Coastal Villages in Dominica
Coastal villages in Dominica form a vibrant necklace around the island’s mountainous core, where life meets land and sea in harmony, struggle, and survival. Framed by black sand beaches, deep bays, and winding rivers, these communities have long depended on the ocean for food, trade, and identity. They are vital to the island’s agricultural sector, cultural expression, and natural heritage.
Dominica’s coastal settlements stretch along the Atlantic and Caribbean shores, each with unique ecological features and historical relevance. From the wind-swept cliffs of the east to the calm harbours of the west, these villages continue to evolve while remaining rooted in centuries of tradition.
Atlantic Coastline: Agriculture, Fishing, and Rugged Beauty
Facing the vast Atlantic Ocean, the east coast is defined by raw natural power. Villages like Wesley, Marigot, Calibishie, Castle Bruce, and La Plaine live with the rhythm of the sea and the challenge of steep hillsides and inland rivers. This region is a stronghold for agriculture, especially banana cultivation, root crops, and small livestock rearing.
Wesley is closely tied to the legacy of the Hampstead Estate and sits near important waterways like the Londonderry River and Toulaman River. Nearby, Marigot hosts key facilities like the Douglas-Charles Airport and the dramatic site known as Sam’s Gutter.
Calibishie has emerged as a hub for eco-tourism, close to Batibou Beach, Hampstead Beach, and Number One Beach. The area balances traditional fishing with sustainable guesthouse development, supported by access via the Melville Hall – Portsmouth Road.
To the south, Castle Bruce—Dominica’s largest east coast settlement—is surrounded by fertile valleys and serves as a gateway to trails and freshwater features like Emerald Pool, Castle Bruce River and Richmond River. These inland river systems connect with the lush interior of the Central Forest Reserve, forming a vital agricultural corridor.
Caribbean Coastline: Port Life, Heritage, and Marine Access
Dominica’s west coast is shaped by the calm Caribbean Sea and dotted with vibrant villages like Soufrière, Scotts Head, Mahaut, Colihaut, and Dublanc. These communities are historically tied to shipping, artisanal fishing, and early colonial development.
Soufrière and Scotts Head are nestled within the Soufrière Scotts Head Marine Reserve, offering rich biodiversity and prime locations for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishery activity. The Scotts Head Pinnacle, where the Atlantic and Caribbean waters meet, remains one of the island’s most iconic vistas.
Further north, Mahaut is positioned along the Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway and sits near industrial facilities and port infrastructure. Its rivers and estuaries flow into the sea, shaping mangrove ecosystems and fish nurseries.
Colihaut and Dublanc, small yet proud villages in Saint Peter Parish, have faced hurricanes and sea-level rise but continue to thrive on a mix of agriculture and nearshore fishing. Their festivals and community spirit are grounded in family ties and coastal resilience.
In Bioche, time seems to pause. This tiny village still reflects the quiet rhythms of coastal life, with hand-cast fishing nets, morning beach landings, and intimate social gatherings.
Northern Coast: Culture, Capes, and Cinematic Scenery
The north coast holds some of Dominica’s most scenic and least-developed coastal villages, including Capuchin, Toucari, Penville, and parts of Portsmouth. Their landscapes range from towering headlands to calm inlets, offering dramatic views and cultural significance.
Capuchin is famous for its view of Capuchin Cape, once a lookout point during colonial conflicts and used as a location in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest Filming in Dominica. The cliffs and coastlines here form part of Dominica’s cinematic and natural identity.
Toucari has gained popularity for its beach, coral reefs, and emerging marine excursions, while Penville rests at the base of Morne Aux Diables, where forest trails lead to farming areas and river crossings. These villages share rich oral traditions and are closely tied to Kalinago ancestry and Maroon escape routes.
Portsmouth, the island’s second-largest town, includes communities like Zicack, Picard, Glanvillia, and Tanetane. The town boasts active commercial zones such as the Portsmouth Market and the Portsmouth Fisheries Complex, serving the wider northern region. Its harbour is also a key point for marine tourism and coastal trading, with connections to initiatives like Yachters Appreciation Week (YAW).
Urban-Adjacent Coasts: Evolution and Community Balance
Not all coastal villages are remote. Some border major urban zones and navigate the pressures of development and tradition. Newtown, just south of Roseau, is one such place. Once a fishing village, it is now a mixed-use community featuring institutions like the Newtown Fisheries Complex, Newtown Primary School, and Newtown Playing Field.
It is also home to the Newtown Association of Yacht Security and Services (NAYSS), which supports yacht-based tourism. Historic streets like Victoria Street and community landmarks such as the Our Lady of Fatima Church and Anglican Cemetery preserve Newtown’s identity even as it grows.
Nearby, Loubiere, Castle Comfort, and Wallhouse are known for guesthouses and dive centers that cater to international visitors. These areas connect closely with the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth and national institutions like the Inland Revenue Division and the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation.
Tradition, Economy, and the Ocean’s Pulse
What unites Dominica’s coastal villages is their shared connection to the sea—whether through tradition, economy, or environmental stewardship. These communities are custodians of stories, stewards of fisheries, and keepers of ancestral land.
They play a central role in environmental conservation, including protected areas for Leatherback Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles, seasonal Turtle Watching, and the management of marine biodiversity. Many are also engaged in cooperative networks like the Newtown Fisheries Cooperative, combining ancestral knowledge with modern techniques.