The Ultimate 7-Day Dominica Itinerary (Caribbean)

Time to take that well-earned PTO and spend 7-days in one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean — Dominica!

Ideally, the longer you can spend in Dominica, the better. However, 7 days is enough time to see most sights and attractions.

To maximize your time on the island, we highly recommend renting a car. Jumping in the car and traveling to your destination, tour, etc., is much more efficient than waiting on a taxi or chauffeur.

With this detailed itinerary, you can add and remove attractions or destinations while leaving most of the planning to us!

Read more to discover the best of Dominica with this 7-day itinerary — from chasing waterfalls to diving with sperm whales to visiting the indigenous Kalingo tribe. Let’s go!

How to Spend the Best 7 Days in Dominica

If this is your first time in Dominica, this itinerary is for you. We will cover the ins and outs of visiting Dominica, so all you’ll have to worry about is getting there!

Here is a quick overview of what you will see and do with this Dominica itinerary.

• Day 1 – Arrival / Waterfalls / Check-into Fort Young Hotel / Explore downtown Roseau
• Day 2 – Scott’s Head / Snorkeling at Champagne Beach / Optional Scuba Diving tour / Morne Bruce Viewpoint / Sunset at Top Bar
• Day 3 – Trafalgar Falls / Canyoning tour / Wotten Waven Hot Springs
• Day 4 – Middleham Falls / Whale Watching / Check into 2nd Hotel / Spend Evening Relaxing at Hotel
• Day 5
  • Option 1 (Portsmouth Hotels) – Indian River Tour / Cabrits National Park / Chaudière Pool
  • Option 2 (Rosalie Bay Hotel) Waterfalls – choose one or all: Sari Sari Falls / Wavine Cyrique Falls / Victoria Falls
• Day 6
  • Option 1 – Kalingo Tribe / Visit Beach / Spend evening at Resort
  • Option 2 – Boiling Lake Tour / Titou Gorge
• Day 7 – Optional: If you have time before Departure – Visit Red Rocks / Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory / Departure

Find details below, including food recommendations and tour links.

Day 1 in Dominica: Arrive / Stop at a Couple of Waterfalls / Check into Hotel / Explore Downtown Roseau

Pick up your rental car

You’ve landed in Dominica! It’s time to pick up your rental car from the airport. 🚗

You don’t need to worry about finding where to pick up your rental car, as it’s (very) simple. Once you exit the airport, it’s a short walk away (3 minutes).

Depending on what time you arrive in Dominica, you may want to head straight to your hotel or accommodation. If you are staying at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau, as we suggest, it will take about 80 minutes to arrive.

Of course, if you see anything you’d like to stop and see along your route, do it!

waterfall stops

We suggest making a pit stop at Spanny Falls, Emerald Pool, and Salton Falls (if time permits), as all three are along the way and on our list of best waterfalls in Dominica!

Tip: Pack a bathing suit and a towel in your carry-on for easy access so you can fully enjoy these waterfalls, as all three have swimming holes!

If you must choose between the three, we highly suggest Spanny Falls. It’s beautiful and far less touristy than Emerald Pool. The other two are well worth visiting, though; consider coming back to visit another day if you have time!

Our favorite waterfall of the three is Spanny Falls, which even has a secret waterfall further along the trail. Next is Emerald Pool. Although it can be overcrowded, the color of this pool is stunning under the canopy of the rainforest.

Check-into hotel

Once you’ve checked into your hotel (we recommend Fort Young Hotel, check-in at 3:00 pm), we suggest you take a quick walk around downtown Roseau. Depending on the time of year, some stores and shops may be closed.

One of our favorite things to do when visiting any new country is to explore the local grocery store and see what goodies we can find!

We suggest eating dinner at The Palisades Restaurant (open for dinner from 7:00-10:00 pm), attached to the Fort Young Hotel.

Before bed, take a dip in the hotel’s pool and hot tub.

