Dominica is known the Nature Island of the Caribbean due to its uniquely beautiful landscapes. The people of Dominica have also remained committed to making it a home for eco-tourism and immersive adventures in nature. One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, a unique characteristic of Dominica is the volcanic activity, creating several unique beaches with black sand, volcanic vents, or framed by walls of red rock. While the island is indisputably renowned for the beauty of its lush interior with mountains, waterfalls and hiking opportunities galore, there are also incredible beaches to explore while on the island. If you’re a beach lover hoping to explore the best Dominica beaches, here are of our favorites!
10 Best Dominica Beaches
Soufriere Bay & Bubble Beach spa
Soufriere Bay
Located south of Roseau on the west coast, this expansive and beautiful bay appeals to many scuba divers. At the pebbly beach bordered by the quaint town of Soufriere you can also kick back with a tropical beverage at the waterside Bubble Beach Spa. This popular local spot has geothermal-heated water trapped by makeshift rock borders in order to create a unique and soothing spa experience!
Champagne Beach
As you may have guessed, this Dominica beach gets its name because of the many bubbles coming from the volcanic vents located beneath the sea floor. Due to this unique natural characteristic, the marine life here is diverse and one of a kind. Visitors can fully enjoy the waters with activities including snorkeling, kayaking, rubber tubing, and even surfing in the deep blue waters. A truly remarkable beach in Dominica!
View from Scotts Head, photo credit postdlf
Scotts Head Marine Reserve
Soufriere bay also connects to this Marine Reserve, which is part of Dominica’s National Commission for UNESCO. The entire Reserve surrounds the Scott’s Head and Soufriere villages. Its geography separates the wilder Atlantic Ocean from the calm Caribbean Sea. The region of Soufriere Bay is one of the most scenic and charming areas on the whole island, making it it well worth spending plenty of time here to fully explore the offerings!
Dominica Red Rocks, photo credit Alexandra Stevenson
Pointe Baptiste
Located on the northern coast of the island around Woodford Hill and near Calibishie, multiple beautiful beaches await (including white and black sand options)! Blissfully uncrowded, you may even have these idyllic stretches of sand nearly all to yourself. Enjoy a backdrop of coconut trees which serve as the perfect shady escape from midday heat as well as views of the well-known Red Rocks.
Batibou beach Dominica, photo credit Matthias Ripp
Batibou Beach
This calm beach is often given the distinction of being the best beach in Dominica, mostly due to its more traditional Caribbean vibes. Batibou beach is surrounded by coconut palm groves and sea grape trees and made up of white sands leading to clear blue waters. This beach is the perfect location for a leisurely day of enjoying sun, sand and waves! One way to get this bay and its nearby beaches is by 4-wheeling through a rough mile-long path near the village of Calibishie.
Number One Beach, Dominica
Number One Beach
Although it was a location for two movies in the “The Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, this beach is one of the least crowded due its difficulty to reach and lack of amenities. Though it’s just on the other side of the point from Batibou beach, a challenging 15 minute hike is necessary to get to this remote black sand beach. If you’re an adventurous explorer and love the idea of a stretch of sand all to yourself, this is one of the top beaches in Dominica to visit.
Coconut Beach
This spot is known for its stretches of light brown sand and shallow, aquamarine colored waters, with coconut palm trees that border the waterfront. Connected to the town of Portsmouth along the northern coast of the island with plenty of amenities in the area, from this beach you can see excellent views of Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, and Les Saintes Island off in the distance.
Douglas bay, photo credit Dillngerforce
Douglas Bay
Located on the northwest shores of the island near Fort Shirley, the Indian River (the deepest river on the island), and just north of Cabrits National Park, Douglas Bay is another spot which offers great snorkeling opportunities. Here you’ll find white sand beaches and a less a crowded environment. Due to its remoteness, the region does not have a lot of facilities making it perfect for adventure!
Purple Turtle Beach
Along the northern edge of Prince Rupert Bay near Portsmouth and just south of Cabrits National Park, this is a great location to sunbathe and enjoy nearby amenities with a beach picnic during the day and a variety of music concerts at night. This spot is a popular destination for sailboats to stop while cruising the Caribbean, adding even more to its vibrant atmosphere.
Purple turtle beach, photo credit Alexandra Stevenson
Mero beach, photo credit Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD
Mero Beach
Another beach along the western coast, smack dab in the middle of the island, you can expect that calm Caribbean Sea found along this side of the island. Mero’s sand is pitch black to volcanic influence, but its soft and disappears into crystal clear waters. The small village of Mero is nearby, and it’s also close to Roseau, the capital.
As a destination, Dominica offers immersion in a unique culture that hasn’t been overrun by tourists or cruise ships, never before seen marine and mammal life, incredible diversity and variety in its fruits and vegetables, as well as stretches of sand that will make anyone’s jaw drop. A truly perfect setting for the ultimate Dominica beach! If you’re interested in exploring the Nature Island of the Caribbean and exploring some of the top beaches in Dominica, be sure to check out our small group itinerary set in a lush boutique eco-lodge offering daily yoga, gourmet meals, guided activities, and more! You can also get in touch to create a custom itinerary designed just for you.
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