Traveling To Dominica: Affordable Or Pricey?

Planning a trip to Dominica? Here's what you need to know about the costs.

Dominica is a moderately-priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable prices for food, accommodation, and transportation. Compared to the US or Europe, the cost of living in Dominica is relatively low. Eating out is cheap, with a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costing around $7, and a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costing $55. A hostel dorm bed costs around $27 per night, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around $330 per month. Local transport is also affordable, with Dominica's taxis being the most popular and affordable way to get around the island.

On average, visitors to Dominica spend between $623 and $2,741 on a week-long trip, with the average being $1,427. This covers food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation. A mid-range budget for a daily budget is around $204, while a higher-end luxury budget is $392 per day.

So, is Dominica expensive for travel? Not really – it's one of the cheaper Caribbean islands to visit.

Eating and drinking out in Dominica

Dominica is known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. The island offers a range of dining options, from budget-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants. Here is a guide to help you navigate eating and drinking out in Dominica:

Dining Out in Dominica:

• Inexpensive restaurants: You can find meals in budget-friendly restaurants for around $7 USD. These restaurants typically serve local cuisine and may include "snackettes," which offer complete dinners at affordable prices.
• Mid-range restaurants: A mid-range restaurant will cost you about $7.40 USD for a meal, and a three-course meal for two people will cost around $55 USD.
• Fast food: Fast-food options are available, with a combo meal at KFC or similar restaurants costing around $6.66 USD.
• Fine dining: For a more luxurious dining experience, be prepared to spend upwards of $117 USD for a dinner for two at one of the island's most popular restaurants.

Drinks in Dominica:

• Alcoholic beverages: The average daily spending on alcoholic drinks in Dominica is about $17 USD per person. Domestic beer costs around $1.85 USD in a restaurant, while imported beer is priced at $2.40-$2.60 USD for a 0.33-liter bottle.
• Non-alcoholic beverages: A bottle of water (1.5 litres) costs around $1.90 USD, and a cup of coffee ranges from $2-$2.80 USD. Fresh fruit juices, such as grapefruit juice and coconut water, are also available from vendors along the roadside.

Grocery Shopping in Dominica:

When it comes to grocery shopping in Dominica, prices can vary depending on the type of product and whether it is locally produced or imported. Here are some average prices for common food items:

• Fresh produce: Bananas are inexpensive, with three bananas costing around $1 USD. However, other fruits and vegetables can be more expensive, with a pound of carrots costing $5 USD.
• Meat and seafood: A pound of fresh fish costs around $7-8 USD, while a whole local chicken is priced at $35 USD.
• Dairy: Milk (1 litre) costs around $3.50 USD, and a loaf of fresh white bread is priced at $2.59-$2.60 USD.
• Snacks and treats: A box of Kellogg's Cornflakes is priced at £6, and a local snack called "Tasty Bakes" (fried dough) can be found at roadside stands and small restaurants.

Tips for Eating and Drinking in Dominica:

• Eat locally: Consuming locally produced food is a great way to keep costs down. Dominica's local markets offer a variety of fresh produce and local specialities at reasonable prices.
• Drink water: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce your environmental impact.
• Explore street food: Try the local street food, such as "Tasty Bakes," to experience authentic Dominican flavours at affordable prices.
• Fishermen's catch: If you're a seafood lover, head directly to the fishermen to purchase fresh fish at better prices than supermarkets.

Local transport costs

Local transportation in Dominica is generally affordable, with taxis and buses available throughout the island at lower prices than in the US. The average cost per kilometre in a taxi is $3.70, and a one-way ticket on public transport is just $0.93 compared to the US average of $2.50.

However, it's worth noting that Dominica has limited options for public transportation, so you may want to consider renting a car or arranging alternative transportation in advance. This could include a tour, which will likely include transportation.

If you're planning to use taxis frequently, it may be helpful to know that they are the most popular and affordable way to commute on the island. The cost of a taxi from Douglas-Charles Airport to Roseau is $30.

Healthcare costs

Community health services are free for citizens of Dominica and permanent residents. However, it is recommended that visitors to the island purchase a private health care scheme. Health insurance is necessary for expats who wish to have access to quality treatment.

Dominica is known as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean", and as such, your biggest health concern while visiting is likely to be sunburn or mosquito bites. The island is completely free of poisonous animals.

Healthcare standards in Dominica are not as comprehensive as what many travellers might be used to. Except for minor surgeries, treatments and sophisticated diagnostic tests are usually performed outside the country. Therefore, your health insurance policy should cover emergency evacuation.

Dominica has four main public hospitals. Princess Margaret Hospital is the only public hospital that can handle emergency operations or surgery. There are also several health clinics and centres throughout Dominica. The country is divided into seven health districts, each of which has its own public clinic that offers free and easy access to healthcare services.

Private clinics, which are found in the larger towns and cities, require upfront cash payment. These clinics offer standard patient care, intensive care units, and operation facilities. The staff and medical professionals in these hospitals often communicate in English.

The quality of healthcare in Dominica differs across the country. Private hospitals have the latest medical equipment, well-trained staff, and high healthcare standards. On the other hand, public hospitals lack quality medical equipment and staff.

The cost of public health services is low, but quality and accessibility are issues. Locals will incur waiting lists and accessibility issues in the public system.

