World Country Guide

Sport & Activities

Hiking
Dominica is characterised by a lush, green landscape and a mountainous interior covered in dense tropical forests. Some of the best hiking trails can be found in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park (containing crater lakes, spectacular waterfalls and the world’s second-largest boiling lake, which can be reached after a strenuous four-hour walk). The Dominican authorities adhere to strict nature conservation policies and a number of brochures, including special hiking guides, are available and recommended; contact the National Development Corporation (see Contact Addresses section) for details.

Ecotourism
Several resorts, usually located in the rainforest or the mountains, specialise in ecological holidays, offering guided educational trips to Dominica’s many natural attractions.

Watersports
There are good opportunities for scuba-diving and snorkelling, the latter being very popular in the Soufrire area, south of the capital Roseau, where volcanic cliffs drop into the sea. Visibility is usually up to 80m (263ft). In some places you can reach good snorkelling sights by kayaking along the coast. Equipment may be hired through hotels and local tour operators. Whale and dolphin watching is on offer, from boats or in the sea. Special diving excursions take visitors to the best spots. Divers need to have a certified diving qualification or be engaged in a training course conducted by one of the island’s dive authorities. Spear fishing is prohibited and divers should also refrain from taking any living organism from the seabed or removing any artefacts from sunken wrecks. Swimming is possible in the sea or in the island’s secluded rock pools, notably at Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool and Titou Gorge, where two hot springs filter into a rock pool fed by a river. There are facilities for parasailing, windsurfing and water-skiing at coastal hotels. 15-minute parasailing flights are available for parties of four or more. Windsurfing boards may be hired. Speedboats can be hired for water-skiing. Motor boats and sailing boats can also be chartered along the coast and fishing charters can be arranged for larger groups. For further information on watersports, contact the National Development Corporation (see Contact Addresses section).