Your 7-Day Roseau & Portsmouth Trip: Roseau French Quarter & Beyond

Wander through the verdant Dominica Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis showcasing a diverse collection of tropical plants and trees, including the iconic baobab tree. It's an easy and beautiful introduction to Dominica's natural flora.

"Visiting the baobab tree and the botanical gardens was an unforgettable experience. The baobab itself is absolutely breathtaking — massive, ancient-feeling, and awe-inspiring. Standing beneath it really makes you appreciate the scale and resilience of nature. It’s one of those trees that feels almost sacred, like it has centuries of stories to tell. The botanical gardens as a whole were beautifully maintained and thoughtfully laid out. The variety of tropical plants, vibrant colors, and peaceful pathways made it such a relaxing and immersive experience. It was the perfect place to slow down, take photos, and simply enjoy the natural beauty of the island. If you appreciate unique trees, lush landscapes, or just want a serene break from the bustle of port days, this is absolutely worth the visit. The baobab alone is reason enough to go — but the entire garden makes it truly special."— Jonathan Carter-Rupell

Embark on an invigorating and unique adventure by swimming through the narrow, high-walled Titou Gorge. Navigate through the cool, crystal-clear waters, often with the help of a local guide, to reach a hidden waterfall deep within the gorge. This experience perfectly blends nature and adventure.

"The short swim to the waterfall is worth every penny. A small pleasure, hidden treasure. Definitely go there in the late afternoon, after the cruise ships tourists have left or go early in the morning (a bit cold) so you can enjoy the beauty of this area."— Rob Gould

Dive into the unique underwater world of Champagne Reef, where volcanic geothermal vents release warm bubbles, creating an effect like swimming through champagne. This vibrant reef is home to a diverse array of colorful fish and marine life, offering a fantastic snorkeling experience that combines wildlife and beach interests.

"Beautiful bubbling reef with lots of different fish to see. If you have your own snorkeling gear and can drive yourself to it, you’ll pay only 5 EC dollars per person for an entrance. Walk all the way to the end of the beach where you’ll see a line of dark stones. The Champagne reef is right there. No need to take a boat, swim directly from the beach. Remember, it’s not a sandy beach, it’s very rocky. Water shoes are strongly recommended."— Kateryna Kaplun

Discover the fascinating twin waterfalls, one hot and one cold, cascading into a pool. Enjoy the scenic walk to the viewing platform and take in the unique geological formations.

"Gorgeous!! The hike to the falls was beautiful, I felt like I was in a movie scene. Everything was so green and we even saw baby crabs walking in the jungle. The falls itself is magnificent"— Sharon

Embark on a moderately challenging hike through lush rainforest to reach the impressive Middleham Falls. The trail can be slippery, but the reward of the tall cascade is worth it.

"You must hike a very challenging trail to this waterfall 3.6 miles roundtrip. The trail is very steep and has many stairs (61 flights of stairs) Some areas require crossing streams and scrambling over large rocks. The trail is very well maintained but expect many stairs and tree roots. Dominica gets a lot of rain- especially up on this mountain so expect to be rained on. There are no restrooms and only one bench. Make sure you are very fit and have a hiking pole. Wear hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet. Not buggy and well shaded. Look for the mountain crabs 🦀."— Jennifer Stachnik

Explore the unique Sulfur Springs, where you can observe bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, showcasing Dominica's volcanic heart. Experience the distinct aromas of the geothermal activity.

"Smells are what you would expect from a sulfur spring. We used Magestic Tours from trip advisor. Paula was a fantastic tour guide. The most thrilling part about the tour were being a passenger on these roads. The horn is perhaps more important than the breaks."— Frank Anderson

Embark on an exciting boat tour to spot majestic whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for various marine species during this immersive wildlife experience.

"We had an absolutely wonderful afternoon whale watching! 🐋 Our two guides, Britney and Selo, made this experience truly special. From the very beginning they were incredibly friendly, relaxed, and at the same time very professional. You could immediately feel how well they worked together as a team – their interaction was natural and harmonious, which created such a pleasant atmosphere on the boat. What impressed us most was the sensitivity and respect with which they guided the boat into the whale area. It never felt like we were chasing the animals. Instead, it really felt like we were visiting them, which is exactly how responsible whale watching should be. We were also very lucky with our sightings: first we saw a single whale that seemed completely relaxed, later two whales together, and towards the end another single whale. Each encounter felt special and was handled calmly and respectfully by our guides. Thank you, Britney and Selo, for this unforgettable experience. We enjoyed every minute and would absolutely recommend this tour! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"— Frank Wischerhoff

Embark on a guided hike through a segment of the UNESCO World Heritage Morne Trois Pitons National Park, exploring lush rainforest, diverse flora, and listening for native wildlife. This challenging but rewarding trek offers an immersive nature experience.

"Still one of the best hikes. It's pretty challenging but equally rewarding to be at one with so much nature. With determination, almost anyone can make this walk despite their level of fitness. And then the swim up the titou gorge is a must after that walk."— Aner Alexander

Hike up the steep outcrop at Scotts Head, offering panoramic views where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, and admire the southern coastline of Dominica and even Martinique in the distance.

"Magical! Great viewpoint-highly recommend. You can drive up or walk up- your choice. Snorkeling is magnificent. Went back twice as we’d loved it so much. Saw stingrays, eels, stone fish, flounders and so many little fish. Don’t just stick to the rocks as the fish are everywhere."— Ulana Soletsky

Enjoy magnificent snorkeling in the clear waters around Scotts Head Beach, known for its vibrant marine life and the unique phenomenon where the two seas meet.

