Dominica
..... the Nature Isle
Dominica is the premier destination for adventurous nature lovers, and in fact calls itself "a non-tourist destination" for naturalists, hikers, birders, divers, whale watchers, and anyone else wanting to experience a pure environment untainted by the outside world. It is mostly rural, unspoiled, and definitely not crowded. When Columbus was asked to describe the island, he crumpled up a piece of parchment, tossed it on a table, and answered "like that". Because Dominica's mountainous terrain largely ends abruptly at the ocean, it lacks the miles of white sandy beaches so typical in the Caribbean.
Though it does have several beaches of white, grey or black sand, the latter due to its volcanic origins, Dominica is best known for being covered with towering mountains reaching nearly 5,000 feet, thick jungle & tropical rain-forest, magnificent waterfalls, and hundreds of cascading rivers. The many miles of hiking trails and tracks make an intricate network all across the island, and are designed for all ages and skill types. Whether you're looking for an invigorating "nature walk" or an arduous trek deep into the interior, Dominica has it all.
It was best said by Alec Waugh, in his "Typical Dominica" - "There is only one way to understand Dominica. You have to walk across it and along it."
Dominica's Boiling Lake is one main attraction not to be missed. At over 200 feet wide, it is one of the worlds largest boiling lakes. Formed as the result of a flooded fumarole, or crack in the earths surface, hot gasses from molten lava below vent up through the water causing it to boil. Reaching the lake requires a half day, strenuous hike, and is best undertaken utilizing a guide, but the experience of seeing the grey bubbly waters, covered in steamy mist is its own reward.
For birders, Dominica has 167 recorded species of birds, including 4 types of native Hummingbirds, Thrashers, Tremblers, Flycatchers, and many more. The most famous are the parrots, and Dominica is home to two parrots found nowhere else. The Imperial Parrot (Amazona imperialis) known locally as the Sisserou, is the national bird, and is shown prominently in the center of Dominica's flag. The Red-necked Parrot, or Jaco/Jacquot, is smaller than the Imperial and can be found at lower elevations. The best place to see both these birds is in the Northern Forest Reserve, in the area of Syndicate.
Over the past several years, Dominica has earned a reputation as one of the worlds foremost dive destinations. Offshore, under crystal clear waters, it offers a marine world that's as rich and varied as the one topside in the mountainous jungle. There are sites like Champagne, with volcanic vents spewing bubbles and hot water; submerged volcanic craters with dramatic vertical walls; and gorgeous reefs full of multi-coloured corals, sponges, and an abundance of fish and other fascinating residents from seahorses to whales. Enjoyment of this underwater paradise is not by any means limited to scuba divers. There are many places accessible just off the beach where only snorkel gear is needed.
Dominica has become known as the "Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean", particularly in regard to the planets' largest toothed animal, the Sperm Whale. This is due in large part to the islands tall, steep, mountainous topography continuing right on underwater, creating a unique terrain, ideal for this bottom feeding whale. The completely sheltered west coast coupled with a deep water environment not usually found so close to shore, provide the perfect close-in feeding, calving and breeding ground, as evidenced by the resident pods of sperm whales.
Whales are present off Dominica's coast all year round. Other types frequenting its shores are the Pilot, Pygmy Sperm, False Killer, Dwarf Sperm, Melon-Headed, and Arca whales. Pilot whales are often seen in pods of fifty or sixty. The Acoustic Humpbacks are heard more regularly than seen, particularly in January and February. Varied Species of dolphin are also regular offshore residents. The Spinner and Spotted dolphins are frequently seen in large mixed pods sometimes numbering over five hundred. The Bottlenose and Risso's show up, but less frequently. Overall, there is a 90% chance of seeing whales or dolphins on any excursion.
The Earliest Settlers
When Columbus sighted Dominica in November 1493, he named it based on the day of the week he spotted it - Sunday. But the island had long been inhabited by the Kalinago tribe of Caribs who named it "Wai'tukubuli", meaning "Tall is her body". Though not the first settlers, the Caribs were in full control of the island, having killed or driven off the Arawak tribe, known as the Orinoco, who originally settled there.
The English first tried establishing settlements during the early 1600's primarily because they wanted Portsmouth as a safe harbor, but met fierce resistance from the Caribs. As was typical of much of the West Indies, England and France fought the Indians, and each other over the island until the 1800's when it ended up under English control.
Unique to Dominica is that native Caribs still live on the island and still engage in many of their traditional handicrafts and lifestyle. Approximately 3,400 people of Carib descent live in "The Carib Territory", a 3,700-acre reserve on the island's wave-battered east coast. This is the Caribbean's largest remaining community of Caribs, the people who once ruled the entire Eastern Caribbean. Like a nation within a nation their culture has survived the test of time, which is a tribute to their steadfastness and resilience.
In Bataka, Salybia, Sinecou, and other hamlets along the main east coast road, tourists can discover original Carib craft, meet boat-builders, hear stories and legends, plus watch artisans at work and purchase crafts from roadside stands. Intricately woven grass baskets, hats, and mats are Carib specialties. The Carib Territory is also the best place to see straw crafts made from a tall reed called the l'arouma for which Dominica is famous.
...continue to Dominica Location Guide...