Hot Springs, a Gem for Ecotourism in the Caribbean

Our islands, with their diverse landscapes, are full of natural springs. In this article, we will explore the natural hot springs of Guadeloupe and Dominica.

First, some explanations: how do these waters get so hot?

As we know, the formation of the Antillean arc results from the subduction of the North American plate beneath the Caribbean plate. This process generates numerous earthquakes that fracture the soils of volcanic regions. As a result, faults appear, increasing the porosity of the rock layers and allowing the infiltration of rainwater and seawater. These waters, called runoff, are heated deep underground near magma chambers and rise to the surface, forming hot springs or geothermal resurgences.

In Guadeloupe, these resurgences generally have temperatures ranging from 30 to 75°C in various locations across Basse-Terre. So far, 35 hot springs have been recorded on Basse-Terre. They are mainly concentrated around the Soufrière volcano dome and the commune of Bouillante, where a geothermal power plant has been installed. It provides clean, renewable electricity, producing 10% of Guadeloupe’s consumption.

And how does geothermal energy work?

Geothermal energy is the science of harnessing underground heat in the form of water or steam to produce electricity.

In Bouillante, deposits of steam and hot water make electricity production possible.

More generally, high-energy geothermal plants capture the steam contained in underground reservoirs between 1,500 and 3,000 meters deep and convert this energy into electricity using a turbine and an alternator.

While the most famous hot spring in Guadeloupe remains Dolé in Gourbeyre, there are also various springs in Saint-Claude, Bouillante, and Sainte-Rose that are very popular. Here is a non-exhaustive list of hot springs you can enjoy in Guadeloupe :

Gourbeyre

• Dolé
• Bain des Amours
• Bain Capès

Saint-Claude

• Bains Jaunes
• Bains de Matouba

Sainte-Rose

• Sofaia

Bouillante

• Bains Thomas
• Plage du Bourg (near the geothermal center)
• Bain du Curé

Some other hot springs are more discreet and harder to access. An article lists those in Bouillante: https://destination-bouillante.com/sources-chaudes-oubliees/

In Dominica, although the origin of hot springs is similar, the way this phenomenon manifests allows for many other discoveries. Notably, Dominica has more active volcanoes than any other island territory in the world. It has nine, including the famous Boiling Lake, which is the second-largest of its kind in the world (approximately 60 meters wide and 15 meters deep).

This volcanic crater lake, formed after a phreatic explosive event, is located on a hill to the east of the Valley of Desolation. It sits 750 meters above sea level within Morne Trois Pitons National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987). Reaching it requires one of the island’s most challenging hikes, so it’s recommended to hire a local guide who can also provide valuable information about the flora and fauna, some of the toughest species on the planet.

Shrouded in swirling clouds of steam, this lake looks like something from another world. It also amazes visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.

Less dramatic than the Boiling Lake, but equally enjoyable, Dominica—like Guadeloupe—offers numerous hot springs. They can often be found along riverbanks, but also emerge directly from the sea.

Scattered across the island, you can find a plethora of baths to visit :

• Tia’s hot spa (Roseau)
• Ti kwen glo cho / glo gayak (Soufrière Sulfur Springs)
• Bongo baths (Wotten Waven)
• Da-S’Cape Hot Sulphur Spa (Wotten Waven)

Notons cependant que, ces « piscines chaudes » sont souvent aménagées par des locaux, qui en retour demande à l’entrée une petite participation.

There are also other free hot springs, accessible this time by hiking around places like Victoria Falls, The Soufriere Sulfur Springs Eco-Tourism Site in Dominica, and many more. All you need to do is ask the locals, who—if they are willing—will happily reveal the secrets of their island!

As a little bonus, on the southwest coast of Dominica, you can dive near Champagne Beach and see volcanic springs emerging from the ocean floor. You’ll witness the mingling of sulfur bubbles with a rich tropical marine biodiversity.

What Are the benefict ?

In addition to being 100% natural, hot baths also have therapeutic virtues.

Rich in minerals and trace elements—especially sulfur—they offer benefits for both the body and mind. Depending on the type of bath (sea or river), they can help relieve various skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

They are also said to have relaxing and stress‑reducing properties, and to improve sleep quality. Additionally, they are anti‑inflammatory and muscle‑relaxing, making them ideal for soothing rheumatism and arthritis. Finally, they are known to help alleviate asthma, another noteworthy benefit.