Day 2 in Dominica: Scotts Head / Snorkeling (Optional Scuba Diving) / Soufriere / Sunset at Top Bar

Scott’s Head

If you’ve googled Dominica at any point, you’ve seen the famous photo from Scott’s Head.

Before driving to Scott’s Head from Roseau, grab something for breakfast either at the hotel restaurant or the local grocery store.

We suggest you get to Scott’s Head as early as possible, preferably by 8:00 a.m., especially if you plan a scuba diving tour as it begins at 10:00 a.m.

Drive up to the top of Scott’s Head, where you’ll have a view of Sourfrière Bay, and where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea. You can also spot the island of Martinique if it’s a clear day.

There’s a small beach on the peninsula if you would like to take a dip. We decided to wait until we arrived at Champagne Beach before getting wet.

If you don’t want to go scuba diving, consider having a late breakfast or early lunch at one of the restaurants in Scott’s Head, such as Time-on-Time Restaurant or Chez Wen Cuisine.

Scuba Diving

You don’t have to be PADI certified for this scuba diving tour. In fact, you don’t need any prior experience at all, making it perfect for beginners!

Dominica is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving, so we suggest you try it!

PADI Discover Scuba Diving tour details:

• Available June – September, Wednesdays only
• Approximately 2 hours
• 10+ years old

If you are an experienced diver and would like something more challenging, check with Fort Young Hotel & Dive Center, as they are one of Dominica’s largest diving operations.

Snorkeling

If you’d prefer snorkeling instead, then Champagne Beach is the place to go! (Or if you want to do both, you can also snorkel after your diving experience)

If you forgot your snorkeling gear at home, no worries because you’ll be able to rent snorkel equipment once arriving at the beach (as long as it’s not too busy and it’s all rented out).

Snorkeling guides are available for hire if you choose. We chose not to hire a guide but could see lots of marine life and sea creatures regardless. However, the guides are experts and know the best areas to spot volcanic bubbles and sea creatures that aren’t so easily spotted snorkeling solo.

There are no food stands on Champagne Beach, but you can purchase snacks and drinks (as well as cold beers) from the PH Whale Watch Dive & Snorkel stand. You can also rent beach chairs if you want to spend the afternoon here.

Top Bar

We stumbled upon Top Bar while looking for somewhere to eat and were so glad we did. They have one of the best views of Roseau!

We met the owner and his daughter, who were more than welcoming and even showed us around their property.

Top Bar is a bar, so in addition to your normal bottled beer and drinks, you’ll also have the opportunity to try a Dominican special—Bush Rum. Bush rum is overproof rum from local distilleries infused with local herbs and fruit.

In Dominica, the sun begins to set around 5:30-6:30 (depending on the time of year). We imagine Top Bar would be a great spot to view the sunset!

Day 3 in Dominica: Trafalgar Falls / Canyoning Tour / Soak in the Hot Springs

Today is the day you’ll get to rappel through a canyon and down waterfalls.

This canyoning tour is one of the best we’ve ever taken. The time slots available are 8:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. We opted for the 1:00 p.m. slot so we would have time in the morning to visit Trafalgar Falls and avoid the crowds.

Trafalgar Falls

Trafalgar Falls is one of Dominica’s most popular and highly visited waterfalls.

For this reason, we decided to visit early in the morning before cruise ships arrived to avoid the crowds. Luckily for us, it worked out as only a couple of people were here when we visited, and we had many swimming holes all to ourselves!

Trafalgar Falls has many swimming holes, including a hot spring on the left near Father Falls.

You must make your way through the river to reach these, so bring a good pair of shoes with good traction. We suggest these Tropicfeel sneakers, as they double as sneakers and water shoes!

If you don’t want to or don’t think you can navigate through the water, don’t worry, as Trafalgar Falls also has a great viewing platform.

Watch the time; you’ll want to eat lunch before beginning your canyoning tour! It’s only about a 5-minute drive to Extreme Dominica from the falls.

