Dominica – The Nature Island of the Caribbean
Christopher Columbus first sighted the island in 1493, and it probably has not changed too much since then! Come for the dense forests, the numerous waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers, the misty mountains, the volcanic sand beaches and charming ramshackle villages.
Dominica offers a unique Caribbean experience, essentially appealing to the adventurous, eco-influenced traveller, with a variety of trekking opportunities and bird watching. Whilst at sea, you have whale watching and some of the best diving in the region.
Night-life is almost non-existent, and restaurants tend to be hotel based, although there are a few really interesting rum shop options – we particularly like River Rock cafe located at the foot of Trafalgar Falls.
One of the larger islands in the Leeward chain, it also has one of the smallest populations (and longest living), so you really do get a feeling of space, a real sense of exploration and slow paced easy-going attitudes and genuine smiles.
Why Dominica?
Dominica has an easy charm and has deliberately followed a tourism path that embraces old-time values. The pleasures here are mainly nature-based, either on land or at sea.
It has shunned the glitz and manicured tourism found on so many islands for something proudly authentic, totally natural and uncompromised—an attitude many clients find rather refreshing.
Dominica is undoubtedly one of the most scenic islands. It is a favourite port of call for several of the larger cruise ships, and they can disrupt the gentle pace with long lines forming for the most popular waterfalls, etc, but by early afternoon they are usually gone.
It’s known as the nature island of the Caribbean—I might also add Rainbow Island, as hardly a day will pass without sunshine, heavy showers and brilliant rainbows.
Secret Bay, which is perched on a cliff top on the northwest coast at Portsmouth, a one-hour drive up the coast from Roseau.
Marmite Dominica
Of all the islands in this part of the Caribbean, Dominica is probably the most individual. It is wonderfully underdeveloped, almost proudly ramshackle and incredibly scenic. Mountains, dense forests, rivers, wildlife, eco-adventures galore at every turn. It seems to have hardly moved forward in the last decade at least, but that is all part of the attraction.
All that said, it may not be the best choice for those looking for something more modern and exciting.
Marie-Helene of Chic loves it; she was born there and seems to have been trekking, climbing and snorkelling even before she could walk!
Weatherwise
The most popular months are November to May, when the days are usually bright and sunny; however, as the island is lush and very green, it can attract rain all year – although this will typically fall in heavy bursts. Tropical storms and, on occasion, cyclones can be experienced from June to October.
Getting There
There are daily flights from Barbados and Antigua into Melville Hall Airport in the north and then a scenic drive across the island. High-speed ferry service from St Lucia several times weekly.
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All price guides are Per Person Sharing Double Room (Entry level), based on travel between May and/or June when prices are generally at their lowest and include promotional offers. Supplements will probably apply at other times, particularly mid-summer in the Med, and for rooms and/or transfers arranged for single travellers.
For example, the Caribbean and Indian Ocean prices for winter can be approximately double the May - June level and about 50% more in Asia. For the Mediterranean & Canary Islands, Caribbean, Arabia and the Indian Ocean (except Sri Lanka) price guides generally include airfare and transfers.
*For Sri Lanka and Far East we show a per-person, per-night hotel guide, excluding air fare, as arrangements tend to be individually tailored multi-centre itineraries.
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