Island
Hopper
GUIDES

Dominica Builds a Global Airport and Marina

Dominica’s focus on building resilience since Hurricane Maria is creating incredible opportunities for visitors. The country is actively developing infrastructure that will transform your travel experience. Imagine arriving at a new international airport designed to welcome more direct flights, opening up easier access to this stunning Nature Isle.

Emily’s Take

Dominica is making major strides after natural disasters, focusing on infrastructure that will directly benefit travelers. It’s an exciting time to plan a visit.

One of the most significant projects underway is the development of a new international airport. This ambitious undertaking aims to connect Dominica more directly with major global hubs, making your journey smoother and more convenient than ever before.

The plan involves securing loans for this massive project, recognizing that no single bank will fund it alone. The government’s commitment to this goal means that while building an international airport is a huge financial undertaking, it’s seen as essential for Dominica’s sustained economic growth.

International Airport Development

Best for


The vision for Dominica’s future includes a new international airport, a project designed to significantly boost the island’s accessibility and economic potential. This is a crucial step in transforming how visitors reach and experience the Nature Isle.

Currently, Douglas Charles Airport has seen enhancements, including lighting and runway extensions, which have already enabled night landings and brought commercial flights from North America. This includes services from American Airlines and, soon, United Airlines, with ongoing discussions for direct flights from Canada and New York.

Douglas Charles Airport
Airport · Melville Hall
This airport is central to Dominica’s current air access. Recent upgrades have expanded its capabilities, allowing for more international flights, including those from major North American carriers.

The ongoing development suggests a future where accessing Dominica will be simpler, allowing more time for exploration and less for transit headaches. This makes it a more attractive destination for family vacations and solo adventures alike.

Michael and I are always looking for destinations that are becoming easier to reach, and this news about Dominica’s airport plans is very encouraging. With Lily and Ethan, convenient travel is key to a relaxing vacation.

E
The investment in air travel infrastructure seems like a smart move to open Dominica up to a wider range of visitors.
— Emily Carter

Cruise Village Expansion

Best for


Plans for a new Cruise Village are set to transform the experience for cruise ship visitors, bringing significant foreign investment and enhancing Dominica’s allure for maritime tourism.

This project is being developed in two phases. The first involves extending the pier at Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, ensuring larger ships can dock safely. Following this, world-class facilities and a new cruise village will take shape.

Discussions with major cruise line executives in Miami have been highly positive, leading to immediate staff directives for increased calls to Dominica. One cruise line has even expressed interest in a 10-year agreement, guaranteeing a minimum number of visitors annually.

Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard Pier
Port Area · Roseau
This key area in Roseau is undergoing upgrades to accommodate larger cruise ships. The planned Cruise Village here aims to provide a comprehensive visitor experience, from docking to onshore amenities.

This development promises direct foreign investment, meaning capital comes into Dominica to build these new facilities. It’s a strategy to boost revenue and foreign exchange earnings for the island.

The prospect of more cruise ships means more opportunities for local vendors and tour operators. For families like ours, arriving by cruise offers a structured yet engaging way to see a new destination.

Worth knowing

The Cruise Village project is designed to not only facilitate larger vessels but also to enhance the overall visitor experience upon arrival, offering a more cohesive and attractive introduction to the island.

Imagine stepping off a ship and directly into a well-equipped area designed for an enjoyable onshore experience. It’s a welcome development for the cruise tourism sector.

Marina Construction in Portsmouth

Best for


A new marina is planned for Portsmouth, a project expected to bring significant benefits to the entire island, not just the immediate vicinity.

While the marina is located in Portsmouth, its positive ripple effects will be felt across Dominica, including areas like the Roseau Valley. Visitors arriving on yachts will not only dock but will also rent cars, explore scenic spots, and dine at restaurants, creating sustained economic activity.

Portsmouth
Town · North Dominica
Portsmouth is slated to become home to a new marina. This development is designed to attract yachting tourism, bringing a new dimension to the visitor experience and boosting local businesses through increased client spending.

This initiative is creating jobs during its construction phase and will provide permanent, sustainable employment opportunities once completed. It’s a clear sign of Dominica’s commitment to economic diversification.

