The Caribbean Island of Dominica
Table of Contents
Welcome to Dominica
One could never put words together to describe this complicated yet exquisite Caribbean Island of Dominica.
Even Columbus was lost for words asked by Queen Isabella of Spain for his account of the discovery after his second voyage into the new world. He took a piece of paper, crumpled it into his hands, and tossed it onto the table. “This is Dominica,” he said. Over 500 years later, The Island is still the same. It is blessed with its dramatic peaks that crown its beauty, its ravines, and adventure-filled terrain that always leaves visitors and locals speechless.
Like other Caribbean Islands, Dominica is suffering from Covid-19 at the time this blog post is written. The Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Caribbean countries are severe. However, as soon as a vaccine is working I am optimistic that international travel will start again and the Caribbean is a dream destination. So let’s delve into Dominica.
This Pristine Island Dominica, once called Waitukubuli, is 47 km long and 26 km wide. You may think that it is relatively small compared to other Caribbean islands, huh? It is small yet intoxicated with wonders that render you speechless, from its tall mountains reaching the sky to its deep valleys where only animals can survive. Dominica is a rare gem located between the two French islands Martinique and Guadeloupe. Its rain forests are bounteous with indigenous flora and fauna plants and animals that can only be found on the Island.
There is no Caribbean Country that could be compared to this beautiful Island. That is why its people call it the nature isle of the Caribbean! Though the name speaks for itself, let’s dare to venture into its meaning. Its black sand beaches, the inhalation of fresh air while relaxing in its rivers. Kayaking on its lakes, hiking deep within its rainforest are just a few riches that the Island has to offer!
It offers a wide variety of greenery, but the hotel and accommodation are to die for specifically immaculate for not only nature lovers but also those seeking an escape from reality. There are natural lodges surrounded by both the architectural and topographical wonders of the Island – enveloping visitors with eco-friendly scenery that is completed with renewable energy resources. Not only is it highly recommended! But it is affordable, ranging from $20US to $500US per night. Visitors are spoilt with the choice of camping out. Being exposed to all that nature has to offer, or sleeping in a king-sized bed, inhaling the sea breeze in the luxury of your room. Sounds like a dream, right? There is nothing you aren’t able to experience in Dominica! If Adventure is calling, then this is the time to answer!
What to do in Dominica?
The itinerary of what to do is packed with adventures hailing from cool, calm, and collective health and wellness to vigorous experiences that would blow your mind away! Venturing into this energetically charged Island, it is easy to notice the undeniable of both mesmerizing water and land adventures.
Water adventures in Dominica
We invite you to come to live like a local and enjoy the sun on the sandy Mero beach located in the village of Mero. Batibou beach nestled in the northeastern range of Dominica or the famous Portsmouth beach situated in the Island’s second town Portsmouth. Due to the island’s natural volcanic origins of nine active volcanoes, the beaches are not your typical white sandy beach white shores. Some are uniquely grey while other a light brown. It is surrounded by the local music’s sounds that will vigor your waist to move or the local street foods that will excite the taste buds, leaving them craving more.
That is not all! These beaches are the perfect idea for Jet Ski fun, surfing, kayaking/paddleboarding, swimming, and much more! It is no secret that secret beach is one of Dominica’s treasures. But like any treasure, you must seek to find. Cliffs cradle it on the northwestern corner of Dominica. This remote beach is a private paradise that could only be accessible by boat from the local fishermen at the Indian River Centre or kayaking. Bring your snorkeling gears and enjoy life in the Caribbean Sea. After getting a taste of its treasure, it would be beyond a doubt that you would never keep secret bay a secret!
The Island is overflowing with luscious beaches and waterfalls that would astound you, leaving your jaws on the floor. Take a short walk to visit the Victoria Falls located on the Eastern coast of Dominica. It is mesmerized by the duo of the cascading Trafalgar Falls located in the small village of Trafalgar. Deep in the forest, are the Middleham falls. What is so unique about them is they possess a large pool below, surrounded by lush greenery. Do you love plunging into the water? Or love swimming? These waterfalls would be the perfect fit to crave your water satisfaction.
Do you like a challenge? Do you want an adrenaline rush to pump all over your body? Then the Wavine Crique waterfall is perfect for you. It is definitely not for the faint of heart since the only means of reaching the falls is by ropes and steams from the cliff’s trees. This thrilling journey will be worth it when you gaze at the falling water that plunges into the Warm Atlantic Ocean.
