DOMINICA: Paddling Waitukubuli Sea Trail (Manhattan Kayak)

Location

Soufriere, Saint Mark Parish

Group Size

4 people per guide

Duration

8 days

2025 Dates: March 8 - 15

This is a private trip for Manhattan Kayak.

A winter kayak trip to the Caribbean sounds nice, doesn’t it?  What if your idea of a kayak isn’t a resort sit-on-top? What if you might like to paddle some distance, play in some surf and maybe do some snorkeling? How about a place where you can do all that in genuine enthusiast kayaks (think Nigel Dennis) with solid coaches and local guides. Add in 5000-foot mountains, waterfalls, rivers, clear water, jungle excursions, direct flight access from Miami, English speaking natives and a water trail and you have a winner!

Dominica lies nestled between Guadeloupe and Martinique down South of the Virgin Islands. It is served by American Airlines by direct daily flights from Miami and Puerto Rico. Unlike other destinations in the West Indies, this island is not home to myriad all-inclusive resorts and carpeted with beach goers.  Dominica is a natural paradise of mountains, tropical forest, waterfalls, rivers and NATURE, which is a resource they protect and show off.

A crew of ambitious locals got together with Nigel Dennis to bring in a superb fleet of expedition kayaks in all shapes and sizes to access a new national water trail that shows off its western coastline, with stops at guesthouses along the way. It showcases hiking, sea and river paddling, some river bars for surfing, diving, snorkeling, local tropical cuisine, three national parks and some interesting historical sites. We may even call one of those home for a night or two. Oh yeah, did I mention sleeping in beds, showers and cold drinks in the evening? Not a camping trip.

Intrigued? Here’s a sample itinerary:

Sample Itinerary

ARRIVAL DAY

  • Trip Briefing, and Welcome Dinner
  • Overnight at Soufriere Guesthouse

DAY 2 – Welcome to Dominica Paddle/ Soufriere to Roseau

  • Welcome to Dominica, orientation paddle and snorkel to Scotts Head and on to Roseau
  • Overnight at Anchorage Hotel

DAY 3: Roseau to Batalie, passing colorful villagesi

  • Paddle past the capital city, Roseau
  • Kayak Surfing at Layou River
  • Snorkeling at the famous Champagne Beach
  • Lodging: Sunset Bay

DAY 4: Rest Day

  • Visit local sites such as farm to table farm and hot springs
  • Enjoy Sunset Bay 
  • Lodging: Sunset Bay

DAY 5: Paddle to Portsmouth

  • Paddle past changing landscapes
  • View local filming areas for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
  • Stop along the way at Secret Beach
  • Accommodation: Pickard Beach Cottages

DAY 6: Explore the Indian River and Cabrits National Park

  • Paddle up the Indian River and tour Cabrits National Park 
  • Accommodation: Pickard Beach Cottages

DAY 7: Segment 14 to the Guadeloupe Channel!

  • Paddle the final segment to Guadeloupe Channel 
  • Celebrate at Peter’s Bar, Capuchin
  • Final Dinner and celebration
  • Accommodation: Pickard Beach Cottages

Day 8: Depart

  • Breakfast and transfers to airport

NOTE: This trip requires a minimum of 5 kayakers and has a maximum capacity of 8 (maybe 9). If we do not meet the 4 person minimum by January 1, 2025 deposits will be refunded minus the Origin handling fees. Everyone will be notified as soon as we reach the minimum so travel arrangements can be arranged. We will provide guidance on flights, which are limited and book quickly. 

What’s Included

  • Airport Transfers on Dominica
  • Double occupancy lodging (single supplement available)
  • Uncommon Adventures paddling coach and a local guide
  • A great fleet of kayaks - mostly SKUK/NDK
  • Breakfasts and lunches and some dinners
  • Activity and trail fees

What’s Not Included

  • Airfares to and from Dominica
  • Pre and post trip lodging and activities
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Guide gratuity (5-10% suggested)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Dinners out at local restaurants along the trail

Personal Items: Be sure to review the packing list: It is important that you review this list early on in case you have questions or need to order gear.

FAQs: https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/wp-content/packing-lists/Dominica_faq.pdf