Known as the Caribbean’s Garden of Eden, Dominica is an unspoiled tropical paradise where daily rains dance with the sun to paint breathtaking rainbows and coax Earth’s bounty to burst from rich volcanic soil. Blankets of lush vegetation cover the island, and fruited trees and fields of wildflowers drink from tropical mists. Wild orchids rise from fertile ground beneath 100-foot-tall trees in “Mature Rainforest,” one of three rainforests on Dominica, and majestic mountains spawn crystalline rivers – 375 in all – in turn producing countless waterfalls.

Dominica’s volcanic past gave it mostly black-sanded beaches, but Picard Beach’s golden sand is an exception, making it an island favorite. Snorkeling and diving are excellent throughout Dominica, and swimming takes on a special flair at Champagne beach, where volcanic venting releases steam into the sea. The island’s forests contain 1200 plant and 175 bird species, some thought to be extinct on surrounding islands. If you don’t mind heights, ride the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, which takes you high above the forest canopy for a look at Red-Necked Parrots and a range of other birds.

Halfway up Morne Trois Pitons Mountain lies the Valley of Desolation, a large amphitheatre containing three separate craters alive with steam vents and hot springs. You’ll also come across Boiling Lake, the second largest of its kind in the world, where the churning, bubbling water at its center sounds like a dull roar. Getting there requires an all-day hike led by a qualified guide, so if you’re only on Dominica for a day or two, you might want to choose the closer-in tours, such as the must-see Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, and Cabrits National Park.

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