We suggest the River Rock Cafe & Bar near Trafalgar Falls.

Canyoning Tour

If you’d prefer to do the Canyoning tour in the morning (8:30 am), then head over to Trafalgar Falls after your tour.

We suggest doing the Canyoning Tour at 13:00, after lunch. Even on a hot day, the canyon through Titou Gorge will keep you cool.

Our experience Canyoning in Dominica was phenomenal. We were on a private tour (three of us total) with two guides, which allowed us one-on-one time and extra time exploring the canyon.

On this tour, you’ll rappel through Titou Gorge, down canyons, jumping from cliffs, and sliding down waterfalls.

The tour took us about three hours in total, but depending on the number of people on each tour, it can take up to four and a half hours.

Soak in Hot Springs

After your adrenaline has calmed down from canyoning, take a 10-minute drive to the Wotten Waven to visit Hot Springs for a nice, hot soak.

The water’s sulfur content is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, excellent for soothing achy muscles.

We only had time to visit Ti Kwen Glo Cho, and it was in the dark. However, on our next trip to Dominica, we plan to see all of them!

Here are a couple of places in Wotten Waven where you can take a soak:

1. Tia’s Hot Spa — Tia’s Hot Spa has a relaxing atmosphere. The pools are on a hillside alongside a creek, which provides the tranquility of running water.
2. Ti Kwen Glo Cho — There are a few man-made pools here with varying temperatures. We visited Ti Kwen Glo Cho after dark and could not see the grounds. However, the water felt great! Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
3. Screw’s Sulfur Spa — A unique spot to soak in the hot water. It does not appear you can purchase food or drinks here.
4. Da-S’cape Sulfur Spa  —  Has two indoor pools, perfect for a soak on a rainy day.

Day 4 in Dominica: Middleham Falls / Whale Watching / Check-into 2nd Hotel (Optional)

Today, you’ll (hopefully) see some whales! Dominica is unique because it’s the ONLY country in the world where Sperm Whales live year-round.

The best time to see these magnificent creatures is from November to May; however, that doesn’t mean you won’t spot them if you visit outside of these months.

Middleham Falls

Middleham Falls is one of our favorite waterfalls ever seen, so we can’t skip putting it on this 7-day itinerary in Dominica!

This hike will take approximately 3-5 hours, depending on your pace and the weather. It is not easy, and we consider it moderately difficult, especially if it’s recently rained.

Fun Fact: Middleham Falls is the tallest waterfall in Dominica (approximately 275 feet).

Wear your bathing suit, as a swimming hole is at the base of the falls!

We suggest hiking EARLY. As early as 6:00 am. Which is easy to do because the sun begins to rise around 5:00 am in Dominica. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, be back for lunch, and start your whale-watching tour.

If you’re not up for hiking this trail, we completely understand. Another great option would be to visit Emerald Pool if you didn’t have the chance to on Day 1.

For lunch, consider driving around Roseau and finding a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. We found a cute little local restaurant on River Bank Road, right near the KFC, that had delicious food! Many restaurants in Dominica do not appear on a map, so we suggest looking for places to eat the old-fashioned way!

Ensure you are at the meeting point for your whale-watching tour by 1:00 pm (30 minutes before tour time).

Whale Watching Tour

Whale Watching in Dominica is a MUST-do activity. Where else in the world can you spot Sperm Whales year-round? That’s right, nowhere else.

This Whale Watching Tour from Waitukubuli Adventure Tour Co. was amazing, and as luck had it, we were the only people on the boat! (besides the tour guide of course).

We recommend booking the 1:30 time slot so you’ll have that morning to go hiking. However, you could reverse these two activities if you would prefer.

The tour company will send you detailed information on the meeting location and arrival time. If you need transportation, pick-up and drop-off are provided if requested ahead of time.

Otherwise, it’s only a 6-minute walk from Fort Young Hotel to the Roseau Ferry Terminal. (If you’re checking out the hotel today, store your luggage in your car, or the hotel will hold it for you).

