Travel Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a small island in the Caribbean. The island is 290 square miles and has a population of approximately 72000 people. The population is made up mostly of people of Africa descent and a small number of indigenous Carib Indians. To say there is nothing to do on this tropical paradise would be doing this island a great injustice. Dominica is not the typical tourist destination and is not famous for white sand beaches although they are a few available. Dominica is famous for its lush tropical rain forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and scuba diving.

There are many places to visit in Dominica and activities to par take in whilst on the island. The island caters for the adventures persons but also provides fun for the faint-hearted. Visits to the rain forests are a very adventurous way to begin a vacation in Dominica. The island is called the nature island and has most of its rain forests intact. The rain forests are homes to approximately 175 bird species and other forms of wild life. The are several forest reserves in Dominica and one of which the Morne Trois Pitons national park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. These reserves are protected by the laws of the country and cannot be destroyed.

The rain forests provide a great place for exploration and hiking. There are many hiking trails located in the rain forests; they range from easy to hard. Hikers can climb the Morne Trois Pitons mountain range, the Morne Diablotin which is the tallest mountain in Dominica and several other trails.

The natural features of Dominica are a sight to behold. There are waterfalls and rivers all over the island and it would take a number of days just to explore half of them. A well-liked waterfall, the Trafalgar Falls located in Trafalgar about 20 minutes outside of the capital Roseau is a spectacular sight. The rain forests surrounding the falls are a beauty and the falls makes for a refreshing bath. The Emerald Pool is also very popular. Set deep in the rain forest it is a small waterfall dropping into a dark green pool as it name suggests. Persons must bear in mind that most tourist sites require a site pass to enter. Other waterfalls include; Sari Sari Fall in Laplaine, Middleham Falls in Cochrane. To get to most falls a hike has to be done. The site passes costs US$2 per site, US$5 for a day site and US$10 for a week pass.

Dominica is home the second largest boiling lake in the world. The boiling lake is the remainder of a crater of an old volcano, this if filled with bubbling water heated by geothermal activity going on beneath the earth’s crust. The hike to the boiling lake is a very tedious one and can take hours but it is worth the effort. On the hiking trail to the boiling lake is the Valley of Desolation, this is as it names suggests a valley filled with hot springs, steaming vents and mud. The entire area once contained volcanoes. Located in the same area is the Boeri and Fresh water lake. These lakes make for scenic views. The Trafalgar Falls, The Boeri and Fresh Water Lake, the Boiling Lake are all located in the Morne Trois Piton Forest Reserve.

Land of 365 rivers Dominica provides adventure and water sports galore. The rivers of Dominica are unique and well protected by the rain forests. They come in different sizes, colors and temperatures. The longest river is the Layou River located in Layou and is great for river tubing, kayaking or just a relaxing bath. The deepest river is the Indian River located in Portsmouth and is great for taking a relaxing boat ride up stream while taking in the beautiful flower and fauna along the river banks. Other popular rivers include the White River in Delices, the Pagua River in Concorde.

Dominica is home to the Carib Indians. When European settlers first came to the islands they were they found there. The Caribs live in a reserve on which the no one has private ownership of the lands. This is one of the villages that visitors should visit when in Dominica. The Caribs still practice subsistence farming, fishing and basket weaving. Recently a model village called the Kalinago Barana Aute which means Carib model village by the sea was opened to celebrate and showcase the culture of our indigenous people. This village is located on the banks of the Cray Fish River and provides visitors with the opportunity to interact with indigenous people and take in some history and culture of the island. It serves as a living museum. A small entrance fee is charged.

one of the great places to visit in Dominica is the north of the country Portsmouth. One of the last remaining Forts form colonial times is still standing in the Cabrits National Park. The area has some great scuba diving sites. The Portsmouth area provides a lot of nightlife with a range of different bars and pubs and local eateries.

Dominica is well known internationally for scuba diving and the diving sites are very scenic overflowing with beautiful tropical fish coral reef and sponges. Whale and Dolphin watching is also available and whale sightings are very frequent. Dives sites include areas in the Soufriere/ Scotts Head Marine Reserve, The Cabrits Marine Reserve and Mero.

Nightlife in Dominica is not well developed like the other countries but local bars and hotels in and around town during the week. On weekends most villages come alive with street parties, barbecues and other community functions. The bigger hotels around towns host happy hours after work. Dominican nigh life is much livelier during major festivals and celebrations such as World Creole Music Festival, Carnival, and Independence celebrations.

There is an abundance of places to visit in Dominica. Every community has something unique and fascinating to offer. Dominica is unspoilt and it is easy to get around. If you get lost a friendly local will assist you!