Dominica - Location Guide & Travel Tips 
Location
Dominica (dom-i-nee-ka) is the southern-most island in the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. It is located at approximately 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude, between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south.
Geography
The island is of volcanic origin and features some modest ongoing volcanic activity in the form of hot gases venting to the surface. It is the most mountainous, and one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean. With an area of 290 sq. miles (754 sq. km), it is 29 miles long and 16 miles across at its widest point. It has several peaks over 3,000 feet, the tallest of which are Morne Diablotin (4,747') and Morne Trois Pitons (4,600'). Its mountainous interior, covered in jungle, receives around 300 inches of rain per year, which feed the numerous rivers that run down to the sea. The majority of the population of about 79,000 live in towns around the coast, with approximately 20,000 residing in or near the capital of Roseau.
Travel to Dominica
There are no direct international flights, so air travelers must connect through a gateway island. From the U.S. and Canada, most come via San Juan, Puerto Rico, or Antigua. Visitors from the U.K. also use Antigua, while those arriving from France come through Guadeloupe or Martinique. Other gateway islands include St, Lucia and Barbados. For inter-island travel, Liat is the primary carrier. Dominica's main airport is Melville Hall in the north-east (38 miles from Roseau). Canefield, in the south-west, is smaller but just 3 miles from Roseau.
The three main sea ports are Woodbridge Bay (one mile north of Roseau), The Cruise Ship Berth at Roseau, and the Roseau Ferry Terminal. A smaller cruise ship berth has also opened at Cabrits National Park on the northern part of the island. In addition, there are several inter-island high-speed catamaran ferry services connectng Dominica to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
Public Transportation
Mini-buses (look for the number plate that starts with an 'H') serve routes from Roseau to all villages and are a cheap way to get around the island. Prices are fixed by the government.Climate
Average temperatures are 75F to 85F, but climate and temperature can vary drastically depending on the season, elevation, and one's location on the island. Going from high in the mountains at night, down to the coast at midday, temperatures can range from 50 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 33 degrees Celsius). Rainfall patterns vary as well, from 50 inches near the coast, to 300 inches per year in the interior, with the wettest months being July to November.
Dress
Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in evenings, elegantly casual attire is appropriate. Swimsuits should not be worn in the streets or stores. A light sweater is recommended for the cooler evenings. Raincoats and walking shoes are recommended for hikes through the rainforests.
Language
The official language is English, but a French-based Creole (also known as Patois) is widely spoken, especially in outlying villages.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time. Four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4). Dominica does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) which is fixed to the US dollar at an exchange rate of about $1.00 US$ = $2.70 EC$. United States dollars, British Pounds and the Euro currency are acceptable everywhere on the island. Travelers checks and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and tour operators. There are also several banks in Roseau and other select locations, with ATM's.
Telecommunications
Dominica has a modern, fully reliable digital telecommunication system. The area code for Dominica is 767, and International Direct Dialing is available from most hotel rooms. Coin and Prepaid Card phone services are available at various points throughout the island. Prepaid cards can be purchased at Cable & Wireless, Marpin Telecom, and other island agents. Currently Cable & Wireless, Cingular/AT&T and Orange provide cellular services.
Electricity
Electrical service is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles. Power outlets are 3-prong English style. Some hotels have 110v, but be advised to bring a small travel transformer if required.
Water
Dominica water is safe to drink.
Health Care
The main hospital is the Princess Margaret, but there are other smaller ones, as well as clinics and doctors throughout the island.
Government
This island nation is officially called the Commonwealth of Dominica (and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). Dominica is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations, with a non-executive President as head of state. Executive power rests with the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister. The single chamber Parliament consists of a 30-member House of Assembly, which includes twenty-one directly elected members and nine Senators, who may either be appointed by the President or elected by the other members of the House.
Unlike other former British colonies in the region, Dominica was never a Commonwealth realm with the British monarch as head of state. In 1967 they became an Associated State of the United Kingdom, with full internal self-government and Britain responsible for foreign policy and defense. In 1978 Dominica became a republic upon achieving full independence.
Passports & Immigration
Most travelers are required to present a passport before they will be permitted to enter Dominica. U.S. and Canadian citizens can alternatively provide a certified copy of a birth certificate (with raised seal) accompanied by a government-issued photo I.D. Along with a passport, travelers must show proof of onward travel or return ticket for stays up to 21 days. Citizens of France can visit Dominica for up to two weeks with a Carte d’Identitie. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the U.K., and other commonwealth countries are not required to obtain a visa to visit Dominica for tourist or business travel for stays up to three weeks. Citizens of other countries may need a visa for entry, and should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
Entry Requirements for the United States change effective December 31, 2006 -- All air & sea travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality, to enter the United States.
Departure Tax
For U.S. citizens and other non-residents, departure tax is EC$55.00
Tipping & Gratuities
Tipping is discretionary, but general guidelines are 10%-15% in restaurants. Note that some restaurants and hotels may automatically add a 10% gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary unless some exceptional service has been extended.
Disclaimer
We attempt to ensure the accuracy of all information provided, however we are not responsible for the content provided herein. For the most current information, please visit the Dominica Tourism website, or contact them at:
Division of Tourism
National Development Corporation
PO Box 293, Roseau, The Commonwealth of Dominica
Tel:767-448-2045 Fax:767-448-5840USA, contact:
Dominica Tourist Office
110-64 Queens Blvd., PO Box 427
Forest Hills, New York 11375-6347UK, contact:
Dominica Tourist Office
Morris Kevan International, Mitre House
66 Abbey Road, Bush Hill Park, Enfield, Middlesex ENI 2RQ-UK
Tel:44-181-350-1000 Fax:44-181-350-1011France, contact:
Dominica Tourist Office
12 Rue de Madrid, 75008, Paris, France
Tel:53-42-41-15 Fax:48-87-32-85