This ‘Friendly’ Nature Island Was Just Named No.1 in the Caribbean

With hundreds of islands and more than two dozen territories, being named the No. 1 Caribbean island in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards is no easy feat. As the publication notes, over 661,000 votes were cast in this year’s survey that included everything from hotels and airlines to island escapes. 

When it comes to Caribbean island escapes, it was Dominica, part of the Windward Islands chain between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south, that came out on top. Mostly undeveloped, Dominicans are passionate about preserving its natural assets, leading to its nickname, the “Nature Island.” Readers of Travel + Leisure noted that it “lives up to the hype” beyond the spectacular beauty and nature, with the people making Dominica the Caribbean’s friendliest island. 

Dominica isn’t an island where travelers only come to soak up the sun and sip cocktails on a white sandy beach all day. While it is home to Black Sand Beach where green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles can be spotted, it’s an island perfectly made for adventurers. That includes hiking in UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, home to the world’s second-largest actively boiling lake. While it’s far too hot for a dip, along the park’s network of trails, you’ll meander through lush rainforest, encounter mesmerizing waterfalls, and discover safe, naturally warm streams and sulfur pools to relax in. 

Snorkeling and diving are also big draws of Dominica. In fact, boat excursions are available that will bring you out to dive with Dominica’s resident population of sperm whales. The underwater world is impressive, with plenty of other marine life to see, from sea turtles and rays to Caribbean reef squid and seahorses. You can even experience a Champagne Reef. The underwater geothermal spring has hot bubbles that make it feel as if you’re swimming in a huge bottle of the drink. 

Dominica has a unique and diverse culture with Creole, French, African, and European roots. You can get a taste of it by attending one of the annual celebrations like Carnaval and the 3-day World Creole Music Festival in late October. 

Speaking of tastes, Dominican cuisine is typically Creole style, with kingfish, tuna, and flying fish, kingfish commonly featured as the catch of the day and paired with items like fried plantain, rice, and peas. With rich volcanic soil and abundant rainfall that make the island so green, you can also expect to find plenty of fresh, tropical produce, including guavas, mangos, and citrus crops. 

As with most Caribbean Islands, winter is a popular time to visit Dominica, with many coming to escape the cold and enjoy mild temperatures around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. February, March, and April are when rainfall is at its lowest and skies are often sunny, ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and diving. This is also the peak time for spotting humpback whales that migrate through the area between November and April.

For a good balance of fewer visitors and pleasant weather, consider visiting in May or early December. June to mid-November is generally not recommended. This is not only the wettest time, resulting in muddy hiking trails, but it’s also the Atlantic hurricane season.