When we talk about traveling to the Antilles and the Caribbean, we often think of Cuba (even if now…), the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe or even Martinique which attract millions of visitors each year. However, the Caribbean archipelago also includes many other islands less known to the French and even sometimes to Europeans, such as the Dominic. This Dominica which for the year 2026 was elected “best island in the Caribbean”…
“Best Caribbean Island” in 2026
It’s a distinction that comes straight from the United States, the leading supplier of tourists to the region. The prestigious magazine “Travel & Leisure” has distinguished the island of Dominica in its annual price of the The best prices in the world which designates, among other things, the “best Caribbean island of the year”.
In this respect, Dominica is ahead of Grenada, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, the small island of Vieques in Puerto Rico and even Saint Lucia by 2026. A Top5 among the 25 islands selected in the region in this ranking.
Where is Dominica?
It’s simple, just between the Guadeloupe to the north and the Martinique south. Between the two departments, this former British land is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.
Of volcanic origin, Dominica offers magnificent mountainous and wild landscapes among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. In particular, we discover jagged coasts surrounded by cliffs, but also around thirty waterfalls, hot springs and countless small rivers lost in its tropical forest.
More nature and hiking than seaside
Unlike other islands in the region, Dominica is not a major beach destination. The coast with its cliffs does not allow for many long beaches. However, here and there you can find some beautiful coves suitable for swimming or a developed beach around the town of Portsmouth, in the north of the island.
On the other hand, Dominica has made a name for itself when it comes to hiking. It is also the first nature activity practiced by visitors.
There are around ten national natural sites across the island, to which is added the Waitukubuli Trail which, with its 185 km divided into 14 sections which cross the island from north (Cabrits) to south (Soufrière), is the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean.
What to see in Dominica?
Nature side
Cabrits National Park
Just next to Portsmouth, the country’s second city, this is a small area of tropical forest overlooking the sea where you can hike and see an old English fort.
Morne Diablotin National Park
It is a large volcanic natural area surrounding the summit of the island in its northern part. Like much of central Dominica, the place is ideal for walking in a wild setting.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
On the slopes of a volcano, this natural area renowned for its flora is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. The site is spectacular with its lakes, some of which have boiling water, its gorges, waterfalls and small geysers among which you can hike.
Town and village side
Calibishie
In the northeast of Dominica, this pretty fishing village is located in the most beautiful part of the island, both for its coastal and mountain landscapes. Also, several superb beaches and possibilities for walks in the forest departing from the town.
Reed
Even though it barely exceeds 15,000 inhabitants, the city of Roseau is the capital of Dominica. More of a place of transit than anything else, it nevertheless offers a beautiful historic center, called the “French Quarter”, with Notre-Dame Cathedral, a museum and a pleasant botanical garden.
Scott’s head
It is a pretty little village in the southern tip of Dominica, famous for diving and incidentally short hikes which give superb views of the coast.
Wotten Waven
This village next to Morne Trois Pitons is considered the ideal place to try the different springs and natural spas nestled in the forest that the island offers.
Sea side
The world’s first sperm whale reserve should soon be established in Dominica. In all it will be almost 800 km2 of maritime areas to the west of the island which will be closed to large boats and industrial fishing. All this in order to better protect a population of sperm whales estimated at around 200 individuals living in this area and which, between collisions with large ships and caught in the nets of large trawlers, has seen its population decline in recent years. In short, a good idea and a new tourist activity to come with their observation.
Practical Dominic
These little details always useful to know:
- Formalities: As part of a tourist trip, for French people, EU nationals and other nationalities, a valid passport is just required if you are staying less than 3 months on the island.
- Health : like most Caribbean islands, Dominica does not really pose any health problems, even if dengue or chikungunya carried by certain mosquitoes can sometimes “invite” itself there. So, nothing in particular, other than just bring an anti-insect repellent more for personal comfort than to protect yourself from diseases.
- Security : without being very significant, petty crime has tended to increase in recent years in Dominica, in particular because of drug trafficking. The risks of burglaries, thefts and occasionally attacks on people exist even if with a minimum of common sense and precautions you can stay in peace. We will thus avoid deserted beaches, isolated corners at night, hiking alone in nature and we will also be a minimum of vigilant during the famous carnival of the island.
- Design: the Eastern Caribbean dollar, called in English East Caribbean Dollar Or EC Dollaris the local currency. There is no real problem carrying out foreign exchange transactions. You will easily find exchange offices at ports and airports, in most banks, hotels, and many tourist places. Vending machines are also well established in the country.
- US Dollar: You should know that although the official currency is the Caribbean dollar, it is still possible to pay everywhere and for almost everything in US dollars as well. Moreover, prices are often indicated in American dollars and not Caribbean dollars. On this subject, be careful and be sure of the currency, because in the end the result is not at all the same since 1 US$ = 2.7 EC$ fixed.
- Budget : without being among the most expensive islands, Dominica requires a bit of resources. By eating locally, sleeping in a guesthouse and traveling with collective minibuses, you can hope to spend the equivalent of €50 to €70 per day and per person on a basis of two, mostly in low season. But for more freedom, ease and taking advantage of the hiking trails (paid), it would still be better to count on €70 to €100/day.
- Getting there by plane: Dominica is one of the few Caribbean islands that does not receive long-haul flights from Europe or even North America. A constraint linked to the configuration of its two (small) airports which is not without consequences on the rather limited tourist numbers on the island. In all, Dominica is connected to only a dozen other islands in the region (including Guadeloupe) through which it will therefore be necessary to transit.
- Getting there by sea: in addition to the cruises that stop there, Dominica is also served by the “Island Express” (a ferry) which allows you to reach three other neighboring destinations: Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia.
- On site: If you want to travel economically, collective minibuses are by far the best solution for discovering the place. Ultimately, you can always combine them with a car rental for one or two days in order to tour the island in complete freedom.
- Accommodation: even if Dominica does not welcome a lot of visitors compared to other destinations in the region, its accommodation capacity is not enormous, especially in high season or during the carnival period when it is more prudent to book. You will find hotels, particularly of a certain standard, on the west coast, guesthouses and guest rooms, apartments and villas for rent, as well as lodges or eco-lodges lost in nature. In terms of price, without reaching the heights of other places in the Caribbean, accommodation still requires a small budget which increases by 15 to 20% in high season. As always in small islands, the best solution is to choose a single base for your entire stay.
- Local time: Like its French neighbors, Dominica uses UTC‑4 time. Which means that there are 5 hours less in winter and 6 hours less in summer compared to mainland France.
- Make yourself understood: even though English is the official language of the country, Creole is very widely used by the population. This is inspired in particular by French and African languages. Without necessarily always being spoken by the people, French remains fairly understood on the island.
- The thing to know: bring an electrical adapter for your appliances and French sockets. Indeed, here we are on 230 V (50 Hz) with “English” sockets (officially type D and G).
A tropical climate typical of the region
Dominica has a tropical climate which is characterized by constant temperatures throughout the year of between 29 and 32°C during the day and 20 to 23°C at night with, however, a freshness which appears the further inland you go.
Like the rest of the Antilles, the island has two distinct seasons with small “intermediate” periods.
The dry season is from February to the end of May. This is the most pleasant time to visit with good weather and just the occasional shower.
In contrast, the wet season, from the end of July to October, results in heavier heat and especially numerous rains in the afternoon which fall in greater quantities on the east coast and incidentally in the heights. It is this time which is the least conducive to visiting, especially since it is also the season of cyclones which can affect the island especially between August and October.