Dominica is a Caribbean island country. It is referred to as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive national park system. The most mountainous island of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest thermally active lake in the world.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The name of the island Dominica is derived from the Latin word for Sunday, the day on which Christopher Columbus saw the island in 1493. It lies in a fertile area of tropical mountains around 750 km2 (290 sq mi), set along its coastline of black sand beaches. Administrative divisions. 10 parishes: Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter. Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall. Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months and well into the fall. The island is mostly rainforest, however, volcanic terrain can be found.
As far as freedom of movement and exploration a car can be invaluable. Though small, the island's tightly turning mountain roads make for relatively long journeys and a hair-raising experience. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and there are various car rental agencies at both airports. Honk your horn on hairpin turns especially during the day. Beware of large trucks as their width forces other drivers off the road. Watch for large pot holes and crumbling asphalt as roads can be in very poor condition. Ask directions if lost, the locals are very friendly and informative. When in mountains in torrential rains, consider stopping for a bit or at least going very slowly. A compact is…
This lush Caribbean island is called "the nature island" for a reason. Its beautiful, tropical natural riches are by far its main attraction. Where other Caribbean destinations pride themselves most on their white, palm-lined beaches, Dominica shows another side of the region. Head to the mountain village of Laudat for a hike through the UNESCO listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park. It encompasses some of the island's finest mountainous terrain in a 17,000-acre protected area. A proper hike will reward you with gorgeous misty lakes, waterfalls, rivers, hot springs and fumaroles in a setting of volcanoes and thick jungle.
Snorkelling is particularly good at Champagne, south of Roseau, and at Scott's Head. Scuba Diving, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking or other water sports are also possibilities. Note that kayaking or canoeing provide an alternative to the ocean and lets you experience the rivers and inland bodies of water throughout Dominica. Whale watching, dolphin watching, or boat tours can be arranged from Roseau. 1 JC Ocean Adventures, Mero Village, Dominica, ☏ +1 767-449-6957. varies. US$50-750.
Black Boys Bar, Newtown (end of Newtown before Castle Comfort look for sign on road). 8AM - midnight. Eat and drink local food and rum at this waterside local-style bar. Try fried plantains, codfish and bakes, fried fish and tamarind balls under the coconut trees with BlackBoy's choice of reggae music.
Freshly squeezed grapefruit is ubiquitous and is perfect with every meal. Coconut water is cheap and readily available by the side of the road. Another local specialty is sorrel. This red refreshing drink is brewed from the flowers of a hibiscus species common also in Jamaica. The popular locally brewed beer is Kubuli. Ask your hotel to set up a tour of the brewery. There are many vendors of fruit juice in Roseau. Almost without exception this is non-pasteurized fruit juice with water and sugar added. The added water is usually chlorinated tap water. A juice vendor known as Pal sells his juice by the area where one can find a bus to Portsmouth.
Dominica is one of the safest places to travel in the region. There are no poisonous snakes or insects in Dominica Take usual precautions when travelling around Dominica. Although rare, petty crimes are most likely to happen around Roseau. Elsewhere the island is extremely safe.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Dominica typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 30 rainy days.
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