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Looking for the best beaches in Dominica? Let me help you! I spent a month living in Dominica as a digital nomad, and relaxing on the beaches was one of my favorite things to do after work.
While most Caribbean islands are known for their fantastic white-sand beaches, Dominica is slightly different.
What makes Dominica unique isn’t the country’s coastline. In fact, many of Dominica’s beaches consist of dark volcanic sand or rocky shores. Instead, it’s the epic waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs, and hiking trails that differentiate Dominica from the other Caribbean islands.
That said, if you want to relax on beaches during your time in Dominica, you’ll be able to do that too. They are just a little harder to find – but no worries, I’ve rounded up the best Dominica beaches to make it easy for you!
Best Beaches in Dominica
1. Purple Turtle Beach
Purple Turtle Beach is in the north near Portsmouth, the second-largest town on the island of Dominica. The beach boasts golden sand and warm blue waters. It’s a great place to watch the fisherman come in with their catches and buy some for yourself!
There are also a few beach bars and restaurants along the shore where you can grab local Dominican cuisine and enjoy the stunning sunsets. It’s one of the best beaches near Portsmouth!
Nearby is Cabrits National Park, which was sadly closed while I was there, but I’ve heard it has some nice beaches to explore along Douglas Bay.
🚐 Discover the highlights of Dominica’s northwest coast during this highly-rated full-day tour from Roseau. Glide in a wooden row boat down the Indian River, visit Cabrits National Park, and travel to Purple Turtle Beach to relax on the black volcanic sand.
2. Mero Beach Dominica
Mero Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the country for several reasons. It’s an exception to the island’s rocky beach landscape – although the sand is black here, it’s soft and perfect for relaxing.
It’s also close to many popular beach resorts and not far from the capital city, Roseau making it a popular afternoon trip.
The beach is lined with bars, music, and tasty restaurants. It’s a perfect place to embrace Dominican culture and have fun with locals!
☀️ This highly-rated full-day tour takes you to Emerald Pool, Mero Beach, Trafalgar Falls, and time to relax in natural hot springs!
3. Batibou Beach Dominica
Batibou Beach is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Dominica, but you’ll have to work to get here. It’s on the Atlantic coast in the northern half of the country.
As you drive along the windy roads, you’ll see the beauty of Batibou Beach appear from above, but it’s not apparent how to get down there. That’s because there is no road straight to the beach. Instead, you’ll have to park your car on the side of the road and hike 15 minutes down through the jungle to reach the beach.
This north coast beach was a filming location for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and you’ll see why once you get down there. While it’s scenic, the rough surf makes this beach more for admiring than swimming. That said, it’s one of the few places you could try and surf in the country if the winds are in your favor!
4. Number One Beach
Nearby Batibou Beach on the northeast of the island is Number One Beach. It’s another moody black-sand beach fringed by coconut palms.
The waters are strong here too, so it’s not suitable for swimming either. It’s about a 15-minute walk down from the road through a muddy path – about 2km from Calibishie.
5. Toucari Beach
Toucari Beach is a lovely black sand beach in the north of the island, about a 15-minute drive from Portsmouth. The sunsets are beautiful here!
While visiting Toucari Beach, you must eat at Keepin’ It Real Beach Bar. This was hands down my favorite restaurant that we ate at on the island. They do fresh seafood served with local Dominican sides – it’s so delicious.
The vibe here is friendly; it’s a cute beach bungalow perfect for watching the sun go down after a day of playing in the sand.
6. Pointe Baptiste
At Pointe Baptiste, you can find white and black sand beaches and gorgeous views out to the sea, where you can see as far as neighboring Guadeloupe. It’s nearby to Dominica’s famous red rocks and the Point Baptiste Chocolate, where you can stop in for a tour afterward.
7. Champagne Beach Dominica
Champagne Beach is one of the country’s best scuba diving and snorkeling sites.
The beach is named for the bubbling waters that surface from the hot spring vents on the ocean floor. Meaning that when you go swimming here, you’ll float through warm bubbles as if you’re in a champagne glass! It’s one of the best places to visit in Dominica.
