Airports In Dominica: A Complete Guide To Getting In And Around The Island

Aerial view of Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth, Dominica, bordered by the blue sea

Every year, tourists flock to airports in Dominica to witness the Nature Island of the Caribbean. This is a hotspot for eco-tourism. You can view scenic River banks or hike through a national park. Dominica also offers several adventurous activities like scuba diving and canoeing. If you want to plan a Dominica trip, you need to book your flights to the right airport. This article will inform you about the airports in Dominica, as well as accommodations and restaurant options. Keep ready to develop the best itinerary for your Dominica vacation.

Major Airports In Dominica

Dominica has two major international airports. There is also an upcoming airport under construction. Below, we have described the two airports that are currently in operation.

1. Douglas-Charles Airport

The main terminal of Douglas-Charles Airport, with a sign that says “Welcome to Dominica”

Photo: Russell Watkins/DFID / Wikimedia Commons

Douglas-Charles Airport is one of the two major international airports in Dominica. It was previously named Melville Hall Airport. It started operations in 1961 and was renamed in 2014. American Airlines and United Airlines have a regular flight service at this airport. You can also get chartered flights from companies like Air Century and Sunrise Airways. This airport has one runway. It may be elongated soon. This lounge has personalised meet and greets, flight monitors, and complimentary snacks and beverages. You can also get baggage assistance and request the staff to arrange for a taxi.

Location: GMWX+CJH, Melville Hall Road, Marigot, Dominica
Places To Visit Nearby: Kalinago Territory, Mero Beach
Nearby Restaurant: Last Flight Bar & Grill

2. Canefield Airport

A large Samaritan's Purse Baisler BT-67 aircraft parked at Canfield Airport, clear skies

Photo: Bene Riobó / Wikimedia Commons

This international airport is operated by the Dominica Air & Sea Ports Authority. The airport was inaugurated in 1981. It is the smallest of the two main airports in Dominica. It is located around 5 kilometres from Roseau city. The airport usually serves private aircraft and light business planes like the Cessna Citation Mustang. The largest flight to ever use this airport was a Basler BT-67. Samaritan’s Purse operated this aircraft. This airport’s runway is 954 metres long and 23 metres wide.

Location: 8JP5+Q6W, Canefield, Dominica
Places To Visit Nearby: Canefield Gospel Mission Church, The Old Mill Cultural Centre
Nearby Restaurants: Lacou Melrose House

Places To Visit In Dominica

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dominica with its vibrant nature, stunning waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Explore the island’s rich culture and unique attractions.

1. Morne Trois Pitons National Park

A hiking trail located within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, with wooden steps

Photo: Aneil Lutchman / Wikimedia Commons

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a great place to learn about the ecosystems in Dominica. You can reach this park after a one-hour drive or cab ride from Douglas-Charles Airport. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk on a hiking trail or visit the Trafalgar Falls. Tourists also hike to the boiling lake. This lake is within a volcanic pit. It is constantly boiling and covered in steam. Visitors to the national park also choose birdwatching. Lucky birdwatchers may see the endangered bird named Sisserou Parrot.

2. Kalinago Territory

A small, round hut made of mud and with a thatched, conical roof in a rural area

Photo: Speak Media Uganda / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Kalinago Territory helps tourists learn about the culture in Dominica. You can take a guided cultural tour. Your guide will educate you about the history of the area. Tourists participate in traditional craft workshops like canoe making and basket weaving. Visit the local shops to buy souvenirs and authentic craft supplies. You can also visit the region’s centre to watch cultural performances. The dance and music will entertain children and adults alike.

3. Champagne Reef

Underwater view of a reef, showing various large blue fish and small yellow fish

Photo: Hung Tran / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Champagne Reef gets its name because of the underwater bubbles. The underwater volcanic area creates continuous bubbles around the reef. You can go snorkelling to see colourful fish swimming through the reef. If you have a diving certificate and experience, you can go diving here. Bring a waterproof camera and take pictures of marine life and bubbles. Travellers can soak in the warm volcanic water. It is soothing when the bubbles gently pass your body. If tourists want to sunbathe on the rocky beach, they can lie on soft towels.

4. Fort Shirley

An aerial view of Fort Shirley from a mountain, showing the fort’s defensive structures

Photo: Leahtaylor 9 / Wikimedia Commons

Fort Shirley is an important historical landmark in Dominica. Tourists can find this 18th-century fort within Cabrits National Park. It was used to defend the island from French attacks. This is also where the African slave soldiers revolted against the British in 1802. Now, it is a restored tourist attraction. You can tour the Barracks and check out the cannons still pointed at Prince Rupert Bay. The location and height of the fort is good for sightseeing purposes. You can get a panoramic view of the bay and the national park trees.

5. Scotts Head

Panoramic view of the full Scotts Head village, showing a green landmass and blue waters

Photo: Aneil Lutchman / Wikimedia Commons

Dominica visitors looking for an idyllic vacation can visit Scotts Head. This is a seaside village located in southern Dominica. The Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet near this village. Thus, it offers many opportunities for relaxation and sightseeing. History buffs can also visit the ruins of Fort Cacharou. It has crumbling structures and remains of old cannons. If you’re interested in local culture, you can engage with the villagers. Adventurous travellers can snorkel or dive in the waters.

Where To Stay

A resort in a tropical area, showing coconut trees and buildings with thatched roofs

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Dominica has a variety of accommodations for travellers of every kind. If you want to stay relatively close to the airport and central areas, you have several options. You can book a room in The Champs or Secret Bay in Portsmouth. These rooms will give you a scenic view of Prince Rupert Bay. Classique International in Dominica is a common hotel option in Marigot. This natural resort is surrounded by fruit trees. It is less than 15 minutes away from Douglas-Charles Airport by car. There are also alternatives for tourists who want a more scenic and remote spot.

Where To Eat

A plate of food including fried Cassava, rice, and other vegetable sides and garnishing

Photo: Lucas Andrade / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

From comforting, fast food to complex traditional dishes, restaurants in Dominica have something for everyone. View Point Restaurant is a popular dining option in Roseau. You can enjoy the hill view while you eat at this restaurant. It serves a fusion menu. You can get Caribbean seafood and international dishes. Portsmouth visitors can try diverse cuisine at Riverside Restaurant. This restaurant has an elegant dining hall. You can order Chinese dishes or a New York steak. If you’re visiting the Calibishie coast, you can order a Red Snapper at Unique Seaview Restaurant.

Once you book your flight and choose the ideal hotel, your Dominica holiday is ready to begin. You can fill the rest of your trip with exciting tours and activities. You can experience the culture and natural beauty of Dominica or have a delicious meal at a popular restaurant. Book your travel through the airports in Dominica with the help of TripXL.

Cover Photo: Joerg Mangelsen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Caribbean Airlines offers frequent chartered flights to five cities in Dominica. United Airlines and American Airlines are the two main operators scheduling international flights.
The Dominica International Airport is an upcoming airport. It is expected to start operations in 2026. It will be located in Wesley, Dominica. It will be one of the international and domestic airports in Dominica.
Dominica has three major ports. These are in Roseau, Portsmouth, and Woodbridge Bay. These ports handle leisure cruises as well as cargo.
The most popular traditional dishes in Domica are Bandera Dominicana, Cassava dumplings, Plantain and Beef dishes, and Sancocho.
English is the current official language of Dominica. Aside from this, some residents also speak Dominican Creole. Most tourists can communicate comfortably throughout their vacation just with English.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month