Sandwiched between Guadeloupe and Martinique Dominica is the Nature Island of the Caribbean, which means exactly what you think it does: it's home to more flora and fauna than you can shake your binoculars at. Throw in plenty of soft adventure, thermal springs, an emerging culinary scene and a famously healthy local lifestyle, and it's no wonder Dominica is reputed to be one of the best destinations for wellness on the planet - the island has the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world. Whether you're after long hikes, a diving paradise, jazz music or simply fancy yourself one of Captain Jack Sparrow's crew in Pirates of the Caribbean, Dominica has got you covered. Here are just a few of the activities you might get up to.
Extreme natural beauty
Dominica is a land of dramatic peaks, ravines and undulating terrain. It boasts 365 rivers, misty rainforests, gushing waterfalls, hot springs - and even one of the largest boiling lakes in the world, aptly named Boiling lake.
As you'd expect from such landscapes, the island packs some serious biodiversity, its waters are home to a huge array of sea life and its forests filled with everything from emerald-colour parrots to tiny tree frogs.
Adrenaline-filled adventure
The best way to experience Dominica 's natural beauty is to get out and explore. It's the number one trekking destination in the Caribbean, with more than 300 miles of trails that will take you from the mountain tops all the way to river valleys and lush coastlines. a particular highlight is the Waitukubuli National Trail, the longest trail in the region at 115 miles long.
Dominica is also the place to go canyoning, venturing deep into the heart of the rainforest to climb waterfalls, swim through crystal-clear pools, hike down riverbeds and rappel down rock faces.
Cultural capital
Dominica is home to the largest remaining group of Carib Indians, the Kalinagos. You can visit and support this incredible community, learning their stories and experiencing their culture through song and dance and eating their food - and even learning to build a canoe by hand.
Superlative sea life
Dominica has as much to see beneath the water as it does on land. Head out snorkelling or diving and you can except to see octopus, rays, trumpet fish, hawksbill turtles, sea horses and much more. At Champagne reef, you'll find streams of bubbles rising from the ocean floor thanks to the island's volcanic nature.
If you'd rather stay high and dry, you can go on a boat trip that will take you to see sperm whales. Dominica is the only country in the world where sperm whales stay all year long, giving you a unique opportunity to see these gentle giants. While you're there, you might spot dolphins in the water, too.
Festive feeling
Dominica is well-known throughout the Caribbean for festive events, from Carnival all the way through to a World Creole Music Festival. These events are packed with culture and heritage, and are a brilliant way to experience the vibrant island lifestyle and generous hospitality of the local people.