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.
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 ›- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Colihaut #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1992 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (233 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (242 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (232 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (243 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (179 mm).
Comfort
Weather
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.
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.
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 #
- Jungle Bay Resort & Spa - Budget-friendly eco bungalow options.
- Rosalie Bay Resort - Smaller rooms; quieter east-coast location.
- Fort Young Hotel (Roseau) - Reliable mid-range hotel in Roseau.
- Secret Bay - Boutique, higher-end villas near Portsmouth.
- Secret Bay - High-end private villas and services.
- Jungle Bay Resort & Spa - Eco-luxury with spa and excursions.