Meet Dan Austin, Secret Bay’s New Adventure Ambassador

Secret Bay and Fort Young are thrilled to welcome Dan Austin as our new Adventure Ambassador. A pioneer in the world of adventure travel, Dan brings decades of global expertise and an unmatched passion for crafting unforgettable journeys, making him a perfect partner to further shape and share the spirit of Dominica, the Caribbean’s Nature Island.

As the founder of the award-winning Austin Adventures, Dan has spent his career designing immersive experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Today, his focus is on working with places that still feel raw, real, and untouched by mass tourism, places like Dominica. In his new role, Dan will work closely with the teams at Secret Bay and Fort Young to refine and expand curated guest itineraries, strengthen guide storytelling and training, and build global partnerships that help more travelers discover what makes Dominica so remarkable.

We sat down with Dan, following his immersive 10-day journey across the island, joined by his life and business partner, Carol, to hear what drew him here, what stood out, and how he envisions the future of adventure travel in Dominica.

What led to your career in adventure travel and becoming an Adventure Advisor?

Adventure has always been part of my DNA. I founded Austin Adventures out of a passion for creating authentic, life-changing experiences for travelers. After decades in the business, I stepped away from ownership but never from the adventure world itself. Now, I focus on working with destinations I genuinely believe in, places that still have that magic, that authenticity, that sense of discovery. Dominica embodies all of that and more.

You’ve worked with some of the most adventurous destinations in the world. What makes Dominica stand out?

Dominica is unlike any island I’ve visited. It’s wild in the best way: untouched, authentic, and teeming with natural wonders. From towering waterfalls and volcanic hot springs to vibrant marine life and lush rainforests, it’s a paradise for true adventurers.

What sets Secret Bay apart is how it merges deep nature immersion with a remarkably personal experience, its luxury without distance from the land. The resort acts as a portal to the island’s best adventures, all while feeling like your own private sanctuary. That combination is scarce.

What excited you most about becoming an Adventure Ambassador?

The opportunity to help enhance and connect the adventure experience at two iconic properties, Fort Young and Secret Bay, was incredibly exciting. Dominica already has a rich adventure culture. I saw an opportunity to thoughtfully curate experiences that draw out the island’s depth and soul in ways that feel meaningful to travelers. It’s about taking something extraordinary and making it even more accessible, story-driven, and memorable.

For those who might not be familiar, what exactly is an Adventure Ambassador?

An Adventure Ambassador is someone who helps align a destination’s most compelling experiences with the high expectations of today’s curious, conscious traveler. My role includes advising on itinerary refinement, training guides to tell richer stories, collaborating with travel advisors and operators globally, and ensuring that every adventure, whether it’s a gentle hike or an epic rainforest trek, delivers on the promise of discovery, connection, and quality.

Could you please tell us a little about your recent experiences exploring Dominica and staying at Secret Bay and Fort Young?

We started at Fort Young Hotel in the heart of Roseau, where the combination of city energy and easy access to nature made it a perfect launch point. We hiked to Middleham Falls, kayaked in Soufrière Bay, and snorkeled Champagne Beach, all within a short distance. Fort Young truly feels like a basecamp for island exploration.

Then we transitioned to Secret Bay, where the experience shifted into something deeper—more serene, more personal. We ventured through Morne Diablotins National Park, explored the Indian River, snorkeled hidden sea caves, and even had a private cooking class in-villa. Every day peeled back a new layer of what makes this island so special. And above all, it was the Dominican people, their warmth, pride, and generosity, that left the most lasting impression.

A New Era of Adventure

With Dan Austin joining the team as Adventure Ambassador, Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel are building on Dominica’s already extraordinary adventure reputation, deepening guest connections to the island through thoughtfully curated itineraries, storytelling, and expert guidance.

The wild beauty of Dominica has always been here. What’s next is about making it even more immersive, seamless, and soul-stirring for the travelers who seek it.

Watch Dan for yourself as he explores the rivers, trails, and rugged terrain of Dominica, and discover how the Nature Island comes to life through his eyes.