With whales to be spotted in the deep blue and bubbling hot springs rising from the ocean floor, Dominica’s beaches provide the perfect spot to relax and reflect between cetacean sightings and volcanic adventures.
As one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic, wild isles, Dominica’s coastline is often overshadowed by the country’s pristine rainforest, reefs, and waterfalls. Slip away for a swim or spot of sunbathing, though, and you’ll encounter a coastline nearly as untouched as the wild interior.
From swathes of sun-baked, volcanic slate gray sands peppered with palm trees to bays where bubbles fizz in the water, the best beaches in Dominica—predominantly found on the leeward east side—provide an unforgettable, photogenic backdrop. It’s a stark contrast with most sugar-white Caribbean shores.
Number One Beach
Number One Beach
The most aptly named of all Dominica beaches, Number One—also known as Hampstead Beach—is a secluded, scenic pocket of charcoal sands concealed behind the northeastern coastline’s vegetation.
The beach is found north of the laid-back village of Calibishie and you’ll need to trace a weathered trail for around 20 minutes to reach the waterfront. But, once you’ve crept through the overgrowth, the views make it all worthwhile.
Number One Beach
Shade-gifting coconut palms arch towards the Atlantic, mangroves rise to verdant-clad headlands, and the Hampstead River wraps around the western shore. The views are so cinema-worthy that it’s served as the backdrop to pirate-themed Hollywood blockbusters.
Currents are usually too aggressive to swim, but the tumbling waves provide a tranquil soundtrack occasionally accompanied by birdsong.
Snuggle into the sun-heated dark sands rested against a palm and pull out your best book—though it’s fair to say the panorama, rather than the pages, will steal your attention.
Batibou Beach
Batibou Beach
Just west of Number One, yet separate and secret thanks to the Hampstead River, Batibou Bay is another contender for the best beach in Dominica.
Reaching the breathtaking bay is an adventure as it’s set beyond privately owned yet far from cultivated land. You’ll need to take a slow, bouncing four-wheel drive, squeezing through the slender forest road, or arrive on foot.
Once pushing your feet into the sands of this pocket-sized beach, slightly lighter and more scintillating than its neighbor, you’ll be cocooned by dense forests and feel like a castaway. Palms soar, the shallow cyan- and jade-hued bay twinkles, and abandoned hammocks invite you to linger.
With a microcosm of the nation’s undistributed nature, pinch-yourself panoramas, and feelings of total seclusion, Batibou Beach is one of the Caribbean’s most phenomenal beaches—all while proudly retaining its distinctive, undeveloped Dominica shoreline.
Scotts Head Beach
Scotts Head Beach
Snaking along the front of low-key Scotts Head Village in Dominica’s southwest, this swoon-worthy curve of shingle stretches into the Caribbean Sea, connecting a diminutive volcanic peninsula with the mainland.
This is a popular jumping-off point for snorkelers and scuba divers seeking shoals of fish swimming above colorful corals, or boat trips that will ferry you to witness Dominica’s resident sperm whales.
For simple, fresh Caribbean seafood served with a sea view, settle on the terrace of Chez Wen and order a plate of conch or juicy shrimp bathing in creole sauce. Then, amble along the pebbly arc towards Scotts Head, known as the Cashacrou by the Indigenous Kalinago people.
Scotts Head Beach
Cross the tombolo to climb the headland and you’ll be standing atop the low-slung pinnacle of an extinct volcano. To your right, the calm Caribbean Sea hides the volcano’s former crater deeper underwater, while the Atlantic roars to the left. Often, the water’s two hues are easily distinguishable.
Peer out on the endless horizon on a clear day and you might spot neighboring Martinique in the distance. Fitting, as it was here that the French fought their first battle against the British when invading Dominica, leading to the later construction of the remaining fort and cannons.
Champagne Beach
Champagne Beach
Flanked by dense forest and easily overlooked, Champagne Beach harbors a fascinating underwater secret. Submerged just off the coast is the Champagne Reef, where bubbles rise from volcanic springs in the seabed.
