Above: Purple Turtle Beach

You’ve hiked nature trails. You’ve explored the far reaches of the Carib Territory. Maybe you’ve attended your share of the music festivals, or tasted its mountain-rich coffee.

Dominica is known for many things — and there’s certainly a lot to do — but you may not realize that the island is actually a haven for the aquatically-inclined.

Above: Ans Soldat Beach

Above: La Chaudiere

The island is teeming with places to swim, sun or sightsee — with 365 rivers across 750 square kilometres.

And when it comes to beaches, Dominica has a multitude of unique patches of sand, whether you’re looking for a great view or a private beach to call your own. And due to the diversity of Dominica’s soil and topography, you’ll find classic powdery beaches as well as black-sand gems.

Here are some of our favourites:

Above: L’Anse Tortue Beach

Above: Woodford Hill Beach