A short drive inland from Roseau, the tiny town of Wotten Waven draws in travelers with its numerous hot springs pools. The baths here are fed by sulfur-rich geothermal waters heated by the Wotten Waven Caldera, one of nine active volcanoes on the island.
The numerous hot springs at Wotten Waven are its main draw, and plenty of travelers come here to soak in the mineral-rich waters at hotspots such as Tia’s Hot Spa, Ti Kwen Glo Cho, and the Bongo Baths. Guided day tours of the island often combine visits to Wotten Waven with stops at other points of interest, including Mero Beach, the Ti Tou Gorge, and area waterfalls.
-
The springs at Wotten Waven are not clothing-optional, so bring a swimsuit and your own towel.
-
While the baths here are shades of tan and green, fear not—this isn’t due to a lack of sanitation. Hot springs come in different colors due to the presence of harmless thermophilic bacteria.
-
Wotten Waven’s hot springs are not wheelchair-friendly.
The easiest way to get to Wotten Waven is by taxi or by joining a guided tour. The village is about a 20-minute drive northeast of the capital city of Roseau, where the cruise port is located. The twin of Laudat, the gateway to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is also around a 20-minute drive away.
The best time to visit the hot springs is first thing in the morning, when there are fewer visitors, as many people come here at the end of a day of hiking. While the November–May dry season is the most popular time to visit Dominica, the hot springs are pleasant even on rainy days.
Boiling Lake Located in the nearby Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boiling Lake is the world’s second-largest hot pool. The waters here can reach temperatures of nearly 200°F (93°C). While it’s too hot to take a dip, it’s still a natural wonder worth checking out, and plenty of guided treks bring travelers to its shores.
