Soufriere

Soufriere combines a distinctive cultural heritage on the edge of town with a marine reserve that extends to other southern communities of Dominica. Bois Cotlette represents history and architecture; the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve protects habitats and designates water activities. This distinction is helpful when planning your trip: the Bois Cotlette Heritage Tour is available by appointment only. Swimming and snorkeling from shore are designated at Tous sable beach; check local conditions before entering the water.

Cultural Heritage on the Edge of Soufriere

The Bois Cotlette estate is located on the edge of Soufriere. It dates back to the early years of French settlement in Dominica in the 1720s and is considered the oldest surviving estate on the island. The estate is home to the French Colonial Maison, considered the best-preserved example of plantation architecture in Dominica. This architectural distinction makes the Maison a focus in its own right, alongside the history of the estate.

Soufriere itself also has a long history: in pre-Columbian times, it was an important meeting place for Kalinagos from the Caribbean islands. The Bois Cotlette Heritage Tour explores a different historical perspective, shedding light on both the owners and planter class and the residents of the enslaved village. Topics include building structures, documents from an investment company, factory ruins and gardens, as well as 15 archaeological sites and artifacts from a recent excavation.

The tour program includes a walk through the planters’ herb garden, located south of the Maison. Guests on the Heritage Tour also have the opportunity to enjoy Creole snacks and refreshments. A separate Chocolate Experience Tour offers a different perspective on Bois Cotlette: guests can sample cocoa at every stage of production. Both the Heritage Tour and the Chocolate Experience Tour are available by appointment only. Walks through fields of sugar cane, cocoa trees, and coffee trees round out the offerings from Bois Cotlette Tours.

Marine Reserve and Scenery in Saint Mark

Within the broader destination of Saint Mark, the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve includes the villages of Scott’s Head and Soufriere and extends to Anse Bateau near the village of Pointe Michel. More than twenty named dive sites lie within its boundaries. The bay in the reserve is an extinct volcanic crater that forms a lava vent. The Scott’s Head, or Cachacrou, Peninsula separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to an old gun emplacement overlooking the bay toward Roseau and the channel toward Martinique.

Near Soufriere, the protected area includes a spawning ground for many pelagic and reef fish; fishing is prohibited there. The reserve was ratified in part to preserve traditional fishing practices. Thus, both protection of this habitat and the preservation of traditional practices are part of the area’s history. A section of Tous sable beach is designated for swimming and snorkeling from shore. The hot mineral baths at Sulphur Springs are also in Soufriere; confirm current access and bathing conditions in advance.

For longer journeys within the broader destination of Saint Mark, the Waitukubuli Sea Trail offers a different perspective from the individual coastal areas. The 40-mile route runs in 14 sections from Scotts Head to the northern tip of Dominica. The Soufriere Outdoor Centre offers guided expeditions on the trail and rentals for paddlers of all experience levels. Since availability and weather, access, and operating conditions can change, it is advisable to confirm current information directly and check conditions before setting out.

Dive Fest also has a historical connection to Soufriere and Scott’s Head: it was launched in 1994 in the southern fishing communities. A notice dated June 28, 2023 describes it as an annual festival and names the Ministry of Tourism and the Soufriere Scott’s Head Village Council as organizers. Check the current dates and program if you would like to plan your trip around it.

Discover more destinations: Scotts Head.

Back to the broader travel overview: Saint Mark.