Portsmouth, Dominica
Portsmouth, Dominica is a charming coastal town located on the northwestern coast of the island nation. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, pristine beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and whale watching.
Trip to Portsmouth, Dominica
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Douglas-Charles Airport, Dominica’s main airport. Once you have cleared customs and collected your baggage, head to your pre-booked hotel in Portsmouth by taxi or car rental. After checking-in, you can take a relaxing walk on the beach to rejuvenate yourself before enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
Day 2: Explore Portsmouth
Start the day with a visit to the Cabrits National Park, which is home to several species of indigenous birds and animals. You can hike through the unique ecosystems and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, visit Fort Shirley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 1700s. The fort presents an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the island and its unique military architecture. After that, you can visit Indian River, a natural waterway through mangroves forests, it is a great way to see the mangroves and other wildlife. Once you have explored the region, you can head back to your hotel to relax by the beach or pool.
Day 3: Soufriere and Champagne Reef
Start the day early with a drive to the village of Soufriere that offers some of the best hiking trails in the region, including the Boiling Lake Trail, which ends at one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the Caribbean. Once back in Soufriere, visit the Sulfur Springs, the world’s second-largest boiling lake, and the Bath Estate Dominica for a rejuvenating soak in the hot springs. If you still have time, head to Champagne Reef, which is named after the bubbles that rise from the volcanic gas that escapes through the sea floor. Enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters of the reef and taking in the coral reef under the water.
Day 4: Explore Roseau
Take a drive down to the capital city, Roseau, which offers a unique blend of French and English cultures, as well as some of Dominica’s best shopping experiences. Visit the Roseau Market, which features a wide range of locally made arts, crafts, herbs and vegetables. You can also visit the Dominica Museum, which showcases the country’s cultural, natural and environmental heritage. In the evening, head back to Portsmouth and enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants on the waterfront.
Day 5: Whale Watching
Start the day with a catamaran cruise to the north of Dominica to observe the resident whale populations. Dominica is one of the best places in the world for whale watching with the most common ones being the sperm and humpback whales, enjoy being in the ocean and take in the sea breeze. After whale watching and cruising around the nearby islands, you will return to Portsmouth where you can enjoy the nightlife.
Day 6: Syndicate Nature Trail
Get in touch with nature by hiking the Syndicate Nature Trail which offers unique opportunities to see rare and endemic bird species such as the black-capped petrel, the lesser Antillean tanager, and the imp bird. You can also see the endemic boa constrictors, the rare mountain chicken, and insect-eating bats. While hiking, you can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest. After completing the trail, you can head back to Portsmouth and enjoy a sunset dinner by the coast.
Day 7: Departure
On the final day of the trip, you can relax by the beach, take a swim or participate in water-based activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Later, you can pack your bags and return to Douglas-Charles Airport where you can catch your flight back home.
