Hike, Snorkel and Whale Watch in Dominica

In 2017, Dominica was hit by the devastating Category 5 Hurricane Maria. Over 90 percent of the island’s structures were devastated, 65 people lost their lives, the tropical rainforests were ripped apart and the country's economy was crippled. Slowly, Dominica has rebuilt itself from the ruins of this natural disaster – including a climate resilience bill introduced in 2018 to help the country adapt to its status and position on the front line of climate change, as hurricanes become more frequent and intense due to global heating. Today, homes and businesses have been rebuilt, the forests have regrown and the lush canopies are alive again with animals – including the national bird, the sisserou; an endangered species found only on Dominica and feared to be extinct after the hurricane. The bird is now routinely spotted again. That said, Dominica still bears considerable scars – the trees at the edge of the rainforest still show signs of the destruction, and on the Atlantic Coast bare branches face the ocean, still struggling to regrow what was torn off by the 160mph winds. A slower recovery is ongoing for The Waitukubuli National Trail which pre-Maria, spanned 115 miles from the top to bottom of Dominica. Currently of the 14 segments of the trail, over half are still out of action. This trip hikes along some of the reopened segments of the trail. Your host originally founded the trail, and it is central to the community's gradual efforts to rebuild the full trail to its former glory. Tourism was a big part of the economy before Hurricane Maria, and the island's continued recovery and future resilience is hugely dependent on visitors – your visit here puts money directly into the local communities to aid the island's full recovery.

Dominica’s position in the middle of the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles island chain gives it a year-round tropical climate, ranging from about 26–32°C (79-90°F) on average. December to May is considered the 'best' time to go as this is the dry season. Rainy season is from June to November, bringing higher chances of rainfall, however there are far fewer people on the island and the rain storms are short and make the tropical forests feel even more alive than usual. September is the month when the hurricanes are most likely to hit. There have been fewer and fewer over the last few years, but the ones that have hit have been devastating, including 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Traditionally, many businesses shut down during September. The sea temperature stays at a delightful 26-28°C (79-82°F) year round.

The hikes on this trip are relatively tough going at points, and you'll need to be comfortable hiking up to six hours per day on uneven trails with a good chunk of up and down. There'll be some scrambling and swimming at points – sort of like easy canyoning – but no experience will be necessary for this sort of hiking. A fondness for being in the water will help as there are myriad river crossings (Dominica contains 365 rivers – enough to swim in a new one every day for a year, the locals like to say), waterfall swim spots and of course the amazing snorkelling day at one of the Caribbean's premier dive spots. The tropical climate with high humidity and often wet conditions can make the hiking activities more strenuous.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

$5-10 per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Tap water is safe to drink in Dominica, so you can fill up at your guesthouse each day. There will also be chances at certain points of the trip to fill up with fresh Caribbean water from mountain streams.

No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daysack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.

This trip is based from three guesthouses spread across the island - each one you can leave your main luggage at while taking a daypack out with you each day.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.