Island hop to Dominica from Antigua
- Jude
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Caribbean is an idyllic part of the world to visit contrasting countries by 'island hopping' with flights from Antigua taking as little as 15 minutes. Whilst there are many similarities between the islands, each is quite unique in terms of its history, culture, national dishes, flora and fauna.
Antigua is renowned for its 365 beaches, world class annual sailing regatta, historic Georgian naval dockyard and sweet Antiguan black pineapple. By contrast, Dominica is known as the nature island with 365 rivers, lush green vegetation, spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, volcanic beaches and hot springs. It is larger than Antigua but less populated measuring 29 miles in length and 16 miles wide.
How to get to Dominica from Antigua
Direct flights from Antigua to Dominica's Douglas-Charles airport take approximately 35 minutes with several airlines including Caribbean Airlines and Sunrise Airways.
Dominica's history
Ortoroids were the first settlers on the island followed by Arawak Indians then the Kalinago people. Following battles with the French and English, the majority of the Kalinago people fled the island. Some stayed, however, settling in the north east of the island, now known as Kalinago Territory. Dominica was colonised by the French then the English before gaining independence in 1978. English is the main language spoken on the island but the local patois is French based.
Why visit Dominica?
Dominica is an ideal island to visit for those who enjoy being immersed in nature and wish to reset. Think lush rainforests, rivers, thermal springs, national parks, gushing waterfalls and volcanic sand beaches. Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean movies can visit some of the filming sites.
Spend some time in Roseau, the capital city. Notice English and French colonial influences in the architecture, visit the old market square, botanical gardens, a museum displaying an array of artefacts and a host of bars and restaurants. Lacou comes highly recommended, the food is exceptional.
Where to stay in Dominica
The Dominica Tourism Board recommends a number of different types of accommodation ranging from Guest Houses to large resorts. I highly recommend Fort Young hotel. It offers all inclusive packages or bed and breakfast accommodation.
Fort Young hotel, a former fort, then a police house, is now a hotel and dive resort. The friendly waterfront hotel has comfortable rooms with ocean or mountain views located in blocks throughout the grounds.
The pool area with swimming pool and hot tub, is framed with loungers, tables and chairs. It is a great spot to sit and watch the sunset with a cocktail from the pool bar.
Palisades is a fine dining restaurant open for a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and evening meals. Beside reception is the main lounge bar serving delicious cocktails and bar snacks.
Other amenities onsite are a fully equipped gym, gift shop, coffee shop and a spa. A concierge desk is open daily offering a variety of tours that may be pre-booked and charged to your room.
Things to do in Dominica
Dominica has a wide range of activities to offer visitors. If you would like to see some of these as part of an exceptional tour with a knowledgeable guide, please contact me for details.
Titou Gorge
Titou Gorge is one of the film sets from Pirates of the Caribbean. Don a life vest and swim in cool, freshwater between imposing rocks to a hidden waterfall.
Trafalgar Falls
Take a short hike to see these two powerful, twin waterfalls.
Ti Kwen Glo Cho Hot Springs
Ranging from hot to very hot - these thermal springs are located within tranquil tropical gardens. Located near the exit is a fabulous rum shop offering shots of a range of unique rums including dandelion, aloe vera and pweve.
Emerald Pool
Hike through the rainforest to a hidden waterfall with an emerald green pool. Swim in the cool water and enjoy the serene ambience.
Bell Hall Beach
Several volcanic sand beaches are on the island of Dominica. The volcanic silver/grey sand shimmers in the sunlight.
Indian River
Take a peaceful guided sail down Indian River, passing mangroves, spotting birds and a film set from Pirates of the Caribbean. Half way through the tour, stop at the Bush Bar for refreshments and a snack while the craftsman makes a souvenir for you.
Others excursions in Dominica include ...
Whale Watching
Swimming with whales - seasonal only
Sea turtle watching - seasonal only
Canyoning
Fishing
Bird watching
Hiking
Diving
A cable car is in the process of being built to go to the boiling lake. Currently it is only accessed via a guided hiking tour - approximately 3 hours each way.
Note: This post was written based on a trip dated August 2025
Worldwide Travel Ideas Limited will receive a small commission if you book the recommended tour. Your contract will be directly with the tour guide.
