Titou Gorge: Dominica's Emerald Jewel
Swim through a volcanic gorge to a hidden waterfall in Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park. A Pirates of the Caribbean filming location!
Titou Gorge, meaning "little throat" in Creole, is a captivating natural attraction located near the village of Laudat in Dominica. Formed by the cooling and splitting of molten volcanic lava, this narrow gorge offers a unique swimming experience through a series of natural chambers and ponds. The adventure begins with a refreshing plunge into the cool, emerald waters. As you swim through the gorge, towering rock walls rise on either side, with interlaced trees forming a canopy above. The sunlight filtering through creates a magical atmosphere, spotlighting swimmers as they navigate the narrow passageway. The swim to the hidden waterfall at the end of the gorge is short but invigorating, with the current providing a bit of a challenge. Along the way, you'll encounter smaller chambers and mini-waterfalls, with opportunities to hang from vines and test the echo of the surrounding walls. Titou Gorge is also known for its connection to the film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," where it served as a filming location for the scene featuring Captain Jack Sparrow tumbling down a gorge in a vine cage. A hot spring trickles down a short wall just outside the entrance, offering a warm respite after the cool swim.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid crowds. The lighting is also best during these times.
- Rent a life vest at the entrance for safety, even if you're a strong swimmer. The currents can be strong.
- Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the experience.
- Wear water shoes to navigate the rocky terrain comfortably.
- Bring a dry towel and warm clothes to change into after your swim.
A brief summary to Titou Gorge
- Laudat, DM
- +1767-612-3637
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Roseau, a taxi or ride-share is the most direct way to reach Titou Gorge. The journey is approximately 25 minutes along a scenic route. Negotiate the fare beforehand, which typically costs around $60 USD for a round trip, potentially including stops at other nearby attractions like Trafalgar Falls. The taxi will drop you off directly at the entrance to Titou Gorge in Laudat.
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Public Transport
For a budget-friendly option from Roseau, take a minibus to Laudat. These buses depart from the Valley Road bus stop in Roseau. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes. The fare is approximately EC$4.50 (about $1.67 USD) each way. From the bus stop in Laudat, it's a 17-minute walk to Titou Gorge. Be aware that bus schedules can be infrequent, especially on Sundays, so check locally for the latest times.
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Walking
From the parking lot, it's less than a 5-minute walk to the entrance of the gorge. Follow the path to the gorge entrance.
