rappelled down waterfalls and jumped from cliffs.
Of the few tours we took in Dominica, this Canyoning Experience with Extreme Dominica undoubtedly blew us out of the water and has made the list as one of our favorite tours, ever.
If you think you’re up for Canyoning in Dominica, continue reading as we will tell you all the ins and outs on what to expect, and if the tour is worth your money AND time.
All you Need to Know about Canyoning in Dominica
Any canyoning tour you book in Dominica will take you through the famous Titou Gorge in Morne Trois Piton National Park, where you’ll be rappelling through canyons, over cliffs, and down waterfalls.
Fun Fact: Part of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed in Titou Gorge!
Our tour was guided by Extreme Dominica, who we highly recommend as they were experts at navigating the canyon. Our guides grew up within minutes of Titou Gorge and spent their childhood exploring the canyons.
Note that you do NOT need any prior experience rappelling to take this tour.
Each person will undergo a brief training period before you begin the tour which will prepare you for the adventure ahead. If you’re still unsure, know that your tour guides will be with you every step of the way!
What Should You Bring?
- Swimwear
- Closed-Toed Tennis Shoes OR Water Shoes
- Towel
- Waterproof Phone Case OR Waterproof Camera
Those are a few essentials you’ll need for your canyoning experience in Dominica!
Everything else will be provided by your tour guides.
If you are worried about your phone or camera getting damaged, you can also rent a Go Pro camera from Extreme Dominica for an additional charge ($49 with an SD card). No need to book this camera ahead of time, before leaving on your tour they will ask if you would like to add a camera.
Which Tour Should You Book?
We decided to book our tour through Viator, guided by Extreme Dominica, as we were guaranteed free cancellation with a 24-hour notice.
A few different canyoning tours are offered depending on your skill level and what piques your interest.
Our group had three people, and we decided it was worth the extra cost to book the private tour.
The group tour is cheaper, but you could be canyoning through Titou Gorge with up to 15 people (often less, depending on the season and cruise port schedule).
Here are the different canyoning tours offered by Extreme Dominica:
1. Canyon Experience
- $189 per person
- 4 1/2 hours (08:30-1:00, 1:00-5:00)
- Hotel & Cruise pickup / drop off
- Group Tour
- Ages 6+
- No experience required
The Canyon Experience is a group tour and is the cheapest option for canyoning in Dominica. Note that this tour can book up to 15 people.
If you’re arriving via a cruise ship, you will be picked up from the cruise port and dropped back off before your departure.
Tip: If you have a group of 4 or more people, you will be eligible for a cheaper rate ($129 per person). See Extreme Dominica’s website for more information.
2. private Canyon experience
- $219 per person (2 person minimum)
- 4 1/2 hours (8:30-1:00, 1:00-5:00)
- Hotel & Cruise pickup / drop off
- Ages 6+
- No experience required
The private canyon experience is a better option for those wanting to avoid a larger group or would like a more intimate setting.
Tip: Extreme Dominica will help you propose to that special someone while Canyoning, just let them know if this is something you’d like to do!
This is the tour we booked and we’re so glad we did as we didn’t feel rushed and had 1:1 interactions with our guides.
This tour is no longer available on Viator and must be booked directly through Extreme Dominica’s website.
3. Advanced Canyon Experience
- $326 per person (2 person minimum)
- 5 1/2 hours (8:30-2:00)
- Hotel & Cruise pickup / drop off
- Some experience recommended
The Advanced Canyon Experience is for those adrenaline junkies out there!
Trafalgar Falls is probably on your list to visit as it’s the most popular waterfall in Dominica. But what do you think about rappelling down “Father Falls”, the big waterfall on the left at Trafalgar Falls?
Book this tour, and you can find out!
The website doesn’t mention the minimum age for this tour, we suggest sending a private message if you have a minor with you.
4. Night Canyoning Experience
- $199 per person (2 person minimum)
- 4 hours (5:00 – 9:30 pm)
- Hotel & Cruise pickup / drop off
- No experience required
- Group Tour (8 person max)
This Night Canyoning Tour is a unique and fun experience that you can’t find anywhere else!
Rappel under the moonlight through Titou Gorge and jump into “inky black waters” within the canyon.
Don’t worry, it won’t be completely dark as you and your tour guides will have head lamps to light the way!
What to Expect Canyoning in Dominica
Once arriving at Extreme Dominica’s headquarters, you’ll begin to gear up for your epic adventure.
You will be wearing a wet suit over your swimwear, so wear something comfortable! And don’t worry if it feels tight, you won’t notice it once you get into the water.
Now that you’re geared up, you’ll start training and will go one-by-one learning how to rappel down an 8-foot makeshift wall.
After training, you’ll then travel about 15 minutes in a vehicle to the canyon and then a short walk to the starting point.
Are you ready? Now for the fun part!
If you’re with a group of people we suggest you “volunteer as tribute” and be the first to go!
Not only will the jitters be over with, but you’ll have more time to explore the canyon below while waiting for everyone else to rappel.
There will be a minimum of two guides. One will be at the top, telling you exactly where to place your feet and navigating you down the canyon. While the other guide will be waiting for you at the bottom.
Not only will you be rappelling, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to jump (and even slide) down some waterfalls!
You’ll eventually come across Cathedral Falls, which is one of the top waterfalls in Dominica!
Once you reach the end of the tour, you’ll then hike approximately 15 minutes back to the starting point.
Hot cocoa tea and fresh fruit will be waiting for you back at headquarters.
Final Thoughts
We definitely think canyoning in Dominica is worth the money, no matter which tour you take!
However, if this is your first time canyoning in Dominica, we suggest taking one of the day tours so you can really see and admire the beauty of Titou Gorge!
If you only have a few hours in Dominica and are stuck between canyoning or visiting a few popular waterfalls (such as Emerald Pool or Trafalgar Falls), we don’t think you can beat this experience!
Not only will you be rappelling through an amazing canyon, but you’ll also see plenty of waterfalls and will be truly immersed in the beauty of what Dominica has to offer.
Also, if you take the Advanced Canyon Experience, you’ll rappel through the canyon AND see Trafalgar Falls — the most popular waterfall in Dominica! This tour is next on our list of things to do in Dominica.
Please let us know about your experience canyoning in Dominica, we would love to hear all about it!
FAQs about Canyoning in Dominica
- Can my kids go canyoning in Dominica? Yes! Children 6 and over are allowed to go canyoning in Dominica.
- Can I go canyoning in Dominica with no prior experience? Yes, no experience is required on many of the tours offered at Extreme Dominica.
- Is it safe to go canyoning in Dominica? Yes, tour guides at Extreme Dominica are certified by the American Canyoneering Association and use a 3-way safety rappelling system.
- Will I need to bring equipment with me to go canyoning in Dominica? No, Extreme Dominica provides all the necessary equipment. You only need to bring a swimsuit, towel, and closed-toed tennis shoes.
- How far from Roseau is canyoning in Dominica? It takes about 15 minutes to get from Roseau to Extreme Dominica’s headquarters.
- Will Extreme Dominica pick me up from the cruise port? Yes! Extreme Dominica will pick you up from the cruise port and take you back in time before your departure.