The tour itself is fantastic. Not only did we see a couple of Sperm Whales, but we also spotted a few Humpback Whales and many pods of dolphins!

Our tour guide was knowledgeable and had a sharp eye for spotting the whales. He was also in constant communication with other tour companies, as they worked as a team to notify one another of any sightings.

The tour takes approximately three hours.

Check-into your 2nd Hotel (Optional)

Checking out and then checking into a second hotel is entirely optional. We decided to do this as we wanted the second half of our vacation to be a little more relaxing and wanted to see a different part of the island.

Northern Dominica is an excellent option, as it has the best beaches and is close to the Indian River, Cabrits National Park, and the Calibishe coast.

Two hotel recommendations near Portsmouth we recommend are:

1. InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa — Great for relaxation with beachfront property, onsite restaurants, and multiple pools
2. Secret Bay — Very romantic, with private villas overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It would be a great option for a couple’s getaway or honeymoon.

Another place we recommend staying for the 2nd half of your vacation would be the East coast of Dominica. A great hotel option we recommend in this area of Dominica is:

1. Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa  — A beautiful secluded beachfront property with the opportunity to see Sea Turtles lay their eggs!

Day 5 in Dominica: (Option 1) Indian River / Cabrits National Park (Option 2) Waterfalls on the East Coast

Option 1: (North Dominica)- Indian River Tour / Cabrits National Park / Chaudière Pool

If you are staying in North Dominica, these options are great, as they are all located on this part of the island.

If you opted out of checking into a second hotel and are still based in Roseau, don’t fret! These options are still doable, as Portsmouth is only an hour’s drive away.

Indian River Cruise

The Indian River is Dominica’s widest and one of the island’s most picturesque rivers.

Fun Fact: Dominica has 365 rivers!

You do NOT need to purchase a tour ahead of time, as most tours include multiple excursions.

Instead, drive to the bridge on Michael Douglas Blvd, located on the south side of Portsmouth. There, you’ll be greeted and provided further instructions on where to park and how to purchase a ticket.

Motorized boats are not allowed on the river, which can pollute the water and scare away wildlife. So, try to keep quiet and see what you can find!

If you’re a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll soon be able to see Tia Dalma’s shack (the mortal guise of Calypso) from the movie Dead Man’s Chest.

Eventually, you’ll reach the Bush Bar, where you can sit, relax, and purchase food, coffee, bush rums, rum punches, fruit juices, and even their specialty drink, The Dynamite.

The entire trip up the river take approximately 2 hours.

If you prefer to book ahead of time, here are a few Indian River boat tours. Alternatively, you can contact Cobra Tours directly; contact information is on their website.

Cabrits National Park

Cabrits National Park is located on the Northeast side of Dominica on a Peninsula formed by two (now extinct) volcanos. The park includes Fort Shirley, protected rainforests, wetlands, coral reefs, and many walking trails.

(A quick history lesson) Fort Shirley was constructed in 1765 in the center of a volcanic crater and used as a defense strategy by the British against the French. The French later expanded it during the 7-years they occupied Dominica, before it was officially established as a British Colony. However, it’s most famous for the revolt of the African slave soldiers, which contributed to the emancipation of slave soldiers in the British Empire in 1807.

If you like History, then you’ll love visiting Fort Shirley!

Alternatively, many trails in Cabrits National Park are considered easy and provide picturesque views of the coast and wetlands. Douglas Bay Battery is an easy hike through the park and rainforest.

Chaudière Pool

Chaudière Pool is an excellent place to swim if you want to cool down!

The Hampstead River feeds this secluded pool, which is surrounded by thick rainforest. You’ll likely be the only one there, as it’s not very well-traveled by tourists.

It costs $10 USD to enter, so bring cash with you.

