roseau

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. Dominica is known for its lush landscape and abundant waterfalls. 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. Holding a friendly sloth at Manawakie Park. 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