Emerald Pool

What a magical place! We loved swimming in the Emerald Pool, dunking our heads under the waterfall, and taking in the beautiful jungle all around us. Only wish we had more time here as we visited on a cruise excursion and felt rushed. It’s a short, easy hike in and out. Really cool spot!

Will require a short 10 minutes hike from the road to reach the waterfall and the Emerald Pool. The first sighting of the Emerald Pool was from a height and it was gorgeous with the waterfall cascading into the pool. The Pool was not large but the water was clear. A little cold for swimming

Beautiful view, well worth the short hike and the hundred or so stairs you'll need to climb. My understanding is that it will rain more days than not (it did when we visited), so bring rain gear. May be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Well this place is a bit of a tourist trap, but it is one that I quite enjoyed as an experience. My wife and I were on a Caribbean Cruise when we stopped in Rousseau, Dominica and booked an excursion to the Emerald pool. The road trip includes many switchback roads, but after about 20 minutes we arrived. The pathway to the pool is fairly well groomed, although being in the rain forest the ground is wet and there were sizeable puddles in some areas. The path does include ascents and descents, but for the most part the stone stairs are quite manageable. There are places to enjoy the views and take a break on the way to and from the falls. I highly recommend taking a dip in the pool (wear a swimsuit). There is some limited space near the pool to take off and put on shoes. Entrance to the pool involves a drop of a couple of feet, with larger rocks below, and course sand beyond. The water is cooler than the air temperature (about 28C when we were there), but extremely refreshing. I cannot attest to having reduced my apparent age by taking the dip, but I loved the experience!

Emerald Pool in Dominica is a big Cruise Excursion destination for the Big 3 (Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean). I came here on a carnival cruise and enjoyed the drive from the cruise port , the walk through rainforest scenery to get to the pool and then the waterfall and emerald pool destination. I hope your time here is a positive experience and I am sure Dominica has lots of spots like this all over the island :)

Emerald Pool is one of the island’s true natural treasures. The site is absolutely beautiful, with lush surroundings and crystal-clear water that make the short hike totally worth it. It’s well maintained, and the path is designed for a self-guided tour, with informative signs that make the experience smooth and enjoyable. That said, it’s a bit bittersweet to know that such a national beauty has been privatized. Places like this should ideally benefit the government and the local people directly, not just private companies. Still, the care taken to preserve and showcase the site is undeniable. The water is stunning!! though definitely on the cold side! At the end of the visit, you’ll find several small shops, but most of them offer the same limited selection of items, and prices are on the higher end! something to keep in mind if you’re hoping to shop for souvenirs.

The Emerald Pool is absolutely magical! What a beautiful waterfall and such a peaceful spot. I visited at the beginning of October, during the off-season, and it was perfect — hardly any tourists around and no cruise ships in port. I actually had the entire place to myself, which made it even more special. The walk to the pool takes about 10 minutes. The path is well-paved with steps, so it’s not difficult at all. There are restrooms located near the entrance where you get your ticket. Definitely a must-do when visiting Dominica!

Whether you choose to swim or enjoy it from the viewing platform, Emerald Pool is stunningly beautiful. Very popular with tourists you may find it quieter in the morning.