Hiking Trafalgar Falls from the Dominica Cruise Port

Sailing into the Dominica cruise port is like arriving at a secret garden tucked away in the Caribbean. The island’s capital, Roseau (Dominica – Pronounced [DOH-mi-nee-kuh]), greets visitors with a rugged coastline, colorful houses, and forested hills rising sharply just beyond the port.

Nicknamed the “Nature Island,” Dominica stands apart from its more resort-heavy neighbors with its volcanic terrain, rainforests, and waterfalls. English is widely spoken, though you’ll hear Creole and French influence in both language and local culture.

While some cruisers stick to the shops near the dock, I knew I wanted to venture inland and reconnect with the wild heart of the island. A hike to Trafalgar Falls seemed like the perfect way to do just that.

I visited Dominica once before in 2018, but my May 2024 return felt like an entirely new experience. This time, I booked a shore excursion that took me deep into the rainforest. From the cruise port in Roseau, the drive inland offered postcard views of the mountains and coastal valleys, plus a few scenic overlook stops along the way.

Once we reached the trailhead, we started the short hike to Trafalgar Falls. The path wound through a dense, humid rainforest filled with the sounds of birds and insects. Some sections were stone steps built into the hillside, while others were more rugged. It wasn’t a difficult walk, but it definitely helped to have good shoes and a bottle of water.

The viewing platform revealed the famous twin falls: Papa and Mama. Papa roared down the rocks with real force while Mama offered a more delicate stream beside it. Although the platform was popular, I found a few quiet corners along the trail where I could stop, breathe, and enjoy the sounds of the jungle without interruption. That peaceful, immersive moment in nature made the whole trip worth it.