Dominica is filled with incredible nature, tropical scenery, beaches, forests, mountains, hot & cold springs, lakes and waterfalls, making it the perfect nature holiday destination. here is a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna, including several unique species to Dominica.
Find your perfect nature adventure
WATERFALLS
As the island has 365 rivers, there is an abundance of amazing waterfalls, of all sizes, for all levels of difficulty. Our own property is surrounded by rivers, and there are several waterfalls within our valley, all within an hour walking, from the lodge. Visit our nature trails page for more details
HOT SPRINGS
Another fascinating feature in Dominica is the large amount of hot springs dotted around the island.
Most of Dominica’s hot springs are located in the Roseau Valley. Spend the day bathing in the spiritual sulphur and mineral hot springs of the Nature Island
Also High up at the FRESHWATER LAKE you can take a hot shower in a natural spring alongside the lake, and then cool off instantly in the cool fresh water of the lake.
In Soufriere, in the south of the island, there are many sulphur springs, and you have to watch your step when hiking the hillsides, in order to avoid stepping directly into the steaming hot earth!
BEACHES
Contrary to popular belief, Dominica has a whole host of beautiful and interesting beaches.
Although the sand is black and not golden in most places, this does not mean that they are not gorgeous and awe-inspiring beaches. Our nearest beach is at Rosalie, is about 40 minutes walk from 3 Rivers. This magnificent, long, wide, black
sandy beach has some breathtaking views of the ocean and is excellent for lazing about on the sand. It is one of the most picturesque beaches in Dominica. As it is the Atlantic Ocean, the seas can sometimes get rough and there can be a bit of an undercurrent, so it is not the ideal swimming beach. However, there is a long shallow section before the big drop, and if you are the kind of person who likes a quick dip followed by a long sun-bathing session, then it is ideal. Between March and September there is also a small chance of seeing a variety of species of Dominica sea turtles, who visit the beach to lay their eggs.
There are also a number of other good Atlantic beaches around dominica including Marigot, Grand Bay and La Plaine.
If you want the calmer waters of the Caribbean, it is only about a half hour drive to some of the best beaches in Dominica.
At SALISBURY, there is a great sandy beach, with 3 different reefs to visit, including one which can be reached just by paddling along the shoreline.There is a cool beach bar in the middle, a large, quiet side for chilling out, and an area used by the fisherman at the other end.
There are also some great beaches at Mero, Calibishie and Loubiere, whilst at SCOTT’S HEAD,
when the tide is high you can paddle in both the Atlantic and the Caribbean at the same time ! Quite a unique experience.
RIVERS
As you must be aware of by now, Dominica has an incredibly large number of rivers for such a small island.
If our own 3 rivers and four natural pools are not sufficient for your needs, then you do not have to go far to get an altogether different experience. Wherever you go in dominica you will see another river, and each of the rivers has an abundance of cool, fresh pools ideal for bathing. Simply pick a river, follow it, and you are sure to stumble on a perfect spot. Even by following one of our rivers upstream, you will experience a massive variety of chill out spots and bathing pools.
Most of the rivers contain, somewhere, at least one waterfall which will easily capture your imagination, and all of them contain plenty of ready made jacuzzis !
If you visit Trafalgar Falls or Soufriere, you can bathe in Dominica’s warm flowing rivers – pretty cool!
The local Dominica tradition is to spend a Sunday afternoon by a river, cooking a food and bathing in the pools, so by partaking in this tradition you are also taking in some proper culture !
Click here to listen to the sounds of rivers flowing around 3 rivers!
LAKES
Here are the main lakes of Dominica : Visit our nature trails page for more details
The FRESHWATER LAKE, Dominica’s largest lake, located 2,500 feet above sea level, is about a three hour hike from 3 Rivers, with truly spectacular views across the mountains back down to Rosalie Bay.
Alternatively, you can drive from 3 Rivers directly to the edge of the lake in about an hour and a half.
The BOERI LAKE is about a 45 minute uphill hike from the Freshwater Lake.It is a magical place : shrouded in mist one moment, and clear and bright seconds later. As long as you are not unfit, the trail is not too difficult. This is one of my favourite spots on the island!
