While you can experience almost anything on a whim in Dominica, whether that’s meandering to a hidden beach or snorkeling off the dock at Fort Young Hotel, some adventures are the most rewarding when planned ahead of time. Luckily, our friendly staff is ready to help you prepare for an excursion of a lifetime. Below, get a glimpse of a few favorite day trips that are a complete must-do while visiting the Nature Island.

Hike Boiling Lake

Magically hidden within the depths of Morne Trois Piton National Park is the ever-renowned Boiling Lake—an absolute must for venturesome day trippers. So much so that we even curated a guide to finding the island’s hidden gem. While considered one of the toughest adventures in all of Dominica, the trek to Boiling Lake always proves to be rewarding—both physically and mentally.

Birding in Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Dominica is a birding paradise so there’s no doubt that you should put Morne Trois Pitons National Park on your list of day trips—that is, if you choose not to hike up to Boiling Lake. A guided nature hike will take you deep into the rainforest to observe and learn about the nearly 170 species of beautiful and seldom-seen birds that call Dominica home. You may even spot the endemic Sisserou and Jaco Parrots.

Canyoning Down Titou Gorge

Canyoning down Titou Gorge is one of the most worthwhile and eye-opening experiences, and there’s simply no better place to rappel than in the world’s one and only Nature Island. Plan for a day of both physical and spiritual fulfillment as you zig zag through the river valley, descend down waterfalls, climb volcanic cliffs and plunge into deep pools.

Kalinago Territory

For a rich cultural immersion, plan a day exploring Dominica’s historic Kalinago Territory. More and more travellers are seeking enriched experiences from their vacations, which means it’s incredibly important to educate oneself on the island’s roots. Today, approximately 3,000 Kalinago people reside within eight villages across their territory on the east coast of the island, where you and your family can spend the day exploring their beautiful craft stalls and listening to traditional Carib music.

Indian River

For a relaxing yet transformative day trip, look no further than a tour down the scenic Indian River—which you may recognize from The Pirates of the Caribbean films. Meander through the lush rainforest past mangroves and incredible Bwa Mang trees, keep an eye out for rare bird species above and make a pit stop at the famed Bush Bar for their signature rum punch.