The rugged road requires a 4×4 vehicle, and the hike takes about 15-30 minutes. To get to the pool, you must cross a river, so pack your valuables in a water-proof bag and wear good shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

Option 2: (East Dominica) Waterfalls – Wavine Cyrique Falls / Sari Sari Falls / victoria falls

If you’re staying on the East Coast of Dominica, spending a day visiting these beautiful and lesser-visited waterfalls is a great option!

However, note that all three waterfalls are considered moderate-challenging hikes. If you aren’t up for a strenuous hike, consider spending a relaxing day at your resort or hotel!

Also, visiting all three waterfalls in one day is possible, but it may feel too much. Instead, pick one or two of your favorites!

Make lunch plans ahead of time. La Plaine is a small village outside Sari-Sari Falls; consider making a pit stop here to find something to eat.

Wavine Cyrique Falls

Wavine Cyrique Falls, or “Secret Falls,” is unique because it’s one of the few waterfalls in the world that cascades directly onto a beach.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit this waterfall, but we hope you do!

If you want to visit this waterfall, we suggest doing so first thing in the morning and then, once you return, re-evaluate whether you’re up for visiting one (or both) of the other waterfalls nearby.

We say this because Wavine Cyrique Falls can be extremely difficult to reach and is NOT recommended for those with children or those who fear heights. To get to the waterfall, you must climb down many rope ladders and tree roots off the side of a cliff.

Again, before visiting, we would highly recommend a guide.

You’ll also need to check the tide schedules and visit during low tide.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island and made #2 on our list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Dominica.

This waterfall cascades down 165 feet into a milky-blue swimming hole.

Also, due to its distance from popular towns, it is far less traveled than other waterfalls on the island. However, if you’re staying at the Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, Victoria Falls is only 30 minutes away.

The hike to Victoria Falls mostly involves wading through the river and is more easily navigated with a guide. Consider booking this Victoria Falls tour for a less stressful experience!

Sari Sari Falls

Sari Sari Falls is similar to its neighboring waterfall, Victoria Falls, in that you’ll need to wade through the river to reach it. Also, from what we’ve read, this hike is more challenging and will require maneuvering on slick rocks and through mud.

Pack a pair of good shoes and a dry bag to keep your valuables safe.

We highly recommend a tour guide to see these falls. We have read multiple times how good Chadi Symes is with tours, and he would be a great option! Not only will a guide show you the best route to take, but they also have excellent knowledge about Dominica’s different flora and fauna species.

There is a swimming hole at the base of these falls, but use caution as the current can be strong.

Day 6 in Dominica: (Option 1) Kalingo Tribe / Batibou Beach (Option 2) Boiling Lake Hike

Option 1: Kalingo Tribe / Visit a NEARBY Beach / Spend evening at Resort

Kalinago Tribe

Regardless of where you are staying on the island, visiting the Kalinago Tribe in Dominica is a fantastic option! (1 1/2 hours from Portsmouth, 45 minutes from Rosalie Bay, 1 hour, 20 minutes from Roseau)

The Kalinagos are the indigenous people of Dominica who reside in the Carib Territory on the island’s East side.

They are known for their handcrafting techniques, unique traditions, and even their leading role in helping climate-resilient solutions to climate change challenges.

During our visit to the Kalinago Tribe, we had the opportunity to participate in a traditional dance, explore the Carib territory, and even eat traditional cuisine. It was a great experience to see how the original Indigenous people of Dominica still live to this day.

Tickets can be purchased once arriving, which includes a quick tour of the area.

Relax at Batibou Beach

Batibou Beach is near the North end of Dominica in the Calibishie region, about a 1-hour drive from the Kalinago Territory.

Batibou Beach is one of the best beaches in Dominica. It’s beautiful and is rarely crowded.

You can drive directly down to the beach; however, due to the rocky terrain, you’ll need a car with a higher clearance. If not, it’s only about a 15-minute walk from the road where you’ll be able to park.

You’ll find a kind man on the beach who will charge $5 per person. He will direct you to the best place to park your car to avoid it getting hit by a falling coconut.

The beach is beautiful, with a wide beach and plenty of space to have your own private area.

