Emerald Pool & Trafalgar Falls Tour Dominica: Swim Hot Springs

Sulfur hot pools sit right next to a waterfall at Trafalgar Falls

A half-day tour of Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park combines swimming at the Emerald Pool, a 15-minute rainforest walk from the road, with soaking in the warm sulfur pools at Trafalgar Falls and views of Roseau from Morne Bruce. A licensed English-speaking guide leads the group, and the tour includes fresh water, sodas and rum punches. Site entry fees are paid separately at each location.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Emerald Pool1h
2. Trafalgar Falls1h

Explore Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls

• Walk 15 minutes to Emerald Pool
• Swim in Emerald Pool
• Walk 10 minutes to Trafalgar Falls viewing platform
• Relax in sulfur hot pools at Trafalgar Falls
• Visit botanical gardens in Roseau
• View Morne Bruce in Roseau

The experience

The tour starts at the Emerald Pool, a waterfall-fed basin named for the green-blue glow that filters through the rainforest canopy. A 15-minute walk through the rain forest gets you there from the road, and the pool is the easiest stop on the day. You swim, cool off, and move on. From there the route follows the Layou River valley past pineapple and banana plantations to Trafalgar Falls, where a 10-minute forest trail from the visitors' center leads to a viewing platform overlooking the twin falls. The real draw is below: the sulfur hot pools sit directly at the base, warm and soothing, and you can soak in them after the walk down.

The guide handles the pacing and the stories. A local who knows the land and the history. You get fresh spring water, sodas and rum punches throughout the day to keep you hydrated in the heat. The final stop is Morne Bruce, a hilltop in Roseau with views across the coast and the capital. The whole day runs about five and a half hours from start to finish, which means you can fit it into a morning or an afternoon and still have time to explore the city or rest at your hotel.

Site entry at both the Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls is eight dollars each and paid on arrival, not bundled into the tour price. Bring cash or check ahead on payment methods, and wear shoes that can handle wet forest trails and river rocks.

What’s included

• Licensed English-speaking guide.
• fresh spring water, sodas and rum punches throughout the day.
• access to Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls and Morne Bruce viewpoint (site entry fees paid separately on arrival).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 16

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sheppee Fun Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here because the guide can set the pace and share stories without rushing between stops. If you have a free afternoon or morning and want to swim and soak without a full-day commitment, this tour fits that window.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the walk to the Emerald Pool from the parking area?

The Emerald Pool is a 15-minute stroll through the rainforest from the road, and it's the most accessible stop on the tour.

Can I swim at both the Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls?

Yes. You swim in the Emerald Pool itself, and at Trafalgar Falls you soak in the warm sulfur pools at the base of the falls rather than swimming in the main cascade.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide, fresh spring water, sodas and rum punches throughout the day. Site entry fees of eight dollars each at the Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls are paid separately when you arrive at each location.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear shoes that grip wet rocks and forest trails. The walks are short but the ground is uneven and often damp. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and sunscreen. The guide provides drinks, but you may want to carry extra water or snacks.