Chaudiere Pool

Chaudierre Pool – secret pool in the middle of the jungle

Chaudierre Pool is one of Dominica’s most stunning natural spots, yet remains relatively unknown. Its secluded location deep in the jungle, lack of a parking area, and unpredictable swimming conditions may be the reasons for its quieter presence.
But for those who prefer places without crowds and don’t mind a bit of adventure to get there, this hidden pool rewards visitors with breathtaking views, serenity, and a chance to cool off in crystal-clear water, if the weather allows.

Journey to Chaudierre Pool – from the car through the coconut palms

Unlike more popular destinations, don’t expect a designated parking lot here. You’ll need to leave your car by the roadside, finding a small spot to park in a nearby village, which navigation will lead you to.

From there, the journey continues on foot, starting along a dusty road. While driving through might be possible, parking is not—the road has no designated edges, leaving no safe place to stop.

Even here, breathtaking views begin to unfold—lush rainforest stretching endlessly and the distant sea shimmering on the horizon. And the best part? You might be the only tourist around.
This route is far from a commercial attraction, and that’s precisely what makes it so special. From the very first steps, it feels like discovering a forgotten corner of the world, a hidden gem known only to the locals.

The road turns into a forest

After about 20 minutes, we had descended low enough. The dusty road came to an end, and before us, a forest path opened up, inviting us deeper into the wilderness. The landscape felt more untouched, the air cooler, and the adventure just beginning.

The sound of the river grew closer, though the destination was still ahead. Small streams began to appear, crossed by wooden bridges leading us further into the forest.

After a few minutes of walking, the path begins to change—it narrows, becomes slightly steeper, and the ground feels softer underfoot. The air grows more humid, and the jungle thickens around you.
Vines hang from trees like natural curtains, while vibrant exotic flowers occasionally flicker into view, adding splashes of color to the dense greenery.

Keep an eye on the ground—not just for rocks, but also for tiny creatures. Lizards accompanied us throughout the journey, eagerly demonstrating their fondness for coconuts.
But they weren’t the only surprise. The forest was teeming with stunning yellow-brown crabs, their expressions full of astonishment as they spotted us passing by.

The forest finally gave way, and ahead, a sign for the pool came into view. With excitement building, we approached the last stretch toward the river, only to find it was a steep and challenging descent. Navigating it required careful footing, as the wet and slippery ground made each step tricky.
To stay safe, it was best to keep close to the rocks, which provided something sturdy to hold onto. This final obstacle added to the adventure, making the arrival at the pool all the more rewarding.

The river and the way on

After about 20 minutes in the forest (40 minutes in total), you finally reach the river. Don’t expect any signs — there aren’t any.
Sit by the river, have a quick snack, and get ready for the adventure ahead. The path disappears, leaving only two options — wade through the river or carefully pick the right stepping stones to cross.

Crossing the river isn’t difficult, but it does require caution. During the dry season, the water level stays low and the current remains gentle, but rainy weather changes everything. As the water rises, and the river gains strength. And in Dominica, rain is frequent, even in the dry season.
The stones are slippery, making balance tricky. Holding onto someone for support is the safest way to avoid a sudden misstep.

Standing in the middle of the river, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views in both directions. On one side, the waterfall flows directly toward Chaudierre Pool, while on the other, the river winds gently before vanishing into the dense forest.
There’s no need to cross the entire river—only a portion is required to reach the right bank and continue your journey deeper into this hidden paradise.

Once you safely cross the river, the final stretch of the journey is short. Just a few more meters through dense vegetation, and suddenly, Chaudierre Pool appears before you.

Chaudierre Pool – Crystalline Treasure or a Wild Element

During the dry season, the water in Chaudierre Pool turns a stunning crystal-clear blue, inviting visitors for a refreshing dip. The pool is surrounded by large rocks, adding to its secluded charm, while the waterfall cascading into it creates a soothing sound as it meets the surface.

Chaudierre Pool isn’t always calm. After rain or during the transition between dry and rainy seasons, it transforms into a wild force of nature. The water turns brown, the level rises, and the current strengthens, making swimming unsafe.
In such moments, it’s best to simply admire the raw power of nature and not try your luck.

How long is the hike?

The journey to Chaudierre Pool is far from easy. In fact, getting there is much simpler than making the return trip.
It’s best to start in the morning, before the heat intensifies, as nearly half of the route offers no shade. The descent to the pool takes about 45 minutes, but the climb back stretches to an hour, with sharp elevation gain and relentless sun exposure making it challenging — not just for children, but even more so for adults.
Planning accordingly can make the experience more enjoyable, so be sure to stay hydrated and pace yourself.

Every section of the journey revealed something new — lush green landscapes, scattered coconut palms, and quiet rivers hidden deep in dense vegetation made the hike worthwile.

Throughout the entire hike, we encountered just one couple of tourists. Otherwise, the trail was completely ours to enjoy. This solitude allowed us to savor every moment without distractions.
However, we weren’t entirely alone — goats kept us company.

Is it worth going here?

Chaudierre Pool is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and a secluded natural swimming spot. The journey isn’t the easiest, but that’s exactly what makes this place so special.
Arriving at the right time rewards you with stunning, refreshing swims in the heart of the wilderness. And even if the waters aren’t ideal, the hike itself, the scenic views, and the atmosphere of the jungle make the experience unforgettable.

If you’re as lucky as we were, you might spot parrots, announcing their presence with unmistakable calls echoing through the jungle. Their vibrant plumage and energetic chatter add another layer of magic to the adventure.
And just a short distance away lies Batibou Beach — widely regarded as the most breathtaking beach on the entire island. Naturally, that was our next destination.