Red Rocks

Red Rocks – scarlet heart of Dominica

In places where nature has played with colours, the most fascinating sceneries are created. Red Rocks are one such place. Stretching along the northern coast of Dominica, the vast expanse of red rocks resembles a landscape from another world. There are no tropical jungles, palm trees or golden sand – just rolling, barren land shaped by wind and ocean over thousands of years. From a distance, they resemble solidified rivers of lava, but on closer inspection, you can see that they are soft volcanic rocks gradually crumbling and changing shape.

How to get to Red Rocks

Red Rocks is located near the village of Calibishie, in the northeast of Dominica. Getting here is easy – there is an unsuspecting turn off the main road that will lead you to a place where you can park. We got here by using offline Google Maps. You’ll be greeted in the parking lot by local dogs who will ask for a pet. They couldn’t be resisted.

Then, finally, they let us set off on a journey to discover a different side of Dominica. We slowly approached our destination along a narrow path surrounded by greenery.

After a short walk, the ground beneath our feet turned to soft, spongy stone that crumbled with each step.
After a few more steps, the greenery receded completely, and we found ourselves in the middle of a landscape that seemed otherworldly. A view of the red coast opened up to us. As the raging waves of the Atlantic pounded against the rocks, it was as if we had landed on Mars.

Red Rocks and its wild beauty

The kids immediately ran to the rocks, and we found them on the highest ones with a local guide — a dog! Although the rocks look dangerous, they are not because they are stable. Sitting all the way up, the kids enjoyed the ocean view while scratching the dog.

Meanwhile, we went down to the lower rocks to watch the power of the ocean. It was wild and untamed, and this perfectly complemented the atmosphere of the place.

We didn’t know where to go first. Each corner was slightly different from the previous one and the place swallowed us whole. The volcanic activity, along with the sea and wind, created the perfect setting and every crevice or elevation fascinated us immensely.

Volcanic Canyon?

Red Rocks are not just flat rocks – they are labyrinths of fissures, narrow passes and natural canyons shaped by water and wind. Some crevasses are wide enough to walk through, others are inaccessible, as if guarding their secrets.

When the children discovered the steps carved into the rock, we knew exactly where they would lead us. Full of anticipation, we set out to explore.

A narrow crack awaited us below, through which we could squeeze – well, not all of us. Martin stayed outside, it was too tight for him. The kids and I plunged into the adventure and entered the bowels of the rock.

The path was tight, but not impassable. We probably wouldn’t have been able to turn around in it, but it only encouraged the kids more. As the crack widened and narrowed, we never knew what awaited us around the next bend. Each step was an exploration of the unknown until we found ourselves at the end, surrounded by rock on almost all sides.

While the children were excited, they were also disappointed – they were hoping to go deeper and discover something even more challenging. 😊

Unforgettable sunsets

When we emerged back into the open, it was just in time. The sun was dipping towards the horizon, bathing the red rocks in an even more intense shade of sunset gold. The ocean rumbled below us, and the sky was awash with colour. In that moment, we knew we were going to be here for a while.

The best time to visit Red Rocks is in the evening. As the sun sets over the horizon, the landscape is awash with new colours. First, the red soil changes to shades of orange and gold, and then the shadows slowly lengthen. Hearing the sound of the waves and the wind, coupled with the endless horizon in front of you, creates the perfect backdrop for contemplation.
As we watched, the sun dipped below the horizon, its golden rays bathing the forests and the hill behind Batibou Beach in a warm, golden glow. While it wouldn’t have been a pleasant view from the beach itself, it was absolutely stunning from Red Rocks.

You will hardly find a place that offers such a combination of raw beauty and tranquillity. No crowds, no restaurants, just you, nature and the feeling that you’ve just discovered one of the most secret places in Dominica. The contrast they create with the surrounding landscape as you watch the sunset is truly unique.

You can combine Red Rocks with a visit to Batibou Beach or even a hike to Chaudière Pool, which is nearby. Each of these places has its own charm.