The average person spends about $17 (EC$46) on alcoholic beverages in Dominica per day. Alcohol is generally cheaper than in the US. A domestic beer costs $1.85 in a restaurant, compared to $6 on average in the United States.

Health Insurance Options

Health insurance companies such as Allianz, Cigna Global Health, and Clements Worldwide offer full coverage for retirees in Dominica.

Pacific Prime offers a wide array of travel insurance policies and health insurance plans, as well as benefit package options such as inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and dental.

Vaccinations

Along with routine vaccinations such as chickenpox, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), travellers to Dominica are also advised to get vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis. Those arriving from a country with yellow fever risk are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Cost of accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Dominica varies depending on the type of lodging and location. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for accommodation:

Hotels

On average, a hotel room in Dominica costs $270 (EC$730) per night for a typical double-occupancy room. This price can vary depending on location, date, season, and level of luxury. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is priced at $330 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs $950 per month. Outside the city centre, prices are lower, with a one-bedroom apartment costing $230 and a three-bedroom apartment costing $620.

Hostels

Hostels are a more affordable option, with an average price of $27 per night for a dorm bed. This is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers or those looking for a more social atmosphere.

Luxury Accommodations

For those seeking luxury accommodations, prices can be significantly higher. For example, the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, located north of Portsmouth, offers rooms starting at $103 per night for a room sleeping three people. The presidential suite at this resort is rumoured to cost around $15,000 per night.

Vacation Rentals

For longer stays, renting a vacation home or apartment can be a more cost-effective option. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can be found for $330 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs $950 per month. Outside the city centre, prices drop even lower, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $230 per month and a three-bedroom apartment costing $620 per month.

Packages and Tours

Organized tours typically include accommodation in their pricing. On average, organized tour packages in Dominica cost $199 per day and offer convenience and peace of mind.

When planning your trip to Dominica, it is important to consider your budget and travel style. Prices can vary depending on the season, with higher rates during the peak season from October to January. Additionally, it is worth noting that Dominica has a limited number of hostels, and budget-conscious travellers might consider budget hotels or apartment rentals as alternative options.

Cost of leisure activities

Dominica is known as the nature island, with its lush rainforests, incredible volcanic landscapes, and rugged bays. It is a haven for adventurers, with nine volcanoes, 365 rivers, 18 named waterfalls, and one boiling lake.

The island offers a range of leisure activities to suit different interests and budgets. Here is a breakdown of the costs of some popular leisure activities in Dominica:

Hiking

Dominica boasts a vast network of hiking trails that wind through its diverse landscapes. The Waitukubuli National Trail, for example, is a 114-mile hiking trail that takes hikers through Kalinago villages, up volcanoes, past waterfalls, and across rivers. Most of the trail is easily accessible and well-marked, making it ideal for hikers of all experience levels.

Hiking in Dominica can be done independently or with a guided tour. Guided tours typically include transportation to and from the trailhead, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes additional activities or attractions. Prices for guided hiking tours can vary depending on the length of the hike, the size of the group, and the specific company, but generally range from $45 for a half-day tour to $199 for a full-day excursion.

Water Activities

Dominica's clear waters offer a plethora of water activities, including sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and whale watching. These activities can often be booked as part of a tour or through dedicated activity providers. Prices for these activities vary:

• Whale watching tours typically cost around $69 per person.
• Scuba diving can range from $108 for a two-tank dive to several hundred dollars for a full certification course.
• Snorkelling equipment rental can be around $20 per day.
• Sailing charters can vary depending on the boat size and duration but expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a half-day or full-day trip.

Sightseeing and Attractions

Dominica has numerous natural and cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Many of these attractions charge an entrance fee, which can vary depending on the site. Here are some examples of entrance fees for popular attractions in Dominica:

• Trafalgar Falls: $5 USD
• Cabrits National Park: Covered by the $12 USD tourist site pass.
• Emerald Pool: Covered by the $12 USD tourist site pass.
• Middleham Falls: Covered by the $12 USD tourist site pass.
• Soufriere Sulphur Springs: Covered by the $12 USD tourist site pass.
• Boiling Lake: Covered by the $12 USD tourist site pass.
• Morne Trois Pitons Trail: Covered by the $12 USD tourist site pass.

Food Tours and Dining

Dominica offers a diverse dining scene, from local cuisine in small family-run restaurants to upscale international restaurants. Food tours are also available, allowing visitors to explore the island's culinary offerings and local ingredients.

• A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost around $7.
• A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost approximately $55.
• A meal at KFC or a similar fast-food restaurant will cost about $6.66.
• Local food tours typically cost around $100-$150 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions.

Transportation

To get around Dominica and reach some of the more remote attractions and activities, you will need to utilise local transportation options. Here are the average costs for different transportation methods:

• Local bus: $0.93 per ticket.
• Taxi: $3.70 per kilometre.
• Car rental: $50 per day.

Other Activities

Dominica also offers a range of other leisure activities, including:

• Bird watching: With over 175 bird species on the island, bird watching is a popular activity.
• Mountain biking: The island's rugged terrain offers challenging trails for mountain bikers.
• Cultural experiences: Visitors can explore the local culture through activities such as Caribbean cooking classes, which typically cost around $60-$100 per person.

Overall, the cost of leisure activities in Dominica can vary depending on the specific activities and the duration. However, there are options available to suit a range of budgets, from free natural attractions to more expensive guided tours and upscale dining experiences.

Frequently asked questions