"Magical! Great viewpoint-highly recommend. You can drive up or walk up- your choice. Snorkeling is magnificent. Went back twice as we’d loved it so much. Saw stingrays, eels, stone fish, flounders and so many little fish. Don’t just stick to the rocks as the fish are everywhere."— Ulana Soletsky

Relax and rejuvenate in the natural, therapeutic hot springs of Ti Kwen Glo Cho. These secluded pools are nestled within the rainforest, offering a peaceful and warm soak in mineral-rich waters.

"I came here specifically for the hot spring, and it ended up being one of my favorite activities of the entire trip. There are changing rooms available, and you’re free to explore the area on your own at your own pace. I spent about an hour and a half here, which felt perfect. Just note that once you’re finished, there are no full shower facilities — so plan accordingly. Overall, a really calming experience."— Lauren Conde

Experience a scenic portion of Segment 2 of the Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica's long-distance hiking path. This moderate hike will take you through diverse rainforest landscapes, offering stunning views and a taste of the island's natural beauty.

"Another excellent segment of the trail. Make sure you are well prepared to take lots of pictures. Most of all, have fun."— Alton Bravo

Embark on a peaceful guided rowboat tour up the mystical Indian River, winding through dense mangrove forests. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, crabs, and other wildlife. This tranquil journey offers a glimpse into Dominica's unique riverine ecosystem and was a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.

"Went on the Indian River tour with Azah today and loved it. The river was so serene and the weather was perfect. Azah told us about the river, the fauna and flora along the banks and helped spot an iguana and other animals. A great experience overall"— Isaac Clerencia

Delve into the natural beauty and rich history of Cabrits National Park. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Fort Shirley, offering panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay, and hike some of the varied trails through the lush tropical dry forest, providing opportunities for birdwatching and active exploration.

"Pleasant historical park with walking trails. Some trails pretty easy, some pretty rough. Most quite steep. Not at all handicapped accessible. Small but interesting historical exhibits at the fort. Great views, but you will work for them! Rest rooms at the park office. Plenty of parking. Small snack bar at office."— Jean Anne Matter

Experience an active adventure by kayaking along the calm waters of Prince Rupert Bay as the sun begins to set. Enjoy the coastal scenery from a unique perspective, a perfect blend of exercise and beautiful beach views.

"If you visit by boat you must get out on the water... Amazing sea life with the most amazing sunsets"— Anderson Jolly

Delve into the historic ruins of Fort Shirley, a partially restored 18th-century British garrison offering panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay and the Caribbean Sea, amidst the lush tropical dry forest. This exploration combines history with natural beauty.

"US$8 entry person- well worth it! Could walk around the site for days! Make sure you are wearing waking shoes/trainers as some of the terrain is very uneven with rocks. The preservation of the buildings is excellent."— Darren Love

Discover the vibrant underwater world of Toucari Bay, known for its clear waters and diverse marine life, perfect for a relaxing swim and snorkel. Enjoy the peaceful beach setting and spot colorful fish.

"The atmosphere is good and the food was lovely. While you wait for your food you can take a stroll on the beach or you can you sit and take in the view of the bay. The servers were good and checked in on us very often to make sure everything was good."— Ryanne Small

Embark on a rewarding hike along Segment 15 of the Waitukubuli National Trail, traversing scenic coastal paths and lush vegetation from Capuchin towards Cabrits. This moderate trek offers stunning natural vistas and a sense of adventure.

"Another excellent segment of the trail. Make sure you are well prepared to take lots of pictures. Most of all, have fun."— Alton Bravo

Witness a spectacular Caribbean sunset over Prince Rupert Bay, enjoying the serene atmosphere as the sky transforms with vibrant colors. A perfect end to a day of exploration.

"If you visit by boat you must get out on the water... Amazing sea life with the most amazing sunsets"— Anderson Jolly

Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant heart of Portsmouth, observing local life, browsing small market stalls for any last-minute crafts or souvenirs, and soaking in the town's charming atmosphere.

Enjoy a tranquil morning walk and refreshing swim at Bell Hall Beach, one of Portsmouth's quieter black sand beaches, offering a final moment of Dominica's natural beauty.

"The place to go for island vibes after soaking up the rays on Douglas Bay Beach Park. Bring your island time - everything is made fresh, step by step - and have an extra drink while waiting. Friendly staff, credit card payments, and a covered open air seating along with some great music helps you to slow down and relax. The chill vibe and great food make for a great experience."— Rob Gould

Transfer from Portsmouth to Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) for your international flight back to New York, NY, concluding your unforgettable Dominican adventure.

"Small but functional airport. Limited number of flights and destinations. We used the online pre-entry immigration and customs declaration which was easy to do and we experienced relatively short wait immigration times for entry and professional and friendly service. There is no immigration check when departing (like the USA), just the usual security screening which seemed thorough and quick. Some shops available in departure waiting area. Departure gate seats were available and typical. Only negative here is having to pay $80 US per couple to go to or from Roseau and most everywhere else, due to very limited public bus van service (unlike some other islands where you can catch the public bus). Having time, we walked the 10 to 15 minute walk outside the airport to the main highway (got some fun incredulous looks from people as we strolled out) where buses sometimes pick up people, as evidenced by locals and airport workers waiting and confirming yep you can catch a bus here sometime. The walk was pleasant and easy, but we stood with locals waiting for about an hour with no bus passing by in the late afternoon, so due to some looming rain and no shelter and my desire to stay happily married, we caved in and paid the $80 for private taxi bus. We jokingly wondered whether the public bus was asked to stand by hidden and waiting for the crazy tourists to cave in so the locals could get where they needed? 😂 Probably not, think it was the later hour that reduced the bus frequency. Anyways we enjoyed conversing with nice folks as we waited, worth a try I guess. Anyways all good here and no surprises. My last video here shows the construction of the new airport well underway a bit north of current airport."— GT Hodge