West Indies Explorer

Discover vibrant Roseau during a scenic guided tour of this charming Caribbean capital. Drive through the “City of Verandas,” one of the widespread examples of Creole vernacular architecture found throughout Roseau, while your knowledgeable guide provides lively commentary on the city’s history. Visit Abilities Unlimited, a local craft workshop that helps the visually impaired learn skills and earn an income by producing baskets and other craft items. Learn how the center supports its workers and get to know some of their stories. Make a brief stop at the Botanical Gardens, where your guide will point out plants of interest such as banyan trees and David the Goliath, a giant African baobab tree toppled by Hurricane David in 1979. Enjoy panoramic views of Roseau and the countryside from atop Morne Bruce, then drive past landmark buildings en route to your ship.

Grab a snorkel and fins for a memorable dive among one of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling spots—Champagne Reef. Perched on the edge of a submerged volcano, the reef earned its name from the underwater geothermal springs that vent volcanic gases from the sandy bottom to the surface. On arrival, a Professional Association of Dive Instructors-certified guide will explain how to use your snorkel gear and what you are likely to see in the water. Then, embark by RIB, an open air boat, for your snorkeling destination. The reef is home to a wide variety of aquatic life, including vibrant sponges, lobster, iridescent parrot fish, hawksbill turtles and squid. Dip below the azure waters and explore the extensive coral formations as you swim through a bubbling curtain of warm, volcanic gas, which gives the impression of swimming in a glass of Champagne. Afterward, return to port and your ship.

Sail into the Caribbean Sea for a memorable whale-watching excursion off the coast of Dominica. Dubbed the “Whale-Watching Capital of the Caribbean,” the island is frequented by more than 22 different species of whale—including resident pods of sperm whales. Dolphins are also a common sight in the area. Set sail from port on a catamaran and travel eight miles off shore to have the best opportunity to see these magnificent mammals. Your guide will talk about the various whale and dolphin species that call the waters around the island home. Every 20 minutes, the boat will stop and drop an underwater hydrophone into the water to listen for animal noises—such as the click of sperm whales, the whistling of dolphins and the singing of humpback whales. Return to port and your awaiting ship at the conclusion of your tour.

Gain a deeper understanding of Dominican culture during a visit to an herb garden and a tasting of local cuisine. Begin with a scenic drive by motor coach and journey through mountainous landscapes. Upon arrival at the herb garden, meet its owner and learn about Dominica’s fertile soil, rich botanical traditions and the age-old remedies that are still in use today. Learn about indigenous plants and gain insight into deeply ingrained healing practices, then continue to a stunningly restored estate property, built during the early 20th century and named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of England’s King George III. Here, your host will welcome you with a local drink and then lead you on an immersive guided tour of the grounds. After, you will enjoy a selection of tasty Dominican bites, including freshly harvested fruit, before bidding farewell to your host and returning to your ship.

Enjoy a leisurely journey through thick mangrove forests as you travel down the Indian River in a rowboat. Embark on a 60-minute journey by motor coach to the launch site. Here, you will meet your guide and set off down Dominica’s widest river, named after the inhabitants of the area during pre-Columbian times. Your guide will provide commentary on the local flora and fauna as he rows. Listen to the sound of the creaking oars and birds; you might see giant crabs lurking within the roots and trunks of the mangrove trees. Keep watch for the House of Calypso, a run-down wooden shack along the river’s edge that was used in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Stop at Bush Bar, where you can try their signature cocktail—a mixture of local cask rum, cinnamon and passion fruit. En route back to your ship, you will also enjoy a variety of local refreshments.

Travel off-road to experience the natural beauty of the island of Dominica. Embark your 4x4 vehicle—a colorfully painted, open air Mercedes-Benz Unimog—for a short drive through Roseau and up Morne Bruce for views of the city below. Wind your way through the mountains to renowned Trafalgar Falls, where you will take a brief walk through the verdant rainforest to a view of the cascading “Mother” and “Father” falls. Continue deeper into the rainforest to picturesque Ti Tou Gorge, a natural crevice used as a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Here, hot and cold streams intermingle in a natural plunging rock pool. You will have an opportunity to take a dip, or swim between the mountains of the gorge to discover a crystal-clear waterfall. After, enjoy a refreshing glass of rum punch before returning to your ship.

View a towering waterfall and take a dip in the hot mineral pools at Wotten Waven. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the lush Roseau Valley to the Trafalgar Twin Falls. Here, you will gaze over the stunning views of this pair of cascading waterfalls—the taller, more powerful “Papa” Falls and the shorter, gentler “Mama” Falls. Take in the views of the water plunging from volcanic highlands into deep pools below, then journey to rustic Wotten Waven, where you will take a short walk to its natural rock pools for a 30-minute hot mineral bath. Immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings as you soak in warm, therapeutic sulfur water to relax your muscles and detoxify your body. After, your guide will provide refreshments for you to enjoy by the river, before returning to your ship.

