Judith Baker offers her insider guide to Dominica and asks if this is the eco-tourism Caribbean capital of 2026?
Often overlooked by UK tourists seeking bigger, brasher Caribbean islands, the Nature Island of Dominica is set to become a key destination in 2026, especially for travellers looking for sustainable experience which doesn’t compromise on luxury and style.
With a new international airport under construction, one of the longest cable cars in the world being built and ambitious plans to become carbon neutral by 2030, beautiful Dominica should be on everyone’s must-see list.
A wealth of natural beauty and biodiversity has earned Dominica its nick name the nature island of the Caribbean. There are 365 rivers, many waterfalls and 300 miles of hiking trails through lush rainforest, plus black volcanic and white sand beaches and nine volcanoes, of which just one is currently active.
Unspoilt by mass tourism, the island is committed to protecting its natural assets and enhancing its offering to visitors with a range of sustainability initiatives and elegant new eco-resorts which do not impact on nature.
Endless adventures including hiking, diving, discovering ancient cultures and water sports are on offer as well as everything usually associated with the Caribbean such as lovely beaches, sunshine and carnival.
Hiking opportunities
The world’s second-largest hot spring lake, Boiling Lake, is a freshwater-filled volcanic crater which can be reached on foot via a 3-4-hour challenging hike (an expert guide is advised). The new cable car currently under construction will transport visitors to the lake by late 2025 in about 20 minutes.
The island’s centre is dominated by small mornes (mountains), deep valleys, steep ridges, river gorges and dense rainforest.
An ambitious project is underway to harness Dominica’s natural geothermal bounty It aims to power around 23,000 homes with clean, renewable energy, all while slashing costs and boosting energy security. By late 2025, Dominica will be a climate-resilient leader in renewable energy in the Caribbean.
There’s also a significant level of solar power on the green island, used extensively in many of the new eco-resorts. The developments on Dominica will make it the key eco-tourism destination in the Caribbean region.
The Waitukubuli National Trail is the longest hiking route in the Caribbean. With 14 segments it gives an up-close experience of Dominica’s incredible biodiversity. Or descend to Titou Gorge for a refreshing swim in its clear waters, and then visit Trafalgar Falls, Dominica’s iconic twin waterfalls.
Indian River Cruise
Glide down the Indian river -the widest river in Dominica – in a brightly coloured rowing boat as a local guide points out iguanas, herons, crabs and agoutis in the dense jungle. Stop at the Indian River Bush Bar to sample bush teas, Dominican famous rum punches, local bush rums marinated with herbs and spices along with fresh, seasonal fruit juices and the Bush Bar’s signature drink, “Dynamite,”
Meet the Kalinago people
Dominica is one of the few islands to still be home to an indigenous people.
Originally known as the Caribs, the Kalinago are believed to have originally come from South America and to represent the last remaining tribe of the pre-Columbian Carib Indians, going back to about 3,000 BC Visit the Kalinago Territory at Barana Autê on Dominica’s east coast to learn about the Kalinago people’s culture, history, and traditions. Tours include walking, hiking, and cultural performances and visitors can also buy handcrafted products.
One of the most striking landmarks here is Escalier Tete Chien, a staircase carved into the cliffs, believed to be a path made by a mythical serpent. A descent here leads to natural pools formed by crashing waves—an adventurous yet serene experience.
Carnival Island
Although peaceful, Dominica jumps to its own unique rhythm when it is carnival time.
Mas Domnik (January 10 – February 18 2026), and the jazz n’ Creole Festival (3 May 2026). These events draw big crowds and give local talent the stage to shine.
The World Creole Music Festival offers a mix of sounds from across the globe, while Carnival – aka Mas Domnik – is a kaleidoscope of parades, flamboyant costumes, and infectious rhythms such as the island’s very own genre, bouyon.
Adventure and Thermal Life enhancing waters
Dominica uses its natural environment as an adventure playground. Try canyoning, abseiling or waterfall rappelling in the beautiful waterfalls, rivers and lakes.
Volcanically heated freshwater springs abound, with many hot springs clustered in the village of Wotten Waven. The waters here are said to have life enhancing properties. Stop at Ti Kwen Gilo Cho which has a small café and a few guest rooms for a snack. Here you can buy herbal remedies, bay rum for soothing skin and bay oil to repel mosquitos. Watch beautiful hummingbirds and visit the mini zoo before plunging into the waters.
Dominica was home to the world’s oldest woman, who died aged 128. Her long life and that of many Dominican centenarians is put down to healthy diet, lifestyle and use of herbal remedies, many passed down through generations and still available today.
Eat and Drink
Dominican food reflects the fertility of its landscape. Expect lots of fresh fruits such as mangoes, bananas and avocados.
Try local dishes such as Mountain chicken (really a frog native to the island!) stewed with herbs and spices
Stewed codfish, roasted breadfruit and fried fish fritters are also popular. Enjoy simple food al fresco in a small beachfront restaurant washed down with a local beer or cocktail.
Images (C) Scott Sporleder and Visit Dominica
Tell Me More About this insider guide to Dominica
Dominica is Located in the eastern Caribbean, between Guadeloupe and Antigua to the north, and Martinique and St Lucia to the south.
Recommended Hotels
Dominica has no big all-inclusive hotels but has a number of charming and attractive resorts and eco-resorts such as Coulibri Ridge, Rosalie Bay and Secret Bay as well as small boutique hotels, homestays and guest houses. Recently opened is The Ocean Oasis, a stylish new beachfront property with 37 rooms and one presidential suite, a spa and gaming room. It is closest to the pretty capital Roseau on the southwest coast of the island.
Flights
Flights from the UK with luggage sent directly to Dominica are available with British Airways and (newly announced December 2025, with Virgin Atlantic; previously luggage wouldn’t go directly to Dominica with Virgin). All BA and Virgin flights require a change of plane in either Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia or Miami, with a connecting onward flight to Dominica.
There are alternative routes via Newark, New York with United Airlines, as well as fast ferries from Guadeloupe, flying from Paris. A new international airport is currently being built in Dominica and is due to open in 2027. The new international airport, currently under construction, will bring more flights to the island making it more accessible to all.
For further information please visit Discover Dominica
