Roseau

Overview

Roseau is the small, ramshackle capital of Dominica, the Caribbean's "Nature Island". Wooden houses with balconies line streets running down to the sea, and steep, rainforest-covered mountains rise right behind town.

Come for the outdoors rather than beaches: waterfalls, hot springs, volcanic lakes, reefs and resident sperm whales are all close by. Roseau is the natural base for exploring the south of the island.

Things to see

• 

  Botanic Gardens

  Old trees and lawns at the foot of Morne Bruce, including a bus crushed by a baobab in a hurricane.

• 

  Morne Bruce

  A hilltop viewpoint above the gardens looking over Roseau and the coast.

• 

  Trafalgar Falls

  Twin waterfalls in the rainforest, a short drive up the valley from town, with warm pools nearby.

  Tickets and tours

• 

  Morne Trois Pitons National Park

  Volcanic peaks, lakes and fumaroles covered in rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Tickets and tours

Things to do

• 

  Hike to the Boiling Lake

  A tough, full-day guided hike through the Valley of Desolation to a steaming, bubbling crater lake.

• 

  Snorkel at Champagne Reef

  Swim through streams of warm bubbles rising from volcanic vents on the seabed.

• 

  Whale watching

  Sperm whales live off the west coast year-round, and boat trips leave from Roseau.

  Find tours

• Swim through Titou Gorge

  Swim up a narrow, cool canyon to a small waterfall.

Where to stay

• Roseau

  Small hotels and guesthouses on the waterfront, handy for boat trips.

  Hotels in Roseau

• Castle Comfort

  Just south of town, with dive lodges on the sea.

  Hotels in Castle Comfort

• Roseau Valley

  Hillside lodges near hot springs and Trafalgar Falls, cooler and greener.

  Hotels in Roseau Valley

Getting around

Minibuses run from town to nearby villages; for more freedom hire a car with a guide or driver.

Douglas–Charles airport is on the north-east coast, about an hour and a half from Roseau by taxi along winding roads.

When to go

The driest months are roughly February to May. The hurricane season runs from June to November, and rain falls at any time of year in the mountains.

Plan your trip to Roseau

• HotelsBooking.com
• Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
• FlightsKiwi.com
• Attraction ticketsTiqets
• Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
• Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
• Car hireAuto Europe
• Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
• Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
• GuidebooksAmazon

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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