Embark a modified inner tube for an invigorating paddle down the Layou River. After a scenic drive to your launch site, meet your guides and receive a short safety briefing. Once you have been provided with your life jacket, modified inner tube and paddle, it is time to hit the water. Gently spin and swirl in the current as you make your way down the river past lush tropical scenery. Your guides will be nearby at all times to ensure your comfort and safety. Along the way, enjoy a stop to partake in a popular Dominican pastime—river bathing—before continuing on to your end point. You will then return to the reception center, where refreshments will be served. Sip on a glass of rum punch and nibble on a snack of titiwi,a culturally significant fish treat, before boarding your motor coach and returning to your awaiting ship.

Discover the history and culture of the Carib Indians and admire the natural beauty of Dominica. Journey across the island to the Kalinago Territory, the home of the Carib Indians, the Indigenous people that inhabited the Caribbean before the arrival of European explorers during the late 15th century. Gain insights from your Carib Indian guide as you travel, making brief stops at the Botanical Gardens and picturesque Morne Bruce viewpoint. At idyllic Jacko Falls, explore its tranquil rainforest setting, where you can choose to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool before traveling to the eco village built by the Carib along the banks of the Pagua River. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of local fare accompanied by a folkloric dance performance. Afterward, appreciate the beauty of the verdant valleys and mountains of Carib Territory as you return to your ship.

Experience the serenity of the Dominican rainforest, visit a secluded beach and try authentic Dominican cuisine. Begin with a scenic drive through the rainforest to Twin Falls. Wearing your walking shoes, follow your guide along a short hiking trail to a clearing that opens to Twin Falls. Relax in this picturesque spot, soaking up nature or taking a dip in the refreshing waters. If you are feeling energetic, you may continue your trek and climb to Penrice Falls. Continue your journey along the winding island roads to Sand Bay, where a short but steep path will take you to a secluded beach cove on the northeastern tip. After a cooling dip in the ocean, take time to relax before heading to the Hibiscus Eco Village to sample a taste of Dominican flavors while enjoying a traditional dance performance. Later, you will return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor of Dominica’s verdant landscapes and gaze upon the captivating Jacko Falls. The Island of Dominica is known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean because of its 365 rivers and abundance of waterfalls and rainforest. From the pier, embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach past the sights of vibrant Roseau, enroute to the Morne Bruce viewpoint, where you will pause for photos of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Continue toward the interior of Dominica, passing tropical rainforest and plantations that grow mangos, bananas, avocados, cacao and more. Upon arrival at Morne Trois Pitons National Park, head to the viewpoint to watch the cascading waters of Jacko Falls while sipping on a complimentary rum punch or fruit juice. You may also choose to descend the 70 steps to visit the waterfall pool or take a quick dip, before returning to your ship.

Discover charming villages and pristine natural beauty during a drive through Dominica’s southwestern coast. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach from Roseau, heading southward through the villages of Newtown, Loubiere and Pointe Michel to Soufriere-Scott's Head Marine Reserve, home to a vast, extinct underwater volcanic crater, expansive coral reefs and huge pinnacles rising from the sea. In Soufrière village, see the Church of St. Mark, one of the island’s oldest and best preserved, its interior decorated in yellow, blue and red colors. Nearby, walk along the seashore at Bubble Beach where thermal springs beneath the seabed create fizzing, heated waters like natural hot tubs, claimed to benefit health. Continue to the Jungle Bay Resort, a hilltop retreat, to stop for drinks and a snack while enjoying sweeping views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. After, return to your ship.

Visit historic Jacko Falls and journey down the Pagau River during a tubing excursion. Begin with a scenic drive by motor coach through the interior of the island to Jacko Falls. This peaceful cascade is named after Chief Jacko, an 18th-century resistance leader who fought against colonial rule in Dominica; you may view the falls from above, or walk to the pool to take a refreshing dip in its waters. Continue to the Hibiscus Eco Village, where you will be welcomed with a traditional Carib Indian dance performance. After a safety briefing, you will receive your life jacket and inner tubing equipment and set out on the water with your guide. Immerse yourself in your surroundings as you float along the river, passing by lush tropical scenery and keeping watch for the wildlife that make their homes here. Later, return to shore for the journey back to your ship.

Enjoy a Privileged Access meeting with cultural ambassador Raymond Lawrence, an expert in Dominican heritage. Journey to the Old Mill Cultural Centre, where you will meet the former Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica, Raymond Lawrence, a musician and folklorist who will share insights about local stories, art and history. Considered one of the island’s most influential cultural leaders, he is credited with shaping Dominica’s artistic life and strengthening community traditions. Learn about his decades of work on heritage preservation, language advocacy and more as you explore the museum and lush gardens, followed by a cultural showcase by local performers. Next, continue to the Belfast Estate Rum Museum to learn about Dominica’s rum-making history. View traditional equipment and the present-day bottling line and sample a selection of rums, followed by time to browse the estate shop.