Quick answer: the Boiling Lake hike is an 8-mile round trip, about 3 to 4 hours each way, from the village of Laudat to a flooded volcanic vent in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. It is steep and challenging, and it must be done with a licensed local guide.
What is the Boiling Lake?
It is the world’s second-largest boiling lake: a flooded fumarole, steaming and churning inside a crater in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Discover Dominica, the water at its edges sits between 82 and 92 degrees Celsius, so this is a lake you look at, not one you swim in.
The route
Tours start in Laudat, about 40 minutes from Roseau. The trail climbs through rainforest, then drops into the Valley of Desolation, a moonscape of sulphur vents, steaming mud pools and mineral-stained streams, before the final climb to the crater rim. Titou Gorge sits at the trailhead, and a swim there is the classic way to finish.
Do you need a guide?
Yes. The Boiling Lake trail must be hiked with a licensed local guide. Discover Dominica publishes a list of certified guides; book ahead, especially in busy seasons, and ask whether park site passes are included in the price.
Is it for you?
The hike suits people with moderate to high fitness. Expect steep ascents and descents, slippery rock and roots, and river crossings. Weather in the interior shifts quickly, so a sunny morning in Roseau can mean cloud and rain on the trail.
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
- Plenty of water and energy snacks
- Rain protection and a warm layer
- A change of clothes for the ride home (and a swimsuit for Titou Gorge)
Not up for the full hike?
Morne Trois Pitons has gentler highlights too: Trafalgar Falls and the short Emerald Pool trail are easy half-day trips. See our things to do for more.
