Dominica Beaches

Two hidden beaches separated by a scenic outcropping in Dominica; credit Discover Dominica

Dominica Beaches

Though lesser known than the beaches on neighboring islands, one of its beaches has been seen by millions of viewers of Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Enjoy a semi-private beach or several other public beaches that will not disappoint for beauty.

Champagne Beach
Named for the bubbling waters rising from volcanic thermal springs on the ocean floor, Champagne Reef attracts diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from around the world. The reef’s plummeting cliffs and towering volcanic formations perfectly match Dominica’s massive mountains and gorges. The reef holds a paint box of sponges with names like pink azure, red rope, yellow tube, and purple vase. These marine animals attached themselves to coral and sponges, waving delicate tubular wands of red, and yellow, each one hypnotizing in its beauty. Matching the color and variety of the sponges and crinoids is a fascinating range of undersea creatures — octopus, rays, trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, batfish, hawksbill turtles, seahorses, sea snakes, and eels. You may even encounter the remains of the 17th-century Spanish shipwreck. This is must visit!

Purple Turtle Beach
Famous for its egg-laying turtles, Turtle Bay is a secluded paradise. This golden sand beach is just a short walk down from the road. If you seek beautiful solitude, this is your paradise. Another lively beach, this one closer to the north shore town of Portsmouth, Purple Turtle is good for sunbathing, swimming or picnicking. Local bands often play here.

Picard Beach
Stretching for nearly two miles on the northwest coast is Picard Beach, a delightful place for snorkeling and sailboarding. Grab a bite at one of the nearby hotels and make a day of it!

Mero Beach
Mero Beach is a favorite of locals. This silver-gray beach can be found near the village of Mero. Calm, warm waters make for an incredible swim. Close to Dominica’s capital, Roseau, your top destination for an active beach scene. The black sand beach is lined with bars and restaurants, and you’ll also find plenty going on both on land and sea, especially on Sundays. Join in a local volleyball game to make your visit more memorable.

Hampstead Beach
If you’ve seen Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, remember the scene of Johnny Depp being chased by natives. This is the place! On the northeast coast, this is an incredible beach hideaway with gold-speckled sand.

Batibou Beach
Perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island, with towering coconut trees and beautiful, gold sand. A great place for a swim, snorkeling, or soaking in the sun. This north coast beach was a filming location for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but that claim to fame doesn’t mean it’s overrun with tourists. Maybe that’s due to the short hike to reach its black sands.

Douglas Bay
This white sand beach is part of Cabrits National Park and offers good snorkeling and an uncrowded atmosphere close to Portsmouth on Dominica’s north shore. Minimal facilities on the beach, but the Purple Turtle Beach Club is within walking distance. Historic Fort Shirley is also nearby.

Scotts Head Beach
This narrow beach comprises the link between the Caribbean’s only “tied island” — a peninsula connected to the mainland only by a spit or sandbar. The result is a unique location where you can paddle between the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans at high tide. The beach itself is rocky and not much to linger over, but in addition to the kayaking and great snorkeling, it’s just steps from the restaurants and bars of Scotts Head Village.

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