Known as one of Dominica’s most beautiful stretches of white sand, this Caribbean beach is north of the town of Portsmouth. Purple Turtle Beach is a great spot to swim, sunbathe, or take in the sunset (it faces west and features golden-hued sands flecked with black and water that’s crystal blue.
Named for the turtles who lay eggs in its sand, Purple Turtle Beach serves as a relaxing spot for locals and tourists alike, although it rarely gets too crowded. Visitors can opt to swim or sunbathe or grab a cocktail or the fresh catch of the day at the Purple Turtle Beach Club.
- Swimming conditions are good for families but don’t expect a lifeguard.
- Visiting the beach is free of charge.
- Facilities here are limited: bring sunscreen and beach towels with you.
Purple Beach is backed by Cabrits National Park and accessing it really requires a car, although you can theoretically take a taxi from Portsmouth, about a 10-minute drive away, if you’re willing to arrange a later pickup. Parking is free and can be found alongside the road.
The beach is great to visit on any sunny day and the waters are generally fairly calm. Because of its west-facing orientation it makes a great sunset-viewing spot. It generally doesn’t get too crowded, save for certain feast days and national holidays, when live music and days off from work can draw in substantial local crowds.
Just behind the beach, Cabrits National Park offers all sorts of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Along with plenty of easy-to-moderate hiking trails, the park is home to Fort Shirley, an 18th-century fort that was restored in 1989. Other park activities include paddle boat rides through the mangrove-lined Indian River.
