Intro
Boiling Lake is the must-do challenge hike in Dominica for people who want a real endurance day. Set inside a volcanic crater, it’s often described as the world’s second-largest boiling lake. The route takes you from rainforest to cloud forest, across Morne Nicholls, then into the surreal Valley of Desolation.
Quick facts
- Difficulty: 7/10
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Cost: Government user-fee applies (updated Dec 1, 2025). Guide prices typically start around US$60 per person.
What you’ll do
- Start from the Laudat area and hike through dense rainforest.
- Climb into cloud forest and reach Morne Nicholls (summit section).
- Descend into the Valley of Desolation with steaming vents and hot streams.
- Follow the route carefully through the valley (this is where people lose the trail).
- Reach Boiling Lake and admire it from a safe distance.
- Return the same way with extra care on the descent.
Key tips
- Guide is mandatory
- Do not start after 09:00 AM.
- Stay on the trail in the Valley of Desolation. Ground and water can be dangerously hot.
- Expect mud and slippery footing. Shoes with strong grip matter.
- Bring more water and snacks than you think you need, and take your time.