Of all Dominica beaches, Champagne provides arguably the most unique experience—stealing the spotlight from the dark pebbles and sands on the shore.
For the best introduction to Dominica’s volcanic waters, arrange your underwater expedition at Donny’s Watersport Centre, a stone’s throw from the beach. Equipped with snorkeling equipment or a scuba tank, you can come face-to-face with the bubbles streaming upwards from the thermal springs.
Champagne Reef
Adding to the allure is the reef’s extravaganza. Dramatic underwater walls and cliffs contrast with a kaleidoscope of corals and sponges that shelter hawksbill sea turtles, octopuses, and a rainbow of darting fishes.
Pack an underwater camera to capture yourself blowing your bubbles into the champagne fizz, and you’ll come away with a better appreciation for Dominica’s volcanic nature and memories that will last a lifetime.
Read: Best Caribbean Coral Reefs to Explore
Mero Beach
Mero Beach
Set on Dominica’s central west coast, just 30 minutes from Roseau, the country’s capital, Mero Beach is one of Dominica’s most popular and vibrant shorelines.
A sweep of silver sands lapped by inviting, shimmering waters, it’s arguably—discounting the hue—the most typical Caribbean beach on the island.
Palm branch parasols provide shade to loungers and a handful of beach shack bars serve snacks, Dominica’s signature rum, and the island’s Kubuli beers, while the calm waters will invite you for a refreshing dip.
Mero Beach
Few other Dominica beaches compare for a lazy day of sunbathing and swimming. Especially as Mero Village backs the shoreline, guaranteeing facilities.
Rent a kayak or jet ski to peek at fish and relish fine views looking back on the island, or splash around on the inflatable slides anchored just offshore. Hungry? Head to InDee’s and snag a front-row table for a feast of a lobster lunch paired with a rum punch and postcard-perfect beach views.
St. Joseph Beach
Just south of Mero Beach, the village of St. Joseph is fronted by another of the best beaches in Dominica. Walk through the colorful cluster of homes that form the village, pausing to admire the imposing church, and you’ll soon arrive at the often blissfully empty shoreline.
Shallow aquamarine waters gently roll onto the chrome sands, providing a pretty and safe spot for a swim. The beach is mainly frequented by locals so there are few distractions and little in the way of facilities.
Still, the village’s small shops sell all the essentials needed for a picnic, and a couple of kayaks are usually available for rent on the beach.
Soufriere Bay Beach
Soufriere Bay
Fronting its namesake, picturesque village, Soufriere’s slither of dark stone-speckled sands is another of Dominica’s beaches where you can be massaged by volcanic activity.
Step into the waters—also part of the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve—and you’ll feel your feet tingling and warming as bubbles rise from the volcanic spring below.
Within the Bubble Beach Spa area, complete with loungers, parasols, and ice-cold beers, you’ll be greeted with one of the warmest welcomes on the island—both by the bubbly host and bubbling waters.
Settle into one of the shallow stone enclosures fronting the beachside area, and you’ll feel as though you’re relaxing in a hot tub—albeit one heated by Mother Nature. Flitting between the warmer water of the sulfur springs and the sea for a splash is invigorating and one of Dominica’s must-do experiences.
Coconut Beach
Arching in front of Portsmouth, Dominica’s second most populous town with a few thousand inhabitants, the twin beaches of Coconut and Picard blend into one long sweep of soft, coal-colored sand.
Portsmouth
Backed primarily with lush vegetation, the sun-scorched shoreline is a tranquil and semi-secluded spot to lay out your towel and soak in Dominica’s natural beauty.
After spending a few hours swimming and lapping up the lazy atmosphere, head north into Portsmouth to experience another of Dominica’s best waters: the Indian River.
