Overview

Known as “The Nature Island” and located between the French West Indies islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls, boiling lakes and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of the Indigenous People of the Caribbean – Carib Indians. Where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers, nature lovers, and responsible tourists alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

As vigorously as hikers head for the mountains, Divers treasure Dominica’s waters. Ever swim through a glass of champagne? That’s a common question from divers and snorkelers just discovering Dominica’s numerous dive sites. Divers enjoy cutting a path through a wall of bubbles created by fissures on the ocean floor. They explore volcanically formed shelves and a collapsed cone. There are dramatic drop-offs, sheer walls, canyons, caves and wrecks that will more than satisfy the insatiable appetite of avid divers.

Dominica boasts fine examples of Caribbean architecture as well as its own distinctive vernacular, evident in its average dwellings. The architecture reflects a rich mix of heavy French influence and slight traces of English and Spanish. A number of monumental buildings endured from colonial times, mostly religious, civic and military structures, as well as some old plantation estates, and mills worth visiting. While the geographical and economical climate has ravaged many properties, one can still view interesting examples around the island.

Dominica’s rich culture comes from its mix of English, French, African, and Carib peopl

es. This is evident in their food, music, dance, language, and hospitality.

“The Caribbean’s Most Original Carnival”, or ‘The Real Mas’, is a pre-Lenten festival, and usually falls in February or March each year. It is unquestionably the most festive season in Dominica.

Dining in Dominica can be as much about the ambience as it is about the cuisine. Many restaurants offer spectacular sceneries and captivating panoramas of the island’s unmatched natural beauty along with the unique aroma of blended herbs and spices, and each guard their own culinary secret.

The fiery creation forces are alive here – steaming valleys, and the world’s 2nd largest boiling lake, 365 rivers rushing to the sea, national parks, lush vegetation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site make this Caribbean treasure perhaps, the most ideal destination for the eco-minded traveler!