Trek to Boiling Lake

The trek to Boiling Lake is one of the classics of Dominica.

First I passed by pineapples in the village of Trafalgar.

Along a stretch of the Waitukubuli trail which links the southern and northern points of the island, via 14 sections.

As I climbed higher, there were great views of the forest-covered mountains.

Lilies along the pathway in Laudat village.

Café Mon Plézi where tickets are sold for entry into the park.

Interesting to see that 40% of electricity comes from hydro.

Swimmers in the incredible Titou gorge below the path through the forest (I went in on the way back).

The first hour is along a very well-kept pathway.

Through a beautiful and lush rainforest.

Emerging from the forest there are superb vistas of mountains.

The steam emerging from Boiling Lake.

Down into Desolation Valley.

With its steaming vents.

And pools of boiling water.

After 2-3 hours, depending on walking speed, you reach the lip above boiling lake. It's the largest boiling lake in the world, and is impressive to see.

My lunch. Most people have eggs, hard boiled in hot pools. I opted for sardines in sulphur mists.

Boats in Roseau harbour

Each day there is another cruise ship in Roseau harbour. Here are a couple of the latest.

Classic schooner and modern-day cruise ship.

The Silver Whisper.

The Wind Surf.

Stern of the Wind Surf.

Names of the cruise ships coming in for the day. 

Roseau Valley

From Trafalgar Falls, I walked back to Roseau, five miles downhill.

With such stunning tropical scenery, I couldn't avoid taking it slowly, stopping en-route to admire vistas, rivers and rapids, lush vegetation and bright flowers, water flowing along bamboo pipes, well-tended gardens and bulls in fields. Here are the photos:

Trafalgar Falls and thermal streams

One day I caught a minivan bus up to the village of Trafalgar, twenty minutes away and located at an elevation of a few hundred metres.

Within a few minutes of leaving the centre of town, heading into the mountains up Roseau Valley, we were passing through the lush green tropical countryside of Dominica. 

From the last stop in the village, I carried on up past banana and dasheen (taro) plantations.  

Stream water flowing from a hollowed bamboo pipe into a large blue plastic container filled with heliconia flowers.

And a view of geothermal steam rising in columns from thickly forested mountain tops.

At the end of the valley, where the sides of the mountains are compressed into a vertical gorge, lie Trafalgar Falls, plummeting in high volume thirty metres below onto rocks and a natural pool.

Clambering over large boulders, I reached the edge of the pool and was the only person there. 

I went for a swim and opening my eyes underwater, was astounded by the clarity of the water. 

By the base of the falls themselves, I held onto a rock, whilst being pummeled by the falls and then swam underneath, again holding onto rocks underwater due to the current. 

Holding my breath, it was an incredible experience being below the white turbulent water from the falls, descending a metre or so into the clear pool. If you do this, make sure you are a strong swimmer (used to swimming amongst large breaking waves)- currents are strong and could keep you under.

On the way back, I saw a small stream, orangey in colour. 

Wondering if it was thermal, I touched the water, which felt like about 45ºc. Then I saw steam rise off the far edges by the rocks. 

I couldn't resist the temptation and went for a bathe.

It was the perfect chance for a soak in thermal waters amongst river boulders, surrounded by rainforest- a unique, inspiring and incredibly relaxing experience.