The 2nd largest BOILING LAKE on the planet; probably the most spectacular of Dominica’s hikes. Officially described as “a strenuous 3-hour each way hike”, it does include a lot of steps and plenty of ups and downs. However, the trail is very well-maintained, and, after warming up on some of the island’s shorter walks, this one is well worth the effort, and, for most people, not as tough as might be expected.
A short and easy half hour walk from the sleepy village of Boetica, taking in spectacular cliff and sea views, brings you to the GLASSI POINT, a big flat piece of lava rock with a large hole in the middle filled with sea water, where you can take a refreshing bath when the sea is calm enough, and enjoy the stunning views from the cool pool.
The hike back up to the village is a little more tiring!
RAINFOREST
Of Dominica’s 290 square miles, almost all of it is forest land.
There are currently three national parks and two forest reserves, and there are plans to increase these numbers, in order to undertake a comprehensive biodiversity study : organising and expanding local flora and fauna, strengthening the research efforts and reviewing existing legislation.
THE NATIONAL PARKS
MORNE TROIS PITONS NATIONAL PARK
3 Rivers lies on the edge of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica’s first national park, which was established in 1975. When it was opened, its primary function was to protect samples of the island flora and fauna, It now covers more than 17,000 acres of land and has recently been declared a World Heritage Site of outstanding universal value.
CABRITS NATIONAL PARK :
Dominica soon realized that protecting its forests and wildlife was paramount to its survival due to the delicate balance of nature that exists. Not only would it remain one of the most natural and unspoilt islands in the Caribbean, but this positive environmental action would be great for business ; tourism in particular. To this end, in 1986, The Cabrits National Park was officially opened. Its main function is to protect the island’s largest tracts of dry coastal forests, and to preserve its largest wetlands of marsh, freshwater swamp and mangroves. The products of the forest are used, in a sustainable fashion, in the production of some of the island’s handicrafts, medicines, spices and food.
MORNE DIABLOTIN NATIONAL PARK
This, Dominica’s newest national park, is home to the island’s highest mountain, Morne Diablotin, whose summit lies some 4747 feet above sea level, and to the Syndicate Trail, which is said to be the place to see the most bird life during your visit to Dominica. It was established in early 2000 and covers over 8,000 acres of land.
THE FOREST RESERVES :
CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE
The Central Forest Reserve, the first of its kind in Dominica, was established way back in 1952, and is inhabited by an abundance of gommier, which grow to heights of almost 120 feet. The wood from these trees is both beautiful and durable, and has been used by the Kalinago people (Caribs) for centuries in the production of their canoes, and many other crafts.
NORTHERN FOREST RESERVE
The largest refuge for the island’s two indigenous species of parrot, the Sisserou and the Jacquot, is said to be in the Northern Forest reserve, which was opened in 1977, and encompasses some 22,000 acres of land, protecting watersheds, plants and animals. For keen birdwatchers, a visit to this reserve is a must.
FLORA
Dominica has a wide range of flora, due, in part, to the high altitude and the rainfall.
The flora is incredible :There are over 1,000 species of flowering plants, including 74 species of orchid and 200 ferns.
The national flower is the bwa kwaib.
On the west coast, there is an abundance of showy flowers including the orange, pink and yellow lantana, and the bottle-brush-like flowers of the campech.
Red, yellow, and green heliconias, and the purple leaves of the blue wax flower, are among many gorgeous species which can be found throughout the interior.
Experience Dominica’s wild nature : It should also be respected.
NATURE SAFETY
No matter how experienced you are, make sure you listen to local tips and knowledge. If a local says the weather is too bad to hike a river or go to a particular beach, LISTEN TO THEM, they know !!!!!
Most people come to our beautiful island to enjoy the amazing, wild nature.
Our rivers are numerous and wondrous, but during or after heavy rains they can become dangerous, and prone to flash flooding.
Dominica has a wide range of beautiful beaches, from the crystal calm Caribbean West coast, to the wild and dramatic Atlantic east coast. Many of the east coast beaches can have dangerous undercurrents making them absolutely NOT suitable for swimming. But great for other things like giant leatherback turtle watching. ONLY SWIM ON SAFE BEACHES
No matter how experienced you are, make sure you listen to local tips and knowledge. If a local says the weather is too bad to hike a river or go to a particular beach, LISTEN TO THEM, they know !!!!!