Colihaut 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.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Colihaut at a Glance#
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.
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.
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Colihaut#
Colihaut Bucket List#
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.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1992 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 25° | 133 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.2h |
| February | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 25° | 88 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 26° | 89 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 136 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.7h |
| June | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 165 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.9h |
| July | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 169 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| August | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 233 mm | some cloud | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
| September | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 242 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 232 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 243 mm | some cloud | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| December | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 179 mm | some cloud | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.1h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
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 best reached by taxi or hired car; public minibuses are the cheapest option but can require transfers and longer travel times. Walking covers most village‑level exploration.
- Taxi (XCD 40-120) - Taxis provide the most direct journeys to Colihaut from the island’s airports and main towns. Fares depend on distance and negotiation - from nearby airports expect XCD 40-120. A private taxi saves time and avoids transfers.
- Public minibus (XCD 2-12) - Shared minibuses are cheap and frequent on major corridors but can require changes for smaller villages. Expect informal schedules and multiple stops; confirm the driver’s route before boarding. Good value for budget travelers.
- Car hire (XCD 200-400 per day (approx.)) - Renting a car from Roseau or Douglas‑Charles gives freedom to explore the northwestern coast and access beaches and trails off the main road. Road widths and gradients vary - drive cautiously in wet weather.
- Local taxi/ship charters (Varies) - For coastal trips or if road sections are disrupted, local boat operators offer private transfers; these are more expensive but useful for certain itineraries. Check safety equipment and prices up front.
- Motorbike / scooter (rental) (XCD 50-150 per day (approx.)) - Scooter hire is possible in larger towns but is less common than cars; only recommended for experienced riders comfortable with narrow, winding coastal roads. Fuel is inexpensive but insurance may be limited.
- Walking - Colihaut itself is small and walkable; use walking to reach local beaches, shops and viewpoints. Paths can be uneven and muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Colihaut#
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.
Jungle Bay Resort & Spa - Budget-friendly eco bungalow options.
Rosalie Bay Resort - Smaller rooms; quieter east-coast location.
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.
Fort Young Hotel (Roseau) - Reliable mid-range hotel in Roseau.
Secret Bay - Boutique, higher-end villas near Portsmouth.
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.
Secret Bay - High-end private villas and services.
Jungle Bay Resort & Spa - Eco-luxury with spa and excursions.