45 – 60 Minutes from Portsmouth

Roseau and Environs – Depending on how much time you have, it is possible to spend a few hours here and then venture off to other sites close by such as the Roseau Valley, north to Mero and the Emerald Pool, or South to Soufriere and Scott’s head.

In and around the city of Roseau – on foot.

At the end of the Cruise Ship berth:

• Old Market – crafts and souvenirs
• Dominica Museum (open Mon – Sat)
• Duty Free Shopping – Click for a complete listing of Duty free shops in Roseau.

Near the Roseau River at the northern end of town:

• Fruit and Vegetable Market open everyday except Sunday,
• Post Office

On the outskirts of Roseau:

• Botanical Gardens and Parrot Research Center
• Morne Bruce: beautiful scenic views of Roseau. You can reach there by climbing the path known as Jack’s Walk, through the Botanic Gardens (takes 20 minutes) or take a Bus Tour.

Areas less than half an hour’s drive from the capital include:

Roseau Valley – Best for National Parks, Waterfalls, Lakes and Hot Springs. This is about a 20 – 30 mins drive from Roseau. 

West – Beaches. The best beach is about 25 mins from Roseau.

Southwest – Best for Snorkeling, Hot Springs and Whale Watching. This is about a 10 – 20 mins drive from Roseau. It is possible to take in the site of the capital, as well as a couple attractions in the southwest.

Under the Sea: Feel like exploring our dramatic marine world? See our Scuba and Snorkel Page, or visit the links below.

• Snorkeling tours
• Scuba Diving tours

Whale Watching: Whale watching tours usually take half the day.

• Tour operators

Hot Pools: Want to soak in the variety of Natural Hot pools around the island?

• Soufriere Sulphur Springs
• Bubble Beach Spa 
• Sulphur Springs in the Roseau Valley

Beaches: Interested in the assortment of beaches found in Dominica? Visit our beach page or look through the options below for beaches close to the Capital.

• Champagne: Rocky beach popular for snorkeling and wildlife observations. Geothermal activity results in bubbles in the water, giving it the name Champagne.
• Mero: A popular sandy, grey beach 20 mins from Roseau. There are bars and activities available.
• Scott’s Head: Rocky beach at the very southern tip of the island. Great views and snorkeling.

Waterfalls & Rivers: The land of rivers and waterfalls, there is no shortage of freshwater.

• Trafalgar Falls: Stunning twin Waterfalls located in the Roseau Valley. You can simply view the falls or take a refreshing dip in the river.
• Titou Gorge: Dramatic swim up a narrow gorge to a small waterfall at the end. Featured in Pirates of the Caribbean II.
• Fresh Water Lake: Our largest Lake, you can hike, kayak or simply sight-see.

Hikes: In the mood for some adventure? Getting to the trail heads is about 30 mins, but the hike themselves vary in length. They are well worth the time. For half day hikes – see below.

• Middleham Falls: about an hour hike one way through rainforest ending at the lovely Middleham falls.
• Boeri Lake: about an hour’s hike one way to Dominica’s highest accessible lake.
• Freshwater Lake Loop trail: An hour loop around the ridge of Freshwater Lake provides fantastic views to the east coast and the surrounding mountains.

Scenic & Cultural

• Morne Bruce: Overlooking the capital, this old fort has some great views.
• Drives to Soufriere & Scott’s Head – dramatic views of the south coast
• Drives to Bellevue Chopin – dramatic views of the capital and countryside
• Drives to Eggleston and Giraudel – dramatic views of the capital and countryside

60 + minutes, drive from Roseau, or 0 – 30 mins from Portsmouth

Portsmouth & Northwest – Dominica’s second largest town. There are a number of things to see and do here. Great for Historical Sites, Beaches, Watersports. 

Northeast Coast – breathtaking landscape, great for beaches & waterfalls

Beaches: The beaches on both the northwest and northeast coasts are good for swimming. However, always check with locals or a guide to ensure conditions are safe.

• Picard/Coconut Beach (NW): Southern end of Dominica’s longest stretch of beach spans most of Prince Rupert’s Bay.
• Purple Turtle Beach (NW): Sandy beach at the northern end of Prince Rupert’s Bay
• Douglas Bay (NW): Calm Sandy beach bounding with Segment 14 of Waitukubuli National Trail
• Toucari Bay (NW): Sandy beach great for snorkeling
• Hampstead Beach (NE): One of Dominica’s most beautiful beaches
• Point Baptiste Beach (NE): White sand beach, good for surfing

See all beaches around Portsmouth & Northwest, here. And all beaches around the Northeast, here

Waterfalls & Rivers

• Indian River: Take a fascinating tour through a coastal swamp
• Chaudiere Pool: Dive into clear waters of this bubbling river pool and waterfall

Hikes: If you have the whole day try these hikes. Getting to the trail heads is about 60 mins, but the hikes themselves vary in length.

• Cabrits National Park: Leisure walk along old trails and among ruins of the fort.

See all hikes in and around Portsmouth & Northwest, here. And around the Northeast, here.

Scenic & Cultural

• Fort Shirley and Cabrits National Park: Beautiful restored fort with trails around the park
• Capuchin Battery: Northernmost point of Dominica. Great views of Guadeloupe Channel

See all attractions in and around Portsmouth & Northwest, here. And around the Northeast, here.