Dominica Tourism Soars With ‘Off-the-Beaten Path’ Experiences in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Island of Dominica, fondly referred to as the Nature Island, has emerged as a travel hot spot due to its stunning hiking trails and sea life. 

With lots of recent media attention, the island is now swimming in tourists. In 2021, American Airlines launched the first direct flight to Dominica from the United States in Miami. And for the past two years, readers of Travel + Leisure have voted it as the No. 1 Caribbean destination.  

Denise Charles, Dominica’s minister of tourism, calls the accolade “a true testament to the one-of-a-kind experiences and natural beauty Dominica has to offer, as well as the warm hospitality of our hotels, tour operators, and people.” 

So what exactly is it about Dominica that has tourists so intrigued? Here’s why Dominica is trending in tourism – and how advisors can get ahead at booking a trip there for their clients. 

Things to do 
Dominica primarily attracts those who are seeking a little adventure and lots of nature-filled experiences. Whale watching, hiking, and scuba diving are the top activities there. Those who want a sustainable and/or wellness vacation will likely find it on this lush Caribbean Island. 

“It’s not your typical Caribbean traveler where they’re coming to sit on the beach and have a pina colada,” says Kimberly King, Dominica’s destination marketing manager. “It’s really the visitor who wants to enjoy nature and immerse themselves in having authentic experiences – people looking for something off the beaten path.”  

Whale watching is so popular in Dominica that CBS News’ 60 Minutes went there for an entire story, which aired in May, about endangered whale species and what the country is doing to protect them. “You don’t really get that in other parts of the Caribbean,” King said. 

Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities are also extremely popular there. Dominica is one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. The island even holds an annual Dive Fest in July to educate about diving and ocean sustainability. 

Hiking trails are another big draw to the destination. Dominica’s national hiking trail is the longest in the Caribbean with 14 segments that pass through several villages from the northern to southern ends of the island. There are a variety of tour operators that curate all these land and water adventures. 

And soon, Dominica will be home to the longest cable car which will allow visitors to see a 4.5-mile stretch of the island’s natural beauty from above. It is in the midst of development and does not yet have an opening date. 

Where to stay 
In addition to claiming best island in the Caribbean Sea, one of Dominica‘s resorts, Secret Bay, was voted as best resort in the Caribbean by T+L readers this year.  

“We’ve always said it’s the nature island,” King said. “Now people realize it is the nature island, and it is the nature island for them.” 

Secret Bay is described as a “six-star all-villa rainforest resort experience” that boasts secluded clifftops and beaches, private plunge pools, and an on-site wellness pavilion offering massages, yoga, and more. 

Other popular lodging in Dominica includes Fort Young Hotel, Tamarind Tree Hotel, Atlantique Resort & Spa, and InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa. While guests enjoy relaxing at the hotel spas, the resorts offer packages to ensure that they explore the island, as well. 

“Travelers get integrated into the community because they want to see what Dominica has to offer,” King said, adding that there are also many visitors from cruises recently. 

What advisors should know 
Does all of this sound like a trip your clients would absolutely love? On July 28, Dominica’s tourism board is launching an online training course for advisors to learn all about what the island has to offer.  

The program contains five modules, and when completed, advisors will receive credentials as a Dominica certified specialist. Advisors who complete the online course will also be entered to win the prize of a customized fam trip to Dominica. 

Peak travel months to Dominica are typically from October through April. The summer months are the island’s hurricane season, so tourism is less frequent during that time.  

With the recent uptick in tourism, King said the tourism board works with cruise operators and suppliers to ensure that no single attraction becomes too crowded – yet overall, the island is expansive enough that visitors can have private experiences in nature.