There are islands where you go to sit still — and then there’s Dominica. This is a place carved by volcanoes, draped in rainforest, and alive with sound: waterfalls tumbling through jungle basins, boiling lakes bubbling in the mountains, the crunch of boots on a muddy trail. It’s a Caribbean built for motion — for hiking, climbing, canyoning, and plunging into hot springs after the descent.
Getting there has never been simple. But that’s part of the draw.
Now, it’s getting easier.
The Discover Dominica Authority has confirmed that United Airlines will expand its nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), with a second weekly flight launching October 29, 2025. The new Wednesday service joins the existing Saturday flight, giving travelers more freedom to plan three-, four-, or seven-night stays on the Nature Island — just in time for the winter season.
For a destination long known for its waterfalls, volcanoes, and rainforest hikes — and, historically, harder-to-reach terrain — this kind of connectivity marks more than convenience. It’s a sign of momentum.
“The addition of a second non-stop flight from New York to Dominica opens the door for even more travelers to experience the natural beauty, adventure, and warm hospitality that defines our island,” said Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism. “The tri-state area has long been one of our most important U.S. markets, and we’re excited to make it even easier for visitors from this region to discover all that Dominica has to offer.”
Since United’s first nonstop launched in February, demand for Dominica has surged — fueled in part by growing interest in off-the-beaten-path Caribbean travel and the island’s reputation for immersive, eco-rich experiences. Now, with two direct flights a week, travelers can skip the island-hopping and step straight into the rainforest.
The timing couldn’t be better. Dominica is entering a season of transformation. In December, the island is set to unveil the world’s longest detachable cable car — a four-mile journey connecting the Roseau Valley to the rim of the Boiling Lake in just 20 minutes. What was once a six-hour hike will become an aerial journey through rainforest canopies and volcanic landscapes — a project that’s already generating global attention.
New hotels and resorts are also on the horizon, with several properties scheduled to open between now and 2026. The expanded airlift is expected to support that growth, making it easier for guests to pair adventure with comfort — and for Dominica to welcome a wider spectrum of travelers.
The added flight also lays the foundation for the island’s upcoming winter campaign, which will feature curated experiences and seasonal offers tailored to cold-weather escapees. Details are expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
For now, though, the announcement sends a clear message: Dominica’s future is about access — not just to the island, but to everything it represents. Rainforest immersion. Volcanic hikes. Deep dives into nature and culture. And now, with more ways to get there, it’s closer than ever.
Where to Stay When You Visit Dominica
Dominica’s accommodations mirror the landscape — immersive, unpolished in the right ways, and grounded in what the island does best: nature, intimacy, and authenticity.
For luxury travelers, Secret Bay is the island’s crown jewel. Built into the jungle-covered cliffs of Portsmouth, the all-villa resort feels both expansive and private — a collection of sustainably crafted treehouse-like residences, each with its own plunge pool, sea view, and dedicated concierge. There’s no restaurant in the traditional sense; instead, meals are customized, ingredients are local, and everything unfolds with deliberate quiet. It’s the kind of place where the sound of tree frogs replaces playlists — and the rainforest isn’t just scenery, it’s part of the design.
For guests seeking a more traditional resort feel with built-in convenience, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort in Roseau offers a unique all-inclusive experience that keeps the island’s spirit intact. Set along the waterfront in Dominica’s capital, the property blends historic architecture with modern amenities. It’s a jumping-off point for both diving and inland exploration, with easy access to markets, street food, and excursions arranged right from the dock. Here, everything is walkable — and the island’s rhythms stay close.
On the rugged east coast, Rosalie Bay Eco-Resort is a quiet retreat at the meeting point of black sand and green forest. With wind-swept beaches, garden paths, and an on-site wellness center, it’s a stay that feels elemental — a place where sea turtles nest nearby and the river runs through the property. The resort is solar-powered, community-built, and healing by design, offering sunrise yoga, farm-to-table dining, and the kind of silence that doesn’t need to be explained.
