Dominica is a cornucopia of volcanic peaks, mountain streams, lush forests, tranquil lakes and spouting geysers.

Given its natural assets and warm and welcoming locals, Dominica should be a bustling tourism hotspot, and despite being one of the poorest in the region, crime is relatively low.

However, a marked lack of pumping nightlife and no direct flights to Dominica from the UK keeps it off the radar for many travellers, but those partial to hiking amid thick tropical rainforest and gazing at bubbling lakes, are drawn to the many charms of this sunny green isle.

The island's natural beauty was originally enjoyed by the Carib Indians who made the island their home in the 14th century, before it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

The Caribs called their sunny isle Waitukubuli, meaning "Tall is her body", and some Carib descendants remain in Dominica today - the last surviving community on earth of this indigenous group.

 

 

2011 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
01-Jan	New Year's Day	01-Aug	August Monday
22-Apr	Good Friday	03-Nov	Independence Day
24-Apr	Easter Sunday	04-Nov	Community Service Day
25-Apr	Easter Monday	25-Dec	Christmas Day
02-May	May Bank Holiday	26-Dec	Boxing Day
13-Jun	Whit Monday

 

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Temperature (C)	28	29	31	30	31	31	31	31	32	31	29	28
Average Rainfall (mm)	122	86	112	89	97	112	155	183	168	196	180	140

 

GMT– 4. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING

Dominica is rated among the top 5 dive destinations in the Caribbean and ranked 8 worldwide. Diving opportunities off the 29 miles of sheltered west coast are exceptional.
There are several dive centres along this stretch - from north to south: Cabrits Dive Centre, close to Picard Beach Cottages, Anse-A-Liane Lodge, near to Colihaut, the East Carib Dive Club at Salisbury beach, Dive Castaways at Mero, Dive Dominica and the Anchorage Hotel, side by side at Castle Comfort just south of Roseau, and Nature Island Dive at Soufriere. The marine reserve at Scotts Head/Soufriere Bay is a sumerged volcano, renown for its 'champagne' bubbles and great diversity. Douglas Bay, north of the Cabritts peninsular is also a designated marine reserve. On the Atlantic side, the north facing stretch of coastline from Blenheim to Woodford Hill has many attractive inlets and coves which are sheltered from the strong currents and breakers of the Atlantic and where snorkelling is also possible.

CARIB TERRITORY

The Carib Territory in the east is home to the only surviving population of Carib Indians throughout the entire Caribbean chain of islands. Originally descended from South America, they inhabited most of the region's islands for a long period of time but almost entirely wiped out by European colonisation. Handicrafts such as basket weaving and carving can be purchased from roadside kiosks and a traditional Carib Village is open to visitors. A series of small waterfalls leading to the sea at the mouth of the Crayfish River is very picturesque.

BIRD WATCHING

Field trips with foresters and bird experts. Favourite locations include Colihaut Heights and the Syndicate Forest on the western slopes of Morne Diablotin, where Dominica's two native parrot species are most commonly observed from lookout points along the rim of the Picard River gorge, along with other species such as the Grey Kingbird, Mangrove Cuckoo, Blue-hooded Euphonia and four varieties of Hummingbird. From there it is a short hike to the river pool below Milton Falls on the Dublanc River, a tranquil spot to enjoy a traditionally prepared picnic lunch and take a refreshing dip in the river. An all day outing may also include a visit to Cabritts or boat ride up the Indian River.

WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING

Afternoon boat excursions are available from Dive Dominica and the Anchorage Hotel twice weekly, from 2pm till dusk, all year round. The many species of whale which frequent the island's surrounding waters can be seen along with dolphins, frigatebirds and flying fish jumping alongside of the boat.

HIKING

Hike to Boiling Lake, the world's second largest, situated in Dominica's World Heritage Site, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Take an all day guided hike through forested highlands, via Titou Gorge, Breakfast River, Panorama viewpoint and theValley of Desolation, where steam erupts and boiling water trickles from fumaroles and small wells into a grey water stream. The outflow of water from the lake itself flows eatward down the White River, which meets the Atlantic near the village of Delices. This is the only hike in Dominica which MUST be accompanied by a qualified guide. Other hikes in Morne Trois Pitons National Park include the impressive 300ft Middleham Falls,which takes approx. 1 hour to reach from either Providence (near to Laudat), beyond Cochrane via Tou Santi (stinking hole), or from Sylvania.

Driving is on the left. The speed limit in Roseau and villages is 20 mph.

while there is no speed limit outside residential areas, unless otherwise stated.

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD; symbol EC$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of EC$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also legal tender.
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is tied at a fixed rate to the US Dollar.

Full medical insurance is advised for international visitors as treatment is on a 'payment on advance' basis.

Four main hospitals serve the island together with some private clinics where high fees are the norm.

Most restaurants and hotels include a 10% service charge. Further tipping for special services is by choice.

In larger towns and cities, mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild stomach upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main towns is not advisable.

Taxi services are widely available on the island however the use of licensed taxis only is highly recommended.

Route taxis and fixed-fare buses operate across the island from point to point, mostly to and from the capital Roseau.

The voltage is 220/240 volts and 50 Hz.- the same as the UK with British power sockets. However, some hotels also offer 110/115 volts and two-pin power sockets, for which an adapter may be provided.

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