The warm water attracts local marine, so it’s a great place to snorkel with tropical fish. We even saw an eagle ray here! If you’re a diver, be sure to go scuba diving here, as you can fully immerse yourself in the bubbles and touch the hot spring vents. It’s such a unique experience!
The beach is a long stretch of black sand, rocky in parts. Some of it is soft, so bring a towel and layout for the afternoon and enjoy the scenery.
🤿 Go snorkeling at Champagne Reef and Scotts Head with time to relax at Bubble Beach Spa on this highly-rated snorkeling tour!
8. Scott’s Head
This narrow beach leads up to one of the prettiest viewpoints in Dominica. It’s a small peninsula that divides the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Although the beach is rocky and not ideal for lounging, it’s worth visiting here and hiking up to the top of Scotts Head, where you’ll get an aerial view of where the two seas meet. The surrounding ocean is also a popular spot for snorkeling!
9. Soufriere Bay
Soufriere Bay is south of Roseau, about a twenty minutes drive. It’s one of my favorite places in the country, with beautiful scenery. Although the beach is rocky, the sunset is quite lovely from here.
It’s also the best place in Dominica to go scuba diving and free diving – which I got to try for the first time during my trip!
Along the pebbly shore in Soufriere is one of my favorite ‘hot spring’ experiences in Dominica. It’s called Bubble Beach Spa, and they’ve trapped the geothermal-heated water with makeshift rock borders to create a unique spa experience.
There’s a bar there as well, so you can kick back with a local drink and soak in the hot water. It’s very relaxing and free to use if you get a drink.
10. Hampstead Beach
Nestled on the northern coast of Dominica, Hampstead Beach is a pristine and unspoiled slice of paradise. The beach is known for its gold with black-speckled sand and the lush greenery that frames the shoreline. It was one of the filming sets for Pirates of the Caribbean ‘Dead Man’s Chest!’
What to do in Dominica beyond the beaches
If you are visiting the Caribbean to relax on beaches, Dominica’s probably not the best Caribbean island for you. Instead, I would go to Barbados or Antigua. However, if you’re looking for lots of adventure with a side of beaches, Dominica is a great choice!
While visiting the island, check out some of the fantastic hiking trails. There are trails for all levels, from one-hour easy loops to full-day adventures like boiling lake.
My other favorite thing to do in Dominica is swim in waterfalls! With a river for every day of the year, you could easily swim in a new waterfall for every day of your trip.
Dominica is also an incredible place for marine life – whether you want to encounter marine life while scuba diving or go out whale watching for sperm whales.
Is Dominica safe?
Dominica is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The island has a low crime rate compared to many other Caribbean countries.
I spent a month traveling through the island in a car with my ex, and we never ran into any issues – in fact, we hardly saw any other people! However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise caution and take common-sense precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.
Is Dominica worth visiting?
Dominica is absolutely worth visiting for those seeking a unique and nature-filled Caribbean experience.
Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” it offers unspoiled natural beauty with lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and stunning coastlines. Hiking trails, hot springs, and geothermal wonders provide outdoor adventures, while its rich cultural heritage and vibrant music scene offer a glimpse into the local culture.
Dominica is also renowned for whale watching and is committed to sustainable tourism practices. Dominica is a must-visit if you’re looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path Caribbean destination.
Final thoughts: Best Beaches in Dominica
While Dominica may not be renowned solely for its beaches like some other Caribbean destinations, it offers a unique blend of natural wonders that extend beyond sandy shores. The island’s true allure lies in its lush rainforests, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and adventurous hiking trails.
However, this doesn’t mean that the beaches of Dominica should be overlooked. Although they may not boast the same level of development or offer the typical postcard-perfect scenes, they possess a rugged and unspoiled charm that captivates the adventurous traveler.
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Thank you for this. Dominica is beautiful and I hope it can remain unspoiled. When the airport is built I pray it can still remain this attractive.