Relaxation will be best when plunging into the refreshing Indian River or the Chaudiere pool in the village of Calibishe. Close your eyes. Picture your body laid on a huge rock, appreciating the rays of the beautiful sunshine on your skin while hearing the water flowing and birds singing a melodious tune of bliss. Feels amazing right? This thought is the climax that you will receive visiting these natural sites. The Island has a unique narrow crack in the surface of the earth called the Titou Gorge. You can have the liberty of swimming through the gorge’s cliffside with a spectacular view of a waterfall at the end of your swim. Not only can you swim but do riving tubing/canyoning. Do you feel like you are in a dream yet? Make your dream a reality, and visit the Island of Dominica!
Due to the Island being extraordinarily blessed with nine active volcanoes, leading to the birth of natural hot sulfur springs with healing properties. Many who visited these hot springs utterly consumed with fatigue, body aches, and flu will leave these rustic hot springs located in the village of Wotton Waven healed and rejuvenated! Many tourists who have visited these hot springs calls them the healing waters from God.
Land adventures in Dominica
Experiencing the privilege of hiking through in Dominica will climax the greatness of your stay on the Island. Dominica is home to three National parks, namely the Cabrits National Park, Morne Trois Piton Park, and the Morne Diablotin National Park. These parks make the Island a leader among regional states to protect the habitats within these parks. This Island was the first commonwealth Caribbean island to establish National Parks, which is now the only UNESCO World Heritage site in the Caribbean. Don’t you want to be part of that SIGNIFICANCE? Don’t you want the privilege to say that you visited the only UNESCO site within the Caribbean? Part of this heritage site covers some of the Waitukubuli National Trail (A hiking trail that circles all over the Island) the Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation, as well as the Boeri Lake Fresh Water lake and numerous other heritage sites. All of these can be experienced through hiking on this sweet Island.
Dominica is rich in culture, handing down its endless traditions from one generation to the next. During the month of November, the people on the Island Celebrate independence with a fusion of food, dance, and festivities. Walking the streets of Roseau, the capital during the freedom beholds a merging of radiant colors that will blow your mind away. Dominicans also celebrate their independence by having a World Creole Music Festival, an all-star experience. It is a known fact that Caribbean people are passionate about having a good time and enjoying themselves, Dominica is no exception! This festival is known for its diverse line-up and astounding energy. It is a melting pot for smaller islands, where other neighboring islands come together with one goal in mind. That is to captivate and appreciate the extraordinary sounds created by different artists within the other culturally rich Caribbean Islands. This event has not only been a signature event for Dominica, but one of the regions most talked about festivals because of the promotion of the cuisine, rhythm, fashion, language, and common Caribbean Heritage. It is one twinkling star of the cultures in the Caribbean Islands.
Where to stay in Dominica?
Dominica is enchanting because it accepts any type of tourist, whether you are traveling for business purposes, taking a vacation, for a spiritual journey, or experiencing new cultures. There is accommodation to suit your purpose for visiting and to suit your budget. Accommodations are available all over the Island and not just centered in one area. Also, staying in different villages makes it easier to visits various sites without the hassle of long journeys—these range from forest cabins to luxury hotel and eco-friendly resorts.
Each accommodation has been built to enhance the beauty of its surroundings instead of ripping it apart for infrastructure. This fact is what makes not only the Island but its people different from other Caribbean Countries. According to the accommodation that you choose, you can either be self-served or enjoy the endless homemade delicacies that the Island has to offer. Seeing that their food is rich in love, your taste buds will forever be thankful.
Where to eat in Dominica?
If for any instance, you think that eating all the delicacy that this Island has to offer will not excite your palate, you are sadly mistaken! Restaurants across the Island offer a range of different yet spectacular foods grown from their soil. Whether you crave a quick bite from the roadside shops or dine on an exquisite five-star meal while embracing the moonlight. Dominica offers them both, having a wide variety of choices. Take time to visit the Kalinago Territory to stop for a tour at the Barana Aute. There you will experience both the lifestyle of the Kalinagos and their cooking. They make a traditional Cassava Bead, a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation with the vegetable cassava.
If you have the privilege of visiting the Island for their independence season, ask about their national dish called the Calallou soup! The locals use spinach, provisions, coconut milk, chicken, or crab, creating a delicious soup in one pot that would render your belly filled and your body feeling satisfied. Sounds cool right?
Visit Dominica
Dominica, the nature island of the Caribbean, is filled with wonder, infused with the mystery that is waiting to be discovered. Do you dare take the venture into figuring out its puzzle? To dwell within its beauty, absorbing the bliss, its individuality, establishing what makes it stand out from the rest of the Caribbean countries. Do you dare abide within its challenging terrain? Leaving visitors in complete awe at its mysterious perplexity waiting to be solved by only those who are deserving it. If yes, then this peculiar Island, Dominica, is the one for you!
Unfortunately, I have not come across a good up-to-date travel guide for Dominica so far. The best I have found so far is the Bradt Travel Guide Dominica, which is, however, from 2016.
If you need a hotel in Dominica, simply click here to check: Hotels in Dominica
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