Also, if you’re lucky, you’ll meet “the sisters” who come to this beach and cook visitors a homemade Dominican meal!

Option 2: Boiling Lake Hike & Titou Gorge Cool off

Boiling Lake

Hiking to Boiling Lake is an experience we don’t think you should pass up! Unfortunately, we ran out of time to visit, but it’s at the top of our list for our next visit to Dominica!

A tour guide is HIGHLY recommended. Seriously, we do not recommend braving this hike on your own.

Take a good day backpack, like this one from Cotopaxi.

Pack plenty of water, lunch, snacks, and even a bathing suit if you’d like to dip in one of the small waterfalls along the hike.

If you can’t pack a lot of water, consider purchasing a Lifestraw to fill your water bottle from a nearby stream or river without worrying about drinking anything harmful.

Boiling Lake is located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park and is the second-largest boiling lake in the world (yes, the world!).

However, reaching it is challenging, as the hike is demanding and takes around 6-8 hours.

You’ll get plenty of breaks along the way, as your tour guide shows you native flora, fauna, and different landmarks.

The view from the top is one of the prettiest views on the island, where you can even spot the island of Martinique in the distance. You’ll eventually reach the Valley of Desolation, where rivers create creative clouds of steam.

Finally, after a long day of hiking, you’ll reach Boiling Lake. This lake is approximately 60 meters wide, and the water is….. (you guessed it) BOILING!

Now you have to hike back. Again, we express that this hike is challenging but is just as rewarding!

Once you’ve made it back, take a tip in the waters of Titou Gorge to cool off!

Day 7 in Dominica: Calibishie Coast / Red Rocks / Chocolate Tour / Depart

Depending on when your flight is scheduled to depart, you may have time for a few stops before dropping off your rental car and getting to the airport.

Calibishie is one of the most untouched areas on the island. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, which include steep cliffs, red rocks, and lush rainforest.

The area of Calibishie is about 25 minutes from Douglas-Charles Airport. Remember to watch the clock and leave yourself extra time to travel back for your departure home.

Red Rocks

Red Rocks are a unique phenomenon created by volcanic lava that has oxidized over many years, turning them reddish in color.

To find Red Rocks, head out of the town of Calibishie up a hill, and you’ll come to a sign that shows Red Rock Cuisine and Post Baptiste Estate on your left. Turn here and continue on this road to Red Rock Cuisine, where you will pay $2 per person to enter Red Rocks. The fee goes towards trail maintenance.

The bar also serves fresh local juices, drinks, and local food made to order if you’re hungry.

Red Rocks create a dramatic contrast with the blue water of the Atlantic Ocean and are even more beautiful at sunrise or sunset. If you don’t have time to see them on your day of departure, consider stopping by after visiting Batibou Beach on Day 6, as it’s only a 10-minute drive away.

Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Estate

On your way back from Red Rocks, stop at Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory, where you’ll have the opportunity to see how chocolate is made.

You’ll be taken on a quick tour of the grounds, where the different steps and processes of making chocolate will be shown. You’ll then have the opportunity to sample some finished products.

Consider buying a few bars to take home for yourself or as gifts. During our visit in December (one of the best times to visit Dominica), we bought a few chocolate bars and used them as stocking stuffers for Christmas; our family loved them!

Allow yourself about 30 minutes to visit the chocolate factory.

Departure

Sadly, it’s now time to go home.

Although Douglas-Charles Airport is tiny, we recommend you get to the airport at least 2 1/2 hours in advance to drop off your rental car.

One person usually manages the rental car counter in Dominica at a time, and our lady was running late. We had to wait for her to return our vehicle before we could check in and go through security. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait too long and didn’t run into any issues going through security or checking our bags.

But you never know what roadblocks you may encounter, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you miss your flight out of Dominica, there probably won’t be another flight to your destination until the next day (or many days after). Please don’t risk it!

We hope you have the best time in Dominica using this 7-day itinerary!

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions!