Exploring the Roseau, Dominica Cruise Port: Waterfalls, Canyons and More
Roseau (pronounced roe-zoe), the capital of Dominica (pronounced doh-MIN-ik-ah), is known for its colonial architecture, markets, and waterfront. The city is a gateway to the island’s lush landscapes and natural attractions, such as waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, and hiking trails. Dominica is a small island with 72,000 residents, covering 290 square miles, and is a popular stop on many Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries.
About the Roseau Cruise Port
The Roseau cruise port features two main terminals: Woodbridge Bay and the Roseau Ferry Terminal. Large cruise ships dock at both terminals, but cruise passengers primarily use Woodbridge Bay, which is conveniently located in close proximity to the city center.
After exiting their cruise ship, visitors will find a small Old Market Square, a cobbled straw market square, with vendors lining the street immediately off the pier. Just steps from that is downtown Roseau, where local drivers gather in an attempt to win cruisers’ business and drive them around the island.
On the day of my visit, I hired a private driver, Ricky’s Tours and Voyages. If you prearrange transportation like I did, this is also likely the same area where you will meet up with them. If you didn’t plan ahead and are taking the risk of exploring independently, you can barter here with drivers to find one to take you to your desired location or on a tour of the island.
Protip: Leave the camo at home! Like many other Caribbean island nations, civilians in Dominica are prohibited from wearing camouflage.
From Roseau Cruise Port to the City Center
As noted above, the Roseau Cruise Port is conveniently located immediately adjacent to the city center, less than half a mile away. Visitors without mobility limitations can reach it on foot within 10 minutes. En route to the city, a stop at Old Market Square allows cruisers to shop with local vendors selling handcrafted wares.
For those preferring other transportation options, ride-sharing services like Uber are unavailable in Roseau. However, taxis are readily available and regulated, with set fares typically costing around $10 to $15 USC to the city center. Shuttle services and public buses are also options, with bus rides costing approximately $1.50.
Related: Explore the pros and cons (and risks) of independent excursions.
Things to Do in Downtown Roseau
Roseau is a small island, so its downtown city center isn’t very big and is generally not the primary destination for visitors. If you want to spend your day here or just take a quick visit before returning to the ship after exploring other nearby sites and attractions, you can do so within a fairly short period.
Notable places to visit downtown include the Dominica Museum, which showcases the island’s history, culture, and natural environment through various exhibits, and St. George’s Anglican Church and Roseau Cathedral (Our Lady of Fairhaven) as sites with impressive architecture and historical significance. The Botanic Gardens provide a serene environment with various tropical plants and trees, while the Roseau Bayfront (a promenade) offers a pleasant stroll along the waterfront with views of the Caribbean Sea and port area.
Related: Learn more about how to prepare for port days.
Beaches at and Near the Roseau Cruise Port
Since downtown Roseau isn’t the most bustling spot, many cruisers use their port stop in Roeau as a beach day. While the Roseau Cruise Port does not have direct beach access, there are several beautiful beaches nearby:
Mero Beach
Mero Beach, situated about 12 miles from the port, is a popular beach among cruisers. The beach is well-served by friendly and enterprising locals who offer lounge chairs, umbrellas, palapas, food, and beverages for rent and sale. Restrooms and showers are available for visitors. Getting to Mero Beach is easy, with a 30-minute bus ride from Roseau and tour bus and taxi options. With its easy access from Roseau, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Dominica.
Champagne Beach
Champagne Beach is the closest beach to the Roseau cruise port, at just under 5 miles. This beach is famous for its underwater geothermal activity, which creates bubbles that resemble champagne (hence the name “Champagne” Beach).
While this is a really cool experience for snorkelers, and the variety of marine life here is impressive and vast, the area is known for being quite rocky, the entrance to the water difficult to traverse, and the waters often murky. Because of this, I recommend experiencing Champagne Beach with a snorkeling tour by boat to get further out in the water and avoid these issues.
Scotts Head Beach
About 9 miles from the port, outside of Roseau is Scotts Head, Dominica. Scotts Head Beach has a beautiful shoreline ideal for swimming and relaxation, and its adjacent location, Scotts Head Pinnacles, is a renowned dive site featuring underwater volcanic formations, coral reefs, and abundant marine life. It is a stunning location where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.
Top Things to Do in Dominica
While I love a good beach day, there are many other opportunities for those on any Caribbean itinerary, so unless you’re absolutely beach-obsessed, my recommendation, if you’re visiting Dominica, is to skip the beach and instead explore the island’s lush landscapes and other natural sites. Here are my top recommendations.
Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Located about 7 miles from the cruise port, Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to Boiling Lake in Dominica, reputed to be the second largest hot springs lake in the world, and features a churning cauldron of gray-blue water with temperatures between 180 and 197 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visiting this remarkable natural wonder requires a full-day, rigorous hike with a guide, so it’s best for cruisers with the physical fitness to make this journey. However, it offers an unforgettable adventure through the lush rainforest to witness the awe-inspiring sight. There are guided tours, including admission and transportation.
Protip: Physically fit, adventurous cruisers may also consider canyoning.
Trafalgar Falls
Trafalgar Falls, also known as the Twin Falls, is 5 miles from the port (about a 17-minute drive) and is renowned for its two spectacular waterfalls, Mother and Father, which you can climb around and have their rainbow encircle you. Unlike Boiling Lake, which requires an arduous hike, Trafalgar Falls is easily accessible via a short walk from the visitor center, and the site offers beautiful views and opportunities for swimming in natural pools. Admission is $5.
Spanny Falls
Because of its proximity to the port, Trafalgar Falls is generally crowded. If you hire a private driver as I did and have the luxury of getting further out, in this case, 14 miles, you can check out more private and secluded waterfalls like Spanny Falls.
On our visit, my boyfriend and I were literally the only ones there, and it was a magical experience — truly like something out of a movie or fairy tale. Along the way, our driver made special stops, such as at a local roadside vendor who sells spirits infused with all manner of exotic things, such as scorpion! I even sampled this, and, well, it was… memorable.
Titou Gorge
Located about 7.5 miles from the Roseau cruise port, Titou Gorge is another great spot in Dominica for adventure seekers. This natural wonder offers a unique experience where you can swim through a series of stunning, narrow gorges with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush rainforests. The short hike to the falls is an adventure in itself, culminating in a refreshing dip in the cool waters at the waterfall’s base.
It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for a half-day excursion from the port. Most cruise lines offer this excursion, but you can save money and likely experience it with a much smaller group by booking an independent tour.
What to Bring to Roseau
If you plan to visit any beaches, I recommend bringing a few things with you beyond the obvious things. Roseau beaches are great for snorkeling, and when visiting a beach location, I always bring my own set. My favorite is this one from Amazon; it’s affordable yet high quality and has traveled with me worldwide to all sorts of snorkeling experiences. It’s also much more hygienic this way, as you’re not putting something in your mouth that’s been used by many other random people.
I also recommend an inflatable float. Many recommend not bringing floats on cruises since they’re forbidden from cruise ship pools, but I disagree because these really enhance the beach day experience, and you don’t have to worry about renting a float or pool noodle. This is my favorite because it’s so compact and versatile. Finally, I recommend a lockable beach bag of some sort to provide easy access to things like your phone while keeping it secure, along with your money and other valuables.
Related: Don’t forget your beach towels! Here’s what you need to know.
Language and Currency
When visiting Roseau, Dominica, it’s helpful to know that the local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), though US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Be aware, however, that many Caribbean nations will not accept US currency that is damaged, overly worn, or written on, and they may provide change back in the form of the local currency. Credit and debit cards are also generally accepted.
English is the official language, making communication easy for American cruisers. However, you’ll also hear locals speaking Dominican Creole.
Roseau Cruise Port Ship Schedule
The Roseau, Dominica cruise ship schedule can be found at Cruisemapper.
Climate and What to Wear
Roseau enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F throughout the year. The area experiences frequent rainfall, so light, breathable clothing and waterproof gear are recommended. Sunscreen and hats are also essential to protect against the strong sun.
Related: Shop my favorite cruise styles and outfits.
Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.
Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so it’s generally good practice to keep your phone or watch set to ship time. As for the port, Dominica operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST). Keeping track of the time is crucial, especially ensuring you stay coordinated with ship time.
