Trafalgar Falls

Trafalgar Falls – Mama and Papa Waterfalls

Trafalgar Falls is one of Dominica’s most stunning and well-known waterfalls. Hidden deep within the lush rainforest, it offers a mix of wild nature and a romantic atmosphere. Known as Mama and Papa, these two neighbouring waterfalls have completely different characters — one is gentler, while the other is more powerful. Yet together they create a harmonious scene that instantly captivates visitors.
You can admire their beauty from the viewing platform or venture closer, sitting on the rocks by one of the cascades to fully take in the magic of the surroundings.

Hike to the Trafalgar Falls

Access to Trafalgar Falls is easy and among the simplest hikes on the island. From the parking lot, a well-maintained 10-minute trail leads through a tropical forest filled with exotic plants and towering ferns.
Right after passing the ticket office, you’re greeted by stunning pink and red flowers, a signature feature of Dominica’s lush landscape. Their vibrant colors create a breathtaking entrance to this natural wonder.

We admired the plants for a moment, but excitement for the waterfalls soon took over, and we headed toward the steps leading down to them. The path is well-marked, and the stairs descend gradually — a welcome feature, especially for the children, who immediately took off racing to see who would reach the waterfall first.
After just a few steps, the unmistakable sound of rushing water filled the air, confirming that our destination was close.

From the very start, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, towering palms, and exotic plants, making this walk both pleasant and easy. The final stretch, however, presents a slight challenge — you’ll need to navigate a few slippery rocks, especially after rainfall.
Right at the entrance, a viewing platform welcomes you, offering a stunning panorama of the falls in all their glory. If you choose to venture closer, a bit of light scrambling over rocks awaits, but the refreshing experience at the end is well worth the effort.

Mama and Papa Waterfalls

Each of the waterfalls has its own distinct character, yet together they create a perfect balance — gentleness and raw power woven into one breathtaking scene.
Mama, the taller and more elegant waterfall, plunges from a height of approximately 38 meters. Its waters cascade softly over the rocks, almost as if embracing the surrounding nature with delicate grace.

Papa, slightly shorter but far more powerful, exudes a wild, untamed energy. Its rushing water crashes down with immense force, creating a dramatic contrast to Mama’s gentler flow.

Papa sits farther away, and reaching it isn’t easy. The path requires crossing multiple rocks and pools formed by the waterfalls, making sturdy footwear essential.
Martin quickly regretted his decision to go barefoot. The sharp rocks were relentless, making every step a painful challenge.

Beneath the waterfalls lie natural pools that offer the perfect refreshment. You can sit in them, let the cool mountain water wash over you, and enjoy this unique, nature-made wellness experience. However, swimming isn’t an option as the water isn’t deep enough for that.

Romantic atmosphere and the perfect place to relax

Trafalgar Falls is a place where you can truly feel both the tranquillity and the power of nature at the same time. The gentle murmur of cascading water, the lush green surroundings, and the refreshing mist create an almost magical atmosphere.
It’s the perfect spot to relax, whether after an adventurous trek to Middleham Falls or simply to soak in the peacefulness of the tropical island. If you’re looking for a place to switch off your mind and let yourself be carried away by nature’s beauty, Trafalgar Falls is the right choice. Mama and Papa welcome you with open arms, showing how stunning and diverse the heart of the Caribbean wilderness can be.
For me, Trafalgar Falls was truly special — breathtaking with an unforgettable atmosphere. A place where I could spend hours sitting, listening to the sound of falling water. Sadly, with four children around, that wasn’t an option.

Admission and the way to Trafalgar Falls

The drive from Roseau to Trafalgar Falls takes approximately 20 minutes. While road signage in Dominica isn’t always the best, Trafalgar Falls is an exception — you’ll start seeing signs for it even in the capital.
From Middleham Falls, the distance to Trafalgar Falls is about 6 kilometres, which translates to a 15-minute drive.
The parking lot is spacious yet almost empty. Despite being one of the most famous waterfalls on the island, you’ll typically encounter no more than 10 visitors—unless you happen to arrive alongside a cruise ship tour.
To access the waterfalls, you’ll need to purchase an entry ticket. A single-day pass costs 5 USD , while a week-long pass. Allowing unlimited access to all national parks for seven consecutive days costs 12 USD. Since we had already bought the week-long pass, we simply showed our ticket at the entrance.