Indian River
Rickety wooden boats trace the waterway inland from the town, heading deeper into the jungle-shrouded landscape. Coconut palms overhang the murky waters and as you step off at one of the atmospheric rum shacks along the river, you’ll soon feel deep in the rainforest, not just a short boat ride from the coast.
Read: Best Things to Do in Dominica
Purple Turtle Bay
Purple Turtle Bay
Tucked into a semi-sheltered bay just behind Cabrits National Park, Purple Turtle Bay—named for its most famous visitors, the turtles who return annually to lay their eggs—is an eye-catching pocket of golden sands gently lapped by turquoise waters.
Snuggling into the silky sands here is dreamy, as is hopping on a small boat to circle the nearby national park where British-built Fort Shirley hides among dense vegetation. For a closer inspection, follow one of the well-maintained trails that climb the hill.
That’s if you can pull yourself away from Purple Turtle Beach Club, just seconds from the shoreline. A much-loved venue, the bar-restaurant serves generous and flavorsome local specialties, including codfish fritters, freshly grilled fish, and coconut-marinated shrimp.
The waterfront Reggae Bar at the beach’s far end is equally atmospheric, especially for a late afternoon refreshment. Spend a few hours soaking up the soundtrack of waves and soulful music, and you’ll understand why this is one of the best beaches in Dominica.
Toucari Bay
Tiny Toucari Bay is easily overlooked, but the calm, clear waters creeping away from the beach harbor some of the island’s best snorkeling.
Once a port welcoming ships from the north, the small village has barely grown in the years since. There are a few restaurants and bars dishing up scrumptious Dominica food, fresh juices, and sea views, but other than the small cluster of residential homes, it’s blissfully undisturbed.
While the stretch of sand is slender and short, the appeal is easy access to aquatic adventures in the Northern Marine Reserve. Bring your snorkeling gear and dive in to be greeted by a rich array of sea life, moments from the shore.
To fully appreciate the reef and tunnels of the marine park, arrange a scuba dive with a local operator. With swim-through tunnels, a shipwreck, and the dazzling main reef harboring eels, rays, parrotfish, and crabs, the kaleidoscopic underwater world and drop-offs are better enjoyed with complete diving equipment.
Grand Baptiste Bay
Grand Baptiste Bay on Dominica’s wilder north coast isn’t the kind of beach you visit for sand or swimming. It’s a dramatic landscape flanked by some of the island’s most scenic sights.
Red Rocks
To the left, a rugged geological formation known as the Red Rocks, due to their slightly russet hue, reaches out into the wilder waters, providing a rocky sunbathing spot to contemplate the ocean’s call.
Surveying it all is Red Rock Cuisine, one of the island’s most tempting lunch spots. Call in for a refreshing soursop juice, a coconut curry, or some mouthwatering plantain fries, and it’s hard to decide whether the plates or panoramas are more impressive.
After exploring the copper rock formations, canyons, and trails through the overgrowth, retreat to the Pointe Baptiste Estate for dessert at Dominica’s only family-run chocolate factory.
Alongside tastings of chocolate made with locally sourced cocoa, you can see the facilities and team at work. The intriguing and island-influenced chocolate bars—including ginger, nutmeg, and pepper-infused bars—make for excellent gifts.
Douglas Bay
Hidden on the northern side of Prince Rupert Bluff, home to Cabrits National Park, Douglas Bay is one of the most peaceful of Dominica’s beaches.
Keeping the sandy bay secluded is the difficulty of access. To reach the shoreline, you’ll need to embark on a short, easy stretch of the Waitukubuli Trail, a cross-country track that weaves through many of Dominica’s most undisturbed landscapes. Or take a boat from Purple Turtle Bay.
After passing the ruins of the British-built Douglas Bay Battery and a few far-reaching viewpoints, you’ll arrive at the diminutive beach, often devoid of visitors. Soft, footprint-free black sands are a reminder of Dominica’s volcanic nature, while the views of glossy green forest meeting the cerulean sea provide the perfect backdrop for a paddle.
River tubing in Dominica
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