The Story
I had just arrived in Dominica and was driving through some of the lushest rainforest I had ever seen. But it was the sound that made me stop and pull over; a primeval wall of pure, untamed nature. I had the skin-tingling sensation of traveling back to what the world must have been like eons ago.
A small, volcano-carved island wedged between Martinique and Guadeloupe in the eastern Caribbean, Dominica is one of those rare finds; a down-to-earth haven of otherworldly beauty with a rich and welcoming culture and an amazing array of nature-based activities. Whether it’s hiking through mist-shrouded volcanoes, foraging for pepper cherries and breadfruit on an organic farm, or scuba diving among the corals, Dominica is an adventure in local, sustainable travel.
Locals have a saying, when they want to get off the grid and head into nature: they go to their ‘Zion.’ We all could use some time in Zion.
Book Recommendations
Some of our Favourite Things
The Land of Volcanoes
Unlike any other island in the Caribbean, Dominica is literally forged out of nine volcanoes. Carpeted in rainforest and peppered with gushing waterfalls and hot springs, the volcanic landscape is the inspiration for the Island’s otherworldly beauty, and what has helped keep it so pristine.
Small Island, Big Personality
A fascinating mix of Creole, Rastafarian and Indigenous Carib culture, the island is also full of inspiring personalities, from Lorenzo, the young Chief of the Kalinago people, to Simon, a passionate reef conservationist and Aubrey, a Dominican-American who has transformed a hurricane-ravaged plot of land into a nature positive farm.
Rainforest Foraging
This is the Garden of Eden. Everything from mango, guava and papaya to breadfruit, soursop, taro, mangosteen and cacao grow here. When you’re hungry in Dominica, just head out and forage. We’ll do the same, with a one-of-a-kind tour of a grassroots regenerative farm.
Multi-Activity
Hiking Dominica’s famed Waitukubuli trail and volcano-inspired Morne Trois Pitons National Park, canyoning through Jurassic-like gorges, or scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking in the deep blue waters of the Island’s marine reserve, every day is an immersive adventure.
Eclectic Cuisine + Bush Bars
Simple street fare of calabash and banan peze (fried plantain) or an elevated meal of passion fruit ceviche and fish fritters (accras) in coconut lime sauce, the food bursts with fresh, local flavour. The homemade rum punch (bush rum) is just as creative, with dozens of flavours, ranging from gooseberry to vanilla and mango.
Itinerary
Dominica is full of hidden gems, and we have dug below the surface to craft a unique itinerary that you will find nowhere else. For discerning travelers looking to fully experience this multi-faceted island, every day is a different adventure; from rainforest hiking to a Creole cooking class, scuba diving and snorkeling, and sampling the many varieties of homemade rum punch.
Based in the southern village of Soufrière, we make sure to introduce you to the best parts of this small but diverse island. You will meet some unique and engaging personalities, and learn about important conservation efforts. We will also be guests of the Kalinago, the last remaining Indigenous people of the Caribbean. We will dine with elders, and take part in a spiritual cleanse conducted by a Kalinago shaman.
Activity Level: Participants should be moderately fit and comfortable hiking in varied terrain (steps, rocks, roots) for 2-3 hours at a stretch. Hikes are not high in elevation, or technically difficult, but can be steep or slippery in some parts. The most challenging hike is to Boiling Lake, a 9.8 km, six to eight-hour walk to the world’s second largest boiling hot springs. Alternative options available. Appropriate for kids 12+.
Accommodation
We stay at a locally-owned, 4-star boutique eco-lodge with panoramic ocean views and spacious, cabaña-style rooms. This intimate, cliffside getaway overlooking the southern village of Soufrière is the perfect place to relax after a day of activity, with gorgeous pools overlooking the ocean as well as a variety of yoga and massage amenities. They also pride themselves on their excellent cuisine and delicious variety of fresh fruit juices.
Our Guides
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Nahgie
An adventure tour guide extraordinaire, Nahgie has been leading tours on the Nature Island for more than a decade, and is an experienced canyoning guide, PADI Dive Master and certified Wilderness First Responder.
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Andrea
The founder of karibu adventures, Andrea has hiked, kayaked, dived, snorkeled, canyoned and foraged her way across Dominica, choosing her favourite experiences to share with her guests.
FAQs
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Dominica is located in the eastern Caribbean between Martinique and Guadeloupe, about 635 km southeast of Puerto Rico. Its eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and the western coast is on the Caribbean Sea.
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There are direct flights from Miami with American Airlines. There are also a number of airlines, including Silver Airlines, that fly to Dominica via Puerto Rico. Several regional airlines, including InterCaribbean and Caribbean Airlines, fly to Dominica from Barbados and other parts of the Caribbean. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the island of Martinique or Guadaloupe.
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English and a French Creole. A member of the British Commonwealth, Dominica was both a French and English colony over the course of its history. While cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, locals speak a French-infused patois.
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The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, or XCD, and goods are priced in ECD. The US dollar is widely accepted however, as ECD can be hard to come by. When paying with cash with US dollars, you will be given change in ECD.
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Dominica has a tropical climate, with daytime temperatures hovering between 30-33C all year, and dropping down to the mid to low 20s at night. The rainy season runs from June to October, with the height of hurricane season between August and October. November to April is a little cooler and less humid. It can get very busy around Carnival time in February/March.
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It is not technically difficult, however it is hot and humid, which makes it more challenging than hiking in temperate weather. The trails are generally well-marked however they can be uneven, muddy and slippery in parts. All the hikes we do are moderate and fairly accessible. Boiling Lake is the most challenging, at 6-8 hours, through uneven terrain.
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We designed this trip considering all the diverse, challenging and tactile experiences our kids would enjoy. This is a trip for kids who are up for trying lots of different things. The most challenging is the Boiling Lake hike, which is 6-7 hours round trip.We offer alternatives for those who want to opt out. Recommended for kids 13+.
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