8 Best Beaches in Dominica

Dominica is one of those places that’s still relatively under the radar. When I first visited, I knew very little about Dominica, other than that it was often confused with the Dominican Republic. I soon discovered, though, that the tiny Caribbean island has its own unique identity. Situated between the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica is affectionately nicknamed “The Nature Island” because of its rugged coastline and lush interior. And though people are drawn to the island’s many waterfalls, rainforests and rivers, the beaches are just as wild. 

Dominica’s beaches are a departure from the typical white sand beaches that are often associated with the Caribbean, and they range from volcanic black-sand beaches to golden-sand shorelines fringed by lush jungles. And since the island is only 29 miles long and 16 miles wide, you could easily hit up several beaches on a week-long stay.  If you’re ready to take a more “off the grid” Caribbean vacation, these are the best beaches in Dominica to visit. 

Tucked away on the northern coast of the island, Douglas Bay Beach is a stunning black sand beach in Portsmouth, the second largest city on the island. Douglas Bay Beach is also situated within Dominica’s Cabrits National Park, which means it’s pretty low-key and uncrowded throughout the year. If you’re planning a day trip to the northern coast, you can combine a visit to Douglas Bay Beach with Fort Shirley, a British fortress that was the site of a successful revolt led by enslaved soldiers. For an overnight stay, consider checking into the InterContinental Dominica Carib Resort & Spa, which has an infinity pool, three restaurants and an eco-friendly wellness center. 

The soft sand and placid water make this beach a clear contender for one of the best beaches on the island. Also located near Portsmouth, Purple Turtle Beach gets its name from the leatherback and hawksbill turtles that lay eggs here during nesting season. The black-speckled beach is generally uncrowded during the week, but it becomes a popular destination on weekends, especially when local events like soca or reggae concerts take place. For food, there’s no need to leave the beach: stop by the Purple Turtle Beach Club for a cold beer or coconut shrimp.  

Also, on the north side of the island, the secluded Batibou Beach is one of the only white sand beaches on the island. The family-owned beach has a $5 entry fee, and it requires some planning to get there. If you have a car, you can park it on the roadside and take a 10-minute walk down to the shore. Ringed by coconut palm trees and sea grape trees, Batibou Beach also has a gently sloping sea bed, which means you can wade out quite a distance. If you stay for the day, grab a table at Babitou Beach Grill, a no-frills restaurant with fresh snapper and coconut rum punch on the menu. 

Mero Beach is the island’s most popular beach, and though you won’t get a secluded beach experience, the beach—located on Dominica’s west coast—is still a “must-see” stop. Mero Beach’s popularity is partly due to its proximity to Roseau, the island’s capital and popular port of call for cruise ships. To avoid crowds, it’s best to come early on a weekday and try to avoid cruise ship days. The frequently visited beach boasts soft, black sand and is lined with several bars and restaurants, like the laid-back Indee’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. You can also rent lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for the day. 

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to swim in a giant glass of bubbly water? At Champagne Beach, you can find out. The southwest beach gets its name from the unique geothermal bubbles that rise from the seabed floor.  If you’re snorkeling or diving, the clear water around Champagne Reef makes it easy to spot marine life such as pufferfish and parrotfish. When it’s time to refuel, head to Jungle Bay Dominica, just a 3-minute drive away. The hotel’s restaurant, Calabash Restaurant & Bar, offers a diverse selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including curry roti and vegetarian patties.  

Located just south of Roseau, Soufrière Bay is a reddish, pebbly beach that has long attracted divers due to its underground rock formations. But if you’re not diving, Soufriere Bay offers a rustic thermal spa located by the shoreline. Created by locals who have erected makeshift rock walls to trap the warm water in shallow pools, these pools are a great way to soak your muscles after a long hike. Soufrière Bay is located not far from Scott’s Head, a small fishing village that serves as a gateway to the Waitukubuli National Trail, so you can visit here after a day of hiking. 

For something far less crowded, make a stop at Hampstead Beach on the north side of the island. This beach also has a claim to fame—it was one of the filming locations for  the Pirates of the Caribbean, and the beach makes an appearance in the scene when Jack Sparrow is filmed being chased by “natives.” The remote beach doesn’t have any amenities like restaurants or bars, so be sure to bring your own food for the day. The black sand beach is a bit rough, and it’s less known than the other beaches, which means that if you visit, you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself. 

Pointe Baptiste Beach comes with a bit of history. Located on the island’s northeastern coast, the beach is where the British landed when they colonized the island and the rugged shore was also known to be a hideout spot for pirates. The water here can become quite rough, making it unsuitable for beginner swimmers. The beach is a stunning expanse of golden sand framed by cliffs, and on a clear day, you can see neighboring Guadeloupe. If you’re looking to sightsee, near the beach is the Pointe Baptiste Estate, a historical guesthouse which houses a small chocolate factory.