I love the idea of a vibrant marina. It often means charming waterfront areas with cafes and shops, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll. I can picture Lily and Ethan enjoying watching the boats.

Practical tip

When visiting areas near new developments like the Portsmouth Marina, look for opportunities to engage with local businesses, as they are often the first to benefit and offer authentic experiences.

Cable Car Project Progress

Best for


The construction of what is described as the world’s longest cable car is advancing steadily, promising a unique way to experience Dominica’s natural beauty.

This project is already providing employment for over 200 locals, demonstrating a strong commitment to involving the community in major development initiatives. The marina project has also employed over 50 people, contributing to local livelihoods.

World’s Longest Cable Car (Under Construction)
Attraction · Specific Location TBD
This ambitious cable car project is set to offer unparalleled views and a novel way to traverse Dominica’s lush landscapes. Its development is a significant source of local employment and a future highlight for visitors seeking adventure.

The employment generated by these projects ensures that locals are participants in their country’s development. This focus on empowering residents is a critical aspect of Dominica’s rebuilding and growth strategy.

A ride on a cable car often offers breathtaking perspectives, and I expect this one to be no different. Lily is always excited about anything that takes us up high, and this sounds like it will be a memorable experience for both kids.

Worth knowing

The cable car project is an example of Dominica’s investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure, aiming to provide unique visitor experiences while engaging the local workforce.

The progress on these various infrastructure projects — the airport, cruise village, marina, and cable car — highlights Dominica’s forward-looking approach. It is transforming itself into a more accessible and dynamic destination for travelers.

It’s clear that Dominica is building for the future, and these developments will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for everyone who visits. The focus on resilience and growth is creating a compelling case for a visit.

We’re definitely adding Dominica to our list for an upcoming trip. The combination of natural beauty and these exciting new developments sounds perfect.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Emily Carter

I’m Emily Carter, a travel writer who’s on the road most of the year—sometimes with my husband Michael and our kids, Lily and Ethan, and other times traveling solo so I can focus closely on one place. When you travel with me through my writing, you’ll notice I move slowly, walking local streets, stopping at markets, and paying attention to how a place really feels once you’re there.When I’m traveling with my family, I’m always thinking about what will work well for you if you have kids, and what often gets overlooked. When I’m on my own, I spend more time in neighborhoods, along coastal paths, or in historic areas where daily life unfolds naturally. I focus on practical details, everyday food, and real experiences, so you know what you’ll actually see, hear, and experience when you arrive.

And oh, I may earn a small commission from affiliate links, which helps support the site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support!

Leave a Reply

Readers'
Top Picks

Hiking Dominica’s Wild Volcanic Interior

Dominica, often called the Nature Island, is a place where raw, volcanic landscapes take precedence over manicured resorts. It’s this untamed spirit that drew me in, promising an escape into pockets of intact ecosystems and dramatic natural scenery, both on land and at sea. Emily’s Take Dominica delivers an

Read More »

Dominica’s Boiling Lake’s Shifting Moods

Dominica’s Boiling Lake is a natural wonder with a history of unpredictable behavior. Located within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this second-largest flooded fumarole on Earth offers a unique experience for adventurers. The journey to the lake itself is part of the adventure,

Read More »

Dominica’s Nature Island: Soak in Hot Springs

Dominica might be known as “The Nature Island,” but for me, it was a destination that lingered in my mind long after a fleeting encounter with Sporcle quizzes. The prospect of a new, unspoiled locale with a five-star resort, the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, finally provided the

Read More »

Find Nature’s Might in Dominica’s Hot Springs and Falls

Imagine an island where the air hums with the promise of adventure, a place less about manicured resorts and more about raw, untamed nature. Dominica, the Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” fits this vision perfectly. It’s a land sculpted by volcanic forces, draped in emerald rainforests, and laced with a network

Read More »

Hike to Dominica’s Boiling Lake, a Volcanic Wonder

Dominica offers a journey into volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests, demanding a spirit of adventure. Your exploration here often involves navigating challenging terrain, but the rewards are significant. E Michael always jokes I’m drawn to the ‘wild’ places, and Dominica certainly fits that bill. It’s a country where nature

Read More »