The cruise ship pier at Roseau, the capital of Dominica

Old Market

Within easy walking distance of the cruise pier there are numerous shops selling a wide variety of local goods like rum, baskets, batiks, wood carvings, scented soaps and postcards. For a taste of the real Dominica, explore the old market (once a slave-trading market), a colorful riot of fruit, vegetable and flower stalls.

Botanical Gardens

On the east side of Roseau lie the Botanical gardens. Planting on the land, formerly a sugar plantation, began in the late 19th century, and, despite the occasional ravages of hurricanes, the garden is today a magnificent green space. The sure-footed can take the steep Jack’s Walk path to the top of adjoining Morne Bruce, a tall hill that overlooks the town.

Champagne Beach

A couple of miles south of Roseau, just past the town of Pointe Michel, you reach a thin pebbly beach backed by a wooden boardwalk called Champagne Beach. If the sea is calm, the water will be crystal clear, and the snorkeling excellent. Champagne beach gets its name thanks to ocean floor volcanic vents which you’ll find a short distance offshore. These spew bubbles into the water, so swimming here is just like swimming through a glass of champagne (only slightly wishful thinking as it is actually quite fun!).

Ti Tou Gorge

Ti Tou Gorge is set in an breathtakingly beautiful tropical forest. It’s a short 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Gorge, then you can strip down to your swimming gear to enjoy an amazing swim through the gorge up to the waterfall. Ti Tou Gorge is located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, about 5 miles east of Roseau.

Wotten Waven

The village of Wotten Waven sits high in the hills in the center of Dominica’s so-called ‘Hot Spot’. Underground geothermal activity results in numerous hot springs and pools. Take you pick from one of several bathing establishments, and enjoy a delicious local fruit drink after your dip. Wotten Waven is about 4 miles east of Roseau.