Dominica
Called The Nature Island, Dominica rises out of the sparkling Caribbean Sea like a hidden paradise, offering a soulful escape for travelers looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. This lush gem—officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica—remains one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. With its thick rainforests, misty mountains, tumbling rivers, and volcanic landscapes, Dominica delivers a raw, untouched beauty that’s becoming harder to find in the modern world.
Beyond its natural beauty, Dominica is also making waves in sustainability. The island is a global leader in eco-tourism and is actively working to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation. Dominica launched ambitious green energy programs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and eco-conscious rebuilding efforts. Some resorts are powered by renewable energy and designed to blend into the environment, while conservation programs protect the island’s unique biodiversity, including its rare parrots and marine life. Travelers can even get hands-on by joining local reforestation projects or visiting the island’s geothermal plant in development—part of Dominica’s commitment to switching to 100% renewable energy.
Dining
Dining in Dominica is a flavorful journey using fresh, local ingredients. The food here is hearty, vibrant, and made with love. Think fresh-caught fish grilled with herbs, stewed chicken seasoned with bold Creole spices, and callaloo soup made from leafy greens and coconut milk.
Root vegetables like dasheen, cassava, and yam feature heavily in traditional meals, often served with “provisions” (local term for starches) that fill you up in the best way.
Sweet, ripe plantains and a cornmeal we call ‘kushkush’ are mainstays, as well as yams, breadfruit and chicken prepared in countless delectable ways.
Many restaurants and eco-lodges embrace farm-to-table dining, using organic produce and supporting local farmers and fishers. Whether you’re dining at a family-run seaside café or an upscale eco-resort, meals in Dominica are always fresh, soulful, and deeply connected to the land. Learn more
Quick Facts
Language Spoken: English is the official language of Dominica; however a large portion of the population speaks Kwéyòl, which is based primarily on French and Carib vocabularies and a syntax borrowed from a variety of West African indigenous languages. A few northern villages use a distinctive English dialect called Kokoy.
Banking & Banking Hours: International banks that operate branches in Dominica include the Bank of Nova Scotia and First Caribbean International. Most banks are open from 8am to 2pm, Monday through Thursday, and open until 4pm on Fridays.
Currency: The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). The US Dollar is widely accepted as is British Pounds, and Euros.
Climate: Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island’s annual temperature averages 27C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island’s extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.
Dress Code: Relaxed and casual; comfortable, light-weight clothing is recommended. Note: camouflage clothing is illegal to wear.
Driving: Left side of road; valid American driver’s license accepted.
Electricity: Dominica’s electrical services use 220/240 volts. Adaptors are required for voltage conversion. Many accommodations offer both outlets, but it would be wise to receive confirmation from the specific establishment.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (GMT-4); Dominica does not observe Daylight Savings time.
Activities
Whether you’re chasing world-class diving, rainforest hikes, or just some sunshine and fresh mountain air, Dominica has you covered. Known as The Nature Island, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. From canyoning and snorkeling to hot springs and eco-tours, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Explore Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to lush trails, volcanic features, and the world’s second-largest Boiling Lake. Prefer the ocean? Dominica is proudly the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean, with resident sperm whales spotted year-round—no special season required.
Whether you’re soaking in a natural hot spring, diving among underwater volcanic vents, or simply listening to birds in the canopy, Dominica invites you to experience nature in its purest form. This is the Caribbean, untouched and unforgettable.
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
For travelers departing from other U.S. cities, connecting flights are available through several airlines:
- United Airlines: Offers one-stop service from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Dominica, with a layover in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- American Airlines: Provides connecting flights from various U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Philadelphia (PHL), via Miami.
- Caribbean Airlines commenced a flight between Dominica and Puerto Rico on August 15th.
- Other Airlines: Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, and interCaribbean Airways operate connecting flights through regional hubs in the Caribbean.
For additional information on how to get to Dominica from other gateways, click HERE.
Entry Requirements for Americans
Americans do not require a visa but must have a valid passport with 6 months validity and a return or onward ticket.
For more information, follow this link: US State Department/Dominica
Getting Married
Say “I do” with a backdrop of nature! The Nature Island of Dominica is one of the most exotic and romantic escapes in the Caribbean. Wedding locations range from the top of one of our lush green mountains, alongside the crystal clear waters of a towering waterfall, or one of our fresh water lakes or the stunning Botanical Gardens.
Book your Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon package through a hotel of your choice or enlist the assistance of a wedding consultant to ensure your wedding & honeymoon is hassle-free. Dominica has an abundance of indoor and outdoor venues to host your dream wedding!
Applying for a marriage license in Dominica is easy and further details can be found at Learn more
Cultural/Annual Events
Dominica features a number of exciting events, including Dominica’s Carnival in February, also known as “The Real Mas”; Dive Fest in July; and World Creole Musical Festival in October, dubbed “The Festival That Never Sleeps”.
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
The Government of Dominica observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Monday + Tuesday, February 16 + 17, 2026 – Carnival Monday and Tuesday
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, May 4, 2026 – May Day / Labour Day
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Pentecost Monday / Whit Monday
Monday, August 3, 2026 – Emancipation Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – Independence Day
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 – National Day of Community Service
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
Medical Information
Dominica has a public hospital, government health centres and private medical centres. More information is available on their website. Learn more
Hospitals
Dominica China Friendship Hospital (formerly Princess Margaret Hospital)
Roseau, Dominica
Open 24 hours
Phone: 767-448-2231
Portsmouth Hospital
Portsmouth, Dominica
Open 24 hours
Phone: 767-445-5360; 767-266-5606
Justin Fadipe Hospital
Cuba Rd., Mero, Dominica
Phone: 767-449-6711
Marigot Hospital
Marigot
Phone: 767-266-2800
Grand Bay Hospital
Grand Bay
Phone: 767-446-3706
Government Health Centres (all open 8am to 4pm)
Newtown Health Center
18 Victoria St., Roseau
Hours: 8am – 6pm daily, closed on Sundays
Ph: 767-266-4727
Mahaut Health Centres
Mahaut
Hours: M-F 8am – 2pm, closed on weekends
Ph: 767-266-4051
Triage Health Ltd.
Corner Great George St. and Hillsborough St.
Roseau, Dominica
M-F: 7am to 5pm, S: 8am – 1pm, Su-closed (on call service only)
Ph: 767-616-2273
Email: health@triage.ltd
Website: https://www.triage.ltd
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is no hyperbaric chamber in Dominica. If you require treatment for decompression illness, you will have to go to either Guadeloupe or Martinique.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from the United States.
Airport Services
Dominica / Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) offers the following:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps
Learn more | Link to Executive Lounge
Roseau Cruise Ship Berth (Roseau)
If you are arriving by ship, any services required will be arranged by your cruise line. Services available at the port include:
- Accessible Washrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
- Wheelchair Assistance: available from your cruise line representatives
- Elevators and ramps are available
Transportation and Activities
Accessibility
At Secret Bay, the award-winning property has partnered with Open Doors Organization (ODO), a renowned non-profit dedicated to improving access for people with disabilities in travel and tourism. Through comprehensive upgrades and customised offerings, Secret Bay is committed to redefining accessible luxury on the Nature Island.
Dominica’s efforts to accommodate all travelers include making taxis wheelchair accessible. While standard taxis can fit foldable wheelchairs, specialized services are recommended for those who must remain in their wheelchairs during transit.
Activities
From transportation to eco-trips to private snorkel tours and more, Dominica features a list of guides and tour operators that offer a wealth of local knowledge. Visit https://discoverdominica.com/en/tour-operators
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Dominica, please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
