Hot Water Beaches in Dominica

Unlike other countries in the West Indies like Saint Lucia and Barbados, Dominica does not have the quintessential white sand beaches that tourists visit the region for. As such, the island is rarely, if ever mentioned on lists that compile the most popular beaches in the Caribbean. Despite this, Dominica can lay claim to some of the most unique Caribbean beaches; A series of quiet coves along Soufrière Bay with warm stones, steam rising along the shoreline, and spa-like conditions. These are the volcanic, hot water beaches of Dominica.

Dominica has ten times more active volcanoes than any other island in the Lesser Antilles, and several of them are concentrated in the southern part of the island. Popular attractions like the Boiling Lake, Screw’s Sulfur Spa, and other hot springs in Wotten Waven are all the result of this heightened volcanic activity. In Soufrière, a place known as Bubble Beach is unique among these volcanic attractions as it brings together the heat from geothermal activity with the benefits of relaxing on a Caribbean beach. It is one of three hot water beaches in the world, and unlike the other two that are in New Zealand and Iceland, the water at Bubble Beach is constantly hot throughout the year. This is due to the tropical climate as well as the higher temperature of the escaping gasses and underwater rocks in Soufrière Bay. Additionally, strategically placed volcanic rocks are used to ensure that the water remains constantly warm by preventing it from immediately mixing with the cooler ocean water. The rocks also keep waves out, so that the bathing area remains calm and warm at all times.

Bubble Beach is the ideal place to relax after a day of hiking, as the warm rocks and the feeling of weightlessness from being in the water is perfect for sore muscles. The stones nearest to the shore are piping hot and the small waves constantly lapping them are just as hot. The water gets cooler as Bubble Beach gets deeper, so it’s easy to find a spot with the perfect temperature and stay there. Unlike Screw’s Spa and Tia’s Spa at Wotten Waven that charge an admission fee, Bubble Beach Spa is free to the public although a small donation would be appreciated since the beach is maintained by locals who are also more than willing to keep an eye on bags while bathers relax in the warm water.

The same locals who maintain the beach also mix and sell beverages at Bubble Beach. Dominica has a long history of growing the limes that were used to make Rose’s Lime Cordial, a citrus syrup used in classic cocktails like the gin gimlet and Tiki drinks like the Suffering Bastard. The factory where the fruits were processed was actually located in Soufrière, and limes have been cultivated in the surrounding hillsides since the eighteenth century. The lime factory is long gone, but the locally grown limes are now used in the Rum Punch served at Bubble Beach. They also make Coconut Punch with local rum, condensed milk, and coconut milk that comes from the many coconut trees growing around Soufrière Bay. A small donation, and two cups of exceptional rum punch is still more affordable than the entry to Screw’s Sulfur Spa, making a visit to Bubble Beach the most affordable way to experience Dominica’s hot springs. Bubble Beach also has a far better view, with an expansive seascape, and Scott’s Head rising in the distance.

While Bubble Beach is ideal for relaxing, it is not the best location for snorkelling. There are, however, some nearby beaches that are ideal spots. A few miles to the north is Champagne Beach. Just like with Bubble Beach, the name comes from the gasses rising from the seafloor. In this case however, they’re said to resemble the streams of bubbles rising from a flute of sparkling wine. Close to shore, the afternoon sun shining through the water certainly makes the water look a bit like pink champagne. Further away from land, there is a surreal underwater world where swimmers are surrounded by coral reefs, fumaroles constantly spouting hot gasses, and abundant marine life. Beyond the reef there is a sheer drop into the gigantic volcano crater that makes up Soufrière Bay. The water is dark blue, and the seafloor rapidly descends into a volcanic chute of unknown depth. These deep waters make Dominica a popular destination for whale watching, as it is one of the only places in the world where sperm whales reside throughout the year.

South of Bubble Beach is Scott’s Head, an area often cited as the best place to snorkel in Dominica. Compared to the black sand beaches that are further north, the sand here is light grey, and the water near the shore is considerably shallow, which allows for greater visibility while snorkeling.  The view is just as incredible above the water. Atop Scott’s Head is Fort Cachacrou, which was built by the British in the mid-eighteenth century to defend the island from the French. Remnants of the fort are still there, including rusting cannons, and bricks that were cut from volcanic rocks. From here, the circular shape of Soufriere Bay can be clearly seen, showing just how large the volcano crater actually is. The calmness of Soufrière Bay can also be contrasted with the rougher waves of the Atlantic Ocean on the other side.

Scott’s Head is the southern end of the Waitukubuli National Trail, an island-spanning trail established in 2013 that is over 115 miles, making it the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean. Along with the Longs Peak Climb in the Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Sierra High Route in California, it has been listed by National Geographic as a North American hike of a lifetime. Hiking the entire trail takes about two weeks, and popular attractions along the way include Middleham Falls, Boeri Lake and Emerald Falls. The volcanic beaches of Soufrière are perfect for relaxing after hiking the Waitukubuli National Trail since they offer relieving hot hot water beaches, and options for leisurely snorkeling.The ideal place to be after two weeks of hiking in Dominica.