Situated in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Freshwater Lake—aka Warmae Letang—is the largest lake on the island. It’s the headwaters of the Roseau River and is a popular spot to visit if you want to see Carib hummingbirds in their natural habitat.
This caldera lake is more than 2,500 feet (762 meters) above sea level and is an excellent place for boating, birdwatching, and hiking. The lake’s Freshwater Lake Trail is a great place to hike if you want to see the higher-altitude montane forest, characterized by an open canopy, compact trees, and lots of tropical plants with colorful flowers.
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Tickets are required and can be obtained in Laudat.
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A visitor center near the lake has restroom facilities and information on the lake and its surroundings.
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To protect the area’s beauty, do not pick any flowers or plants and pack out any trash.
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While swimming in the lake is allowed, it’s best avoided for safety reasons, as it’s cold and deep.
Freshwater Lake is a 5-minute drive from Laudat and a 30-minute drive from Roseau via Chimen Létan (Lake Road). There’s a parking lot for travelers with their vehicles, though many people come as part of a guided tour. If you come by taxi, booking a round-trip service is wise so that you can easily get back to Roseau or your next destination after your time at the lake.
The best time to visit the lake is first thing in the morning, when you may get the whole place to yourself. Conditions for hiking and boating are best during the dry season, which runs from roughly November until May, but expect crowds during the holiday season.
If you’re searching for a good swimming spot, head over to Mero Beach, one of the few developed beaches on the island. The waters here are calm, which makes this beach a hit among families and those who don’t want to deal with waves, and warm enough for a pleasant dip but cool enough to keep you refreshed on cool days.
