Experience Dominica Island
What brings visitors to Dominica Island?
Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its natural environment. The government of Dominica has been preserving its shoreline and protecting its mountain rainforests since the 1960s, even while other Caribbean islands, including Barbados and Aruba, were in the process of extensive development. Should you visit, you'll find clear rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, and boiling lakes.
Visitors are drawn to this island for eco-tourism, thanks to it’s relatively untouched forests and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The interior terrain of the island offers a vast area for incredible adventures. The rugged coastline shelters rustic coastal villages and rocky black-sand beaches, many of which are great for snorkeling and diving.
Many people are attracted to Dominica for the fact that it remains untouched by package tourism and the large-scale resorts found on the other Caribbean islands.
Sightseeing: What is there to see in Dominica Island?
Dominica offers a landscape that is much more rugged than nearby islands like Saint Lucia and Barbados, where visitors are accustomed to lounging on sun-soaked beaches versus the rocky coastline found here. The island offers an adventurous getaway: hiking, hidden waterfalls and snorkeling and diving spots filled with marine life.
Beaches: The beaches of Dominica are rocky with gray-black volcanic sand. Swimmers should check out Champagne or Picard Beach. Snorkelers and scuba divers should head for Soufrière Bay Beach and Scotts Head Beach for the clear waters and the stunning underwater walls.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the jewel of Dominica. Surrounding much of the island's mountainous interior, the park is a primordial rainforest, ranging from thick jungle with giant ferns and wild orchids, to the stunted cloud forest on the upper slopes of Morne Trois Pitons. Highlights of the 17,000-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, include Boiling Lake; Victoria Waterfall; Trafalgar Falls; mist-shrouded Boeri Lake; Middleham Falls; Titou Gorge; Emerald Pool; and the steaming Valley of Desolation, an area of boiling mud ponds, brightly-colored hot springs, and mini-geysers. One of the best starting points for a visit to the park is the village of Laudat, 6.8 miles from Roseau.
In the Northwest of Dominica, Cabrits National Park preserves lush rainforest, swampland, black-sand beaches, and thriving coral reefs. This scenic peninsula boasts panoramic views from its highest point, and the reefs offer some excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Also found in the park are the remains of Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison with beautiful views of Prince Rupert Bay. The town of Portsmouth also sits on this peninsula with The Cabrits, a cruise ship port and terminal.
Get acquainted with Carib history, culture, and native customs in the Carib Indian Territory. Dominica has the largest remaining tribe of Carib Indians, also called Kalinago people, in the Caribbean, and a visit to this reserve, on the northeast coast, gives you a feel for their fascinating culture. You can wander around the village and watch the Carib Indians carving dugout canoes, weaving baskets and mats, and sharing their knowledge of medicinal plants. The Caribs survive through fishing and agriculture as well as the crafts they sell to visitors.
What is the culture like on Dominica Island?
Dominica's culture is mainly influenced by the Caribs, the French, the British, and the Africans who were brought over by the French for slavery. The result is a colorful and festive Creole society which is evident in the island's language, food, art, and music. A majority of the residents are Roman Catholic.
What is the cuisine/food like on Dominica Island?
Dominica's cuisine is similar to many other Caribbean islands and is rooted in creole techniques with local produce flavored by spices found on the island. It offers a mix from many different cultures: Caribbean, French, Asian and African dishes.
Specialties:
-Tee-tee-ree (tiny freshly spawned fish
-Lambi (conch)
-Manicou (small opossum)
-Crab backs (seasoned crab meat)
-Bello Hot Pepper Sauce (a fiery local accompaniment served with almost everything)
As far as restaurants go, your best bet is Roseau (Dominica’s capital and largest city), where you can find affordable Caribbean cuisine, as well as some standard European fare. Many of the best spots to grab a bite are hole-in-the-wall eateries scattered throughout Roseau. The downtown market sells freshly caught seafood, including conch, a type of snail that is a favorite Dominican dish. Other specialties include tee-tee-ree (small fish cakes) and crab backs as well as pumpkin soup, fried plantains and goat water, a rich stew made from goat meat.
Kozy's Niche, located in Roseau, is a favorite among tourists. Diners praise the fantastic service and fusion of Italian and Caribbean.
For those visiting the famous Trafalgar Falls, be sure to grab a meal at the Papillote Rainforest Restaurant. While the offers at this restaurant are primarily seafood (and receives rave reviews), the main reason for a visit to this specific eatery is its ambiance. Visitors can enjoy their meals in an actual rainforest, where the line between the Papillote Rainforest Restaurant’s one-of-a-kind exterior and its cozy interior is easily forgotten.
If you’re just looking for a drink or small plate, check out the Ruins Rock Cafe in Roseau. Previous visitors say that it has the best rum on the island. The cafe also offers a variety of fruit juices.
What is the nightlife like on Dominica Island?
Dominica nightlife centers around live music joints and bars, together with a growing number of cafes and dance halls. La Robe Creole in Roseau is a hot spot with nightly dance music and live bands on the weekends.
Is Dominica a safe island to visit?
Dominica is a safe island in the Caribbean; tourist-targeted crime is rare and residents are more than willing to help you out. Common sense always prevails though, so be sure to keep close track of your valuables and lock your rental car when driving or parked.
What are the festivals that take place in Dominca?
Dominica’s energetic festivals celebrate the nation’s heritage, music, and ties to the sea. The Calypso competitions kicks off the year with a Carnival Queen contest, “jumpups,” and a costume parade. Celebrations are held during the traditional Mardi Gras period, in the two weeks prior to Lent. DOMFESTA (Domica Festival of Arts), from April through June, is a lively dance, music, drama, fine arts, cuisine, and literature event each year. Dive Fest draws water lovers in early July with special packages, whale-watching deals, and canoe tours. Music lovers flock to the island during The World Music Creole Festival, held annually in October. Dominica's Independence Celebrations usually take place from October through November. This important celebration honors Dominica's historic past and Creole customs with traditional clothes, food, dancing, music, and parades.