Just up the coast from Portsmouth in northern Dominica, the Indian River is a brackish river that leads through coastal wetlands. It’s a popular place for rowboat adventures and is a great place to see wetland flora and fauna, from barracuda to bwa mang trees.
While the Indian River’s mangroves are its biggest draw, film fans will also appreciate that it was used as a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Taking a peaceful canoe ride up and down the river is one of the most popular activities in the Portsmouth area, and many full-day island tours and shore excursions include a trip to this marshland area, and some also include a forest walking tour.
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Indian River is a must-see for birders, and many avian species can be spotted near its waters.
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Motorized boats are not allowed in the river.
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Remember to put bug spray on before you head out on a boat trip.
Boat tours depart from near the mouth of the river, on Prince Rupert Bay, in northern Portsmouth. The drive from Roseau to Portsmouth takes just under an hour if you’re coming by taxi or rental car. Bus service is also available, but it can take much longer depending on how many people stop to board and disembark.
The best time to take a boat ride along the Indian River is during the dry season, which runs from November until May. Avoid the summer and early fall, when hurricanes and torrential downpours are most likely. Note that mosquitoes are at their most active at dawn and dusk.
If you’re in the mood for swimming—or low-key whitewater adventure—head to the Layou River instead. It’s the longest river on the island and is a popular spot for tours on modified innertubes. While you should expect some whitewater adventure, tubing excursions are geared toward beginners and only go over smaller rapids.
