DOMINICA
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Dominica, also called the Nature Island, is one of the Windward islands located in the South of the Eastern Caribbean island chain. It is a member of the British Commonwealth and the language of the island is English. If you look for lots of pure nature and an unsophisticated, authentic Caribbean surrounding, then Dominica is a good vacation choice. Dominica is the only island in the region which has a legal Carib territory for a population of around 3000 remaining Caribs and the descendents of this proud people who gave their name to the region. Dominica is a mountainous island with its highest peak being the 7474 feet high Morne Diablotins. So, expect some rain, especially inland. |
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Do not expect lots of white sand beaches. The few beaches in Dominica have dark sand, since this is a volcanic island. As for the sea, it mostly shows a deep beautiful emerald color. But the real attraction of Dominica lays in the interior: Amazing virgin forests, with rivers, waterfalls to swim in, a boiling volcanoes lake and the Carib villages offer lots of places to hike in the middle of a huge variety of the most stunning animal and birds species, as well as gorgeous tropical plants and flowers exported to the whole world. There aren't much roads to drive around and they are not in the best state, so a four-wheel vehicle is recommended. But to visit some of the most spectacular places, you can only use your legs! |
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The second great activity to practice in Dominica is diving. The island has one of the best dive spots in the Caribbean and several hotels cater mostly to a diver community. Dominica has volcanic underwater hot springs, providing very interesting dives. Expect a spectacular sea life, especially in the South of the capital Roseau. Furthermore, lots of cetaceans - whales - are passing through the waters of Dominica, and whale as well as dolphin watching is one of the best attraction of Dominica.
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You will reach one of the two small airports on the island by turboprop jets - among them, American Eagle -. Do not expect big towns, with lots of shopping . Restaurants are usually modest, your best choice is fresh island fish. There are high import taxes in Dominica for food, so the prices are high for alcohol and in general non-local products. Luckily, almost everything can grow in Dominica! Expect Caribbean cuisine with spicy sauces made with local products. As for hotels, the two biggest ones are in Roseau, others can be found mainly along the Caribbean coast and in the rain forest. They are not very sophisticated, but there are several eco-hotels and lodgings surrounded by tropical nature. |
Photo:( Public Domain in USA) Linen Market in Dominica in the 1770's |
Somebody once complained to us that he had no use for his "Armani" suits in Dominica.So we were wondering why he came in the first place. Indeed, high life is not what you will find on the "Nature Island". But you will enjoy a great nature, live a healthy vacation away from the agitation of modern mass tourism. If you can live without first class gastronomy and accommodation, without night clubs and you are not a beach fanatic but a hiker and nature lover, then you will appreciate this gem in the Caribbean. |
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