Although the lava-forged seascape is dramatic, you’ll want to explore Dominica's rich Creole-influenced culture and spectacular scenery.

Topside Treks
You’ll likely spend part of your time drenched by rain during your day hikes — pack a lightweight slicker and wear sturdy shoes — but Dominica’s striking waterfalls and primordial rainforest are worth it. The hikes vary from the five-minute walk to Trafalgar Falls (east of the village of Trafalgar) to an extremely challenging all-day trek that will seem like you’re competing in CBS’s The Amazing Race — the 6-mile hike from Titou Gorge to Boiling Lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. We settled on a 3½-mile round-trip hike to Middleham Falls. You’ll know you’re close when the trail gets steeper and you hear the roar of the falls.

Boating Excursions
Guides lead scenic tours by kayak of the island’s longest river, Layou.

Carib Territory Trip
The 3,700-acre territory is the last organized settlement of the Kalinago tribe — numbering roughly 3,000 today — that gave its name to the Caribbean Sea. Take your time exploring this region — now officially called Kalinago Territory — on the island’s northeast Atlantic coast. You’ll pass a number of stalls on the roadside where women sell handcrafted baskets.

Street Eats
You’ll find curry-flavored chicken or fish rotis (similar to a burrito) in downtown Roseau and in many of the small villages at simple stands called snackettes. We stopped for a rum punch and snack at the River Rock Café, a cozy roadside bar with a colorful fresh-air dining room in the back that looked as if it had sprouted from the hillside overlooking Trafalgar River. On Saturday morning, bright umbrellas bloom like tulips over tables overflowing with fruits, vegetables and spices at Roseau’s farmer’s market.

Want more on Dominica? Check out our complete feature.