The Caribbean is one of the most sought-after holiday and retirement destinations today due to the hundreds of amazing beaches you will find here, the low cost of living, and laid-back lifestyle that everyone wants to enjoy.
If you want to experience all this and be able to explore amazing mountains, lush tropical rainforests, and beautiful gardens, you can’t go wrong with visiting or living in Dominica.
Dominica is part of the Windward Islands found in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean. It is considered by many as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” due to its many natural wonders.
Although the country doesn’t have as many white sand beaches as its neighboring islands, it is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the Caribbean and in the world due to these must-visit amazing places:
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Morne Trois Pitons or “Mountain of Three Peaks” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Dominica.
Aside from the different gorgeous mountains, you will find several majestic waterfalls, freshwater lakes, and hot springs in this park. When you follow one of the many hiking trails in the park, you will go through an exciting jungle where you can get up close and personal with the fascinating local fauna and flora.
Emerald Pool and Waterfall
Although this is part of the popular tourist destination Morne Trois Pitons National Park, it deserves its special mention because it is celebrated in the whole of Dominica on its own. The Emerald Pool has a picturesque and refreshing waterfall that cascades down into a clear, bright green natural pool below.
To reach the waterfall, you simply follow a well-laid nature trail. After the hike, you will want nothing else to do than to dive into the cool, pristine waters and take in the all the amazing sights the area has to offer.
Boiling Lake
Another must-visit place in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the Boiling Lake, which is also the world’s second-largest hot spring or boiling lake. It is second only to New Zealand’s well-known hot spring, the Frying Pan.
Reaching the lake can be quite an ordeal since you will need to go on a three-hour hike that will take you through different heights or elevations. Once you reach it, however, your efforts will be richly rewarded since you will be able to see one of the most unique and intriguing natural wonders of the world.
Champagne Reef
Champagne Reef is another extraordinary natural wonder in Dominica.
Located in the Saint Luke Parish, Champagne Reef is a diving and snorkeling site where divers and swimmers are surrounded by bubbles released from the volcanic depths found in the ocean floor.
Aside from being surrounded by the amazing bubbles, you will encounter lots of captivating sea creatures in the reef. These include trumpet fish, seahorses, harlequin bass, and hawksbill turtles.
Cabrits National Park
Another attraction located in Saint Luke Parish, the Cabrits National Park is the last stop on the Waitukubuli Trail. The park is home to a number of tropical forests, coral reefs, diving spots, and wetlands. Inside the natural park, you will also find the ruins of Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison.
The Cabrits National Park is another great place in Dominica where you will enjoy exploring nature on land and underwater.
Dominica Botanical Gardens
Located in the country’s capital city, Roseau, the Dominica Botanical Gardens were established in 1890. They were severely damaged by Hurricane David in 1979 but the locals worked tirelessly to restore them. They are now home again to various local plants and wildlife.
Aside from the different gardens, the area also houses several laboratories and the Parrot Conservation and Research Center, which works on protecting two endemic endangered parrot species: the Jacko (Amazona arausiaca) and the Sisserou (Amazona imperialis).
Scott’s Head
Dominica’s beaches may not be as famous as the ones found in the other Caribbean islands, but there are many that stand out greatly. One of these remarkable beaches can be found in Scott’s Head.
Scott’s Head is a gorgeous island which serves as the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It has a scenic fishing village, a beautiful beach, and amazing snorkeling spots where you can marvel at the splendid marine scenery.
Aside from these seven fascinating places, Dominica has more to offer both tourists and visitors looking to become residents. You may want to consider applying for citizenship here once you visit the country since a week or month of staying here won’t be enough for you to fully explore and enjoy the Caribbean’s isle of great beauty.
Contributor: Kal Kennard
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean. Based in the Caribbean.
