Emerald Pool

Emerald pool – turquoise pond with waterfall

Emerald Pool is one of those places where the first sight will take your breath away. With a gentle waterfall rushing into it from a height of 12 metres, this beautiful emerald pool looks like a tropical dream. With sufficient depth for swimming, the waterfall provides a unique experience, with the option for those brave enough to walk right under the waterfall and feel its power for themselves. Can you withstand the swift current and touch the powerful flow of water? It’s not easy, but it makes the experience all the more memorable.

Road to the waterfall

Hiking to the Emerald Pool takes you through a dense rainforest. During the 10-minute walk, you can admire the beauty of the local flora at every turn. Huge ferns, tropical trees and exotic flowers line the path, and the humid air is filled with the scents of the forest. If you’re observant, you might catch a glimpse of the rare imperial amazon, the symbol of Dominica.

As you journey along, you pass by a river that, in these parts, forms small cascades. Crystal-clear water flows over smooth stones, creating natural pools in certain spots.

Wooden footbridges and stone steps lead you directly to the pond. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately understand why it bears the name Emerald Pool. Sunlight filtering through the tree canopies illuminates the water, creating shades of emerald that contrast beautifully with the dark rocks and the lush greenery of the jungle.

Waterfall and swimming in the pool

The water is refreshing but not icy, so you can enjoy swimming in it year-round. Near the shore, the current flows gently, but as you approach the waterfall, it gains strength. If you step directly under its stream, you’ll feel it cascading down with surprising intensity. This natural massage effect is truly unforgettable.

On one side of the waterfall, a cave is slowly taking shape, sculpted by the water’s relentless force over hundreds of years. The other side features elevated rocks that offer a breathtaking view of the powerful stream. If you sit on one of them, you can fully immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery and feel the air vibrate under the sheer force of the cascading water. But under no circumstances should you jump from them!

Beneath the pond’s surface lies a hidden maze of rocks, completely obscured by the waves stirred up by the waterfall. Unfortunately, our friend discovered this the hard way. He jumped—and barely resurfaced. His head struck a concealed rock directly, and he was incredibly lucky not to break it. Just a few centimeters off, and the outcome could have been far worse.

Backdrop to the film

Did you know that Emerald Pool appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean? Filmmakers chose it for its mysterious atmosphere and untouched nature. In fact, other parts of Dominica were also featured in the film for the same reason. When visiting, you can imagine yourself as part of an adventurous tale—having just discovered a hidden treasure. 🏴‍☠️

How to get to the Emerald Pool?

From the capital city of Roseau, the drive to Emerald Pool takes approximately 40 minutes. Although the site is well-known and easily found on Google Maps, the initial part of the route isn’t always clearly marked, so it’s best to rely on maps or navigation. A few minutes before reaching your destination, you’ll spot the first sign confirming you’re on the right track. The parking area near the waterfall is spacious and usually empty.

The children were thrilled by the large leaves scattered all over the parking area.