When Is the Best Time
Titou Gorge and the Morne Trois Piton National Park are a must if visiting Dominica. Usually, it is not very busy only when tour buses with visitors from cruise ships arrive between October and April. If a cruise ship has docked in Roseau harbour, it might be crowded throughout the day. It is a popular spot for tourists and residents alike to take a bath in the crystal clear waters and, therefore, also busy during weekends.
I recommend entering the gorge in the late afternoon with warming sunlight at the entrance. Why? You won't believe how chilly the water is and the gorge entrance is in the shade in the morning making it even colder. It is quiet here early morning, but it is not the best time of the day.
Caution: Don't enter the gorge after heavy rainfall. Flash floods can occur, especially in the rainy season. Check the weather forecast before travelling to the gorge.
Weather Dominica
The dry season lasts from December until May, but showers frequently occur. The drier season is also the peak season. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park in the heart of Dominica is one of the wettest regions in the world, with 7 meters of rain annually. The climate is humid tropical with day temperatures above 30°C/86°F and overnight lows dropping to 24°C/75°F. Usually, the driest month is March. From August to October, hurricanes occur in the Caribbean. Dominica is located along the hurricane belt.
We travelled together with my brother and loved to stay in a rental holiday home with an outstanding view of the sea. There is limited availability for this kind of accommodation. Check out the most beautiful ones on Dominica and bookmark the link for your next journey.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Titou Gorge is a deep river gorge at the beginning of the Boiling Lake hike in the Morne Trois Piton National Park. Ti Tou means small throat, a perfect description for this narrow gorge. It is also known from the famous movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". Accessible by swimming only. At the end of the gorge is a waterfall tumbling down. The gorge is too deep to stay, and the current close to the waterfall is stronger than it looks. Don't underestimate the cold water temperature of roughly 18°C/64°F and swimming against the power of the current.
If you are not an experienced swimmer, it is recommended to rent a life jacket for $5. The water is cold and refreshing. The morning might be slightly cold for swimming. After the Boiling Lake hike, we got rewarded with an awesome swim. It takes 5 minutes from the entrance to the waterfall; however, the water is chilly and the gorge deep. Changing rooms and facilities are available.
An adventurous hike not much known is Wavine Cyrique. However, you need climbing experiences and proper shoes for this steep track.