Colihaut Travel Guide

City Coastal Dominica village with small fishing community

Colihaut perches on a rugged northwest cove; people stop for seaside viewpoints, small-boat fishing, informal beachside cooking and access to walking routes that thread the island’s coastal ridges.

Main image
Costs
USD 45-80 per day - budget traveler
Small guesthouses and local food keep daily costs modest; tours and guides add expense.
Safety
Generally safe; beware weather-related hazards
Low crime but remote roads and river crossings can be risky in heavy rain.
Best Time
December-April (best for hiking and coast)
Visit in Dominica's dry season for hiking and calmer seas.
Time
Weather
Population
890
Infrastructure & Convenience
Single coastal road, occasional minibuses, basic shops and local services.
Popularity
Very low tourist numbers; popular with hikers and travelers seeking quiet coastal villages.
Known For
rocky beaches, fishing village, Colihaut River, Morne Diablotin foothills, hiking access, rural agriculture, Creole food, local boat culture
Colihaut sits at the mouth of the Colihaut River on Dominica's northwest coast.

Why Visit Colihaut? #

Colihaut is a windswept coastal village favored for its dramatic bay, community fishing culture and easy access to hidden river gorges. Visitors come for Colihaut Bay’s raw seascapes, plates of fresh grilled fish and bakes at the waterfront, and the friendly energy of weekend markets. The place feels intimate and local, with Creole food and boat trips to nearby snorkeling spots underlining its seaside appeal.

Top Things to Do in Colihaut

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Colihaut Bay - Small rocky bay ideal for sunset walks and local fishing-boat views.
  • Coulibistrie River - Serene river with dramatic gorge, local swimming holes, and riverside coconut palms.
  • Morne Diablotin National Park - Towering mountain with rugged trails and rare endemic birdlife within reachable distance.
Hidden Gems
  • Coulibistrie village - Quiet coastal community with craft stalls, tidal pools, and scenic headlands.
  • Batibou Beach - Secluded lush palm-fringed beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxed picnics.
  • Colihaut River Gorge - Steep river gorge with small waterfalls, natural pools popular with adventurous swimmers.
Day Trips
  • Morne Diablotin National Park - Day trek to Dominica's highest peak, rich in birdlife and rainforest views.
  • Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley - Explore Fort Shirley, historic military ruins, and snorkeling off the Cabrits peninsula.

Best Time to Visit Colihaut #

Visit Colihaut during the drier, slightly cooler months (December-May) when trails and beaches are at their best. The wet season (June-November) brings frequent heavy rain and hurricane risk; expect lush scenery but muddy trails and possible travel disruptions.

Cool Season
December - February · 23°C - 28°C (73°F - 82°F)
Breezy, lower humidity and fewer showers; ideal for hiking Morne Trois Pitons, snorkeling, and avoiding mosquitoes. Beaches are quieter and travel logistics are simpler.
Hot Season
March - May · 25°C - 31°C (77°F - 88°F)
Warmer, sunnier days with higher humidity; great for beaches and water sports, but expect sporadic heavy showers and stronger afternoon sun-pack reef shoes, sunscreen, and patience.
Rainy Season
June - November · 24°C - 30°C (75°F - 86°F)
Frequent heavy rain, high humidity and risk of tropical storms; waterfalls and rivers are spectacular but trails can be muddy and some ferries disrupted.

Best Time to Visit Colihaut #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1992 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

80 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.5h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

136 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

169 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (233 mm).

68 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

233 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (242 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 31°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

242 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (232 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

232 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (243 mm).

76 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

243 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (179 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.1h daylight

How to Get to Colihaut

Colihaut is a small coastal village on Dominica's northwest coast. It's most easily reached by road after flying into either Douglas‑Charles (DOM) or Canefield (DCF), with taxis and shared minibuses providing the usual links.

By Air

Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM): DOM on the northeast coast is one of the main entry points for northern and central parts of Dominica. From DOM to Colihaut expect a road journey of roughly 30-60 minutes; taxis commonly charge around XCD 40-80, while shared minibuses (where available) are cheaper but slower.

Canefield Airport (DCF): Canefield serves Roseau and the south of the island; reaching Colihaut from DCF requires driving north along the west coast and can take 60-90+ minutes by taxi (roughly XCD 60-120) or longer by connecting minibuses via Roseau.

By Train & Bus

Train: Dominica has no train services.

Bus / Minibus: Public minibuses and route taxis run between Roseau and several northwestern villages; you may need to change in Portsmouth or Coulibistrie depending on the route. Fares are low (roughly XCD 2-12 depending on distance); travel times vary with transfers and stops - allow one to two hours from Roseau.

How to Get Around Colihaut #

Colihaut is compact and easy to explore on foot. There’s no formal public-transport hub here, so locals use shared minibuses, private taxis or hitch rides with passing vehicles for longer trips. Inter-village travel can be slow and weather-dependent; if you need regular transfers, arrange them through your accommodation or a local driver and keep cash handy.

Where to Stay in Colihaut #

Budget
Colihaut village - $15-60/night
Colihaut has very few formal hotels - mostly guesthouses and small lodges. Expect rustic, locally run stays or drive to larger towns for more choice.
Mid-Range
Roseau / Portsmouth - $80-180/night
Mid-range options are concentrated in Roseau or Portsmouth; staying there gives more amenities and reliable transport links to Colihaut.
Luxury
Portsmouth / southwest coast - $250+/night
There are essentially no full-service luxury hotels in Colihaut itself; top resorts are located elsewhere on the island and require travel.

Where to Eat in Colihaut #

Nearby Cities #