Natural Attractions on Dominica

Almost all of Dominica's 290 square miles is forested land, making it one of the Caribbean's top destinations for nature-centered attractions.

National parks, forest reserves, and marine reserves all protect the island's amazing natural beauty and numerous walking trails allow guests to safely explore the untouched interior of the island. Within and outside of these designated areas, visitors can discover refreshing waterfalls and an awesome chain of volcanoes, all giving the island its distinct look.

Nature Preserves and Hiking

Do you want to enjoy more of your vacation under the open sky? There are quite a few hiking trails and some nature preserves on Dominica.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a popular nature preserve located within southern Dominica. There are plenty of opportunities for guests to hike through a variety of trails that wind through the park. Those taking the time to explore the whole park will see the Dominican Jungle, several falls, the mountain, geysers, a gorge, and a variety of other geological features.

Those looking to find a another great natural attraction should consider visiting sites like Cabrits Historical and Marine Park. This nature preserve is a mixture of forest and swampland that today is the location of choice for both tourists and migratory birds. In addition, the site is also home to a large fort built by the British in the latter part of the eighteenth century that included around 50 different building.

Morne Diablotin National Park: Established in the year 2000, Morne Diablotin National Park serves as a safe haven for the Sisserou Parrot, the symbol of Dominica that has sadly been driven to the verge of extinction.

Be sure to look through the following table to read more about nature preserves and hiking spots.

Waterfalls and Caves

Although most visitors to the area have heard about the beaches, that isn't the only way to experience the natural beauty of the land. Dominica offers some interesting choices, including 27 waterfalls and a cave.

You might want to visit Dernier Falls, which is located in Grand Fond, Dominica. Dernier Falls can only be reached by hiking through short forested trails through into the mountains located just to the South of the village of Grand Fond. When taking the main road from Rosalie, it may be helpful to ask a local for the location of the trail when you reach the western end of the village.

An additional choice to consider Sari Sari Falls. It is found within southeastern Dominica. While not the easiest hike, it is rewarding. The hike at times may feel more like a swim, as it requires climbing up a river that often sends guests slipping back a few feet at times.

The table below enables you to get more details regarding waterfalls and caves.

Parks and Botanical Gardens

Vacationers can visit one of the many parks, as well as 4 botanical gardens on Dominica.

If you enjoy tropical vegetation, consider visiting Papillote Tropical Gardens, which is located within southern Dominica. With a focus on science, education, culture, recreation, and of course, natural beauty, Papillote Tropical Gardens is a non-profit organization and a leader in garden tourism in the Caribbean. They aim to raise awareness about plant conservation while giving locals and visitors a beautiful space to explore.

Another attraction in this category is The Botanical Gardens. The large gardens have been part of Dominica since the 1890's, and since than have been a popular spot to visit on any trip to the island. Since the garden's founding, it has grown to include different sections, as well as a bird sanctuary where you can go and look for the rare and colorful birds that have made this garden their home.

The parks and gardens worth considering are displayed in the chart below.

Farms and Planations

The table below summarizes some key facts regarding the farms and plantations on the island.

Land Formations

Another idea is to go see some of the more popular area land formations. Fully natural attractions like these on Dominica are shown in the table below.

If you want to learn about a wider selection of attractions beyond what's offered in this category, you might want to find others. To get more information on other attractions for Dominica, go to this page.

From the top of Morne Diablotin to the waters of Cabrits Marine Reserve, and everything in between, nature abounds on Dominica. Whether you decide to hire a tour guide, or go it on your own, you are certain to discover a world unlike any other when you pull on your hiking boots and head out into the wilds of Dominica.