Stretching from the inland mountains of Dominica, near the Central Forest Reserve, to the ocean, the Layou River is the longest river in the country. It’s also an excellent place for an adventure, and riding down the river’s gentle rapids on innertubes is one of the most popular ways to experience it.
The Layou River stretches through some of the most scenic landscapes in Dominica, and most of it is flanked by thick tropical foliage. There are many ways to experience the river, from swimming in calmer sections to taking a guided inner tubing tour downstream. The river is also famous among kayakers, and you can kayak down the river and straight into the Caribbean Sea.
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If you’re heading out on a tubing adventure, be prepared to get wet and bring a change of clothes for after your trip.
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While some parts of the river are suitable for swimming, it’s never a good idea to swim alone.
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Tubing tours are suitable for beginners but involve some rapids and may not suit travelers with mobility concerns.
The Layou River has many access points, eventually flowing into the sea near St. Joseph. Many of its inland access points are located along the Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway that stretches across the island. Most tubing tours include transfers from Roseau, so you won’t need to sort out your own transportation.
The best time to visit the Layou River is during the dry season, which starts in December and runs through May, but rainfall sometimes continues into December and January. The waters will generally be higher and wilder during winter and calmer later in the season.
Freshwater Lake is located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park and is a fantastic place for a kayaking adventure without the rapids. It’s the largest lake on the island and sits in a caldera at 2,500 feet (762 meters) in elevation. It’s also an excellent place for hiking, with trails that weave through high-altitude forests.
