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Guide:
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Overview
The Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the British Windward
Islands, situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the
Caribbean. Tourism has suddenly exploded on the island, which is
increasingly popular as a stop for cruise ships, particularly since
it became the setting for the hit movie franchise, Pirates of
the Caribbean. Don't come to Dominica for the archetypical
Caribbean sandy beaches, though. The coastline is rugged with steep
cliffs plunging into the sea. Never mind, because on this volcanic
island nature has traded white powdery beaches for other treasures,
like thick forests, magnificent waterfalls and gushing rivers.
Offshore there is a wondrous world for scuba divers with diverse
sloping reefs, pinnacles, walls and underwater hot springs to
explore.
Many of those who come ashore from cruise liners have only a day
to take in the delights of Dominica, which is certainly not enough
for all the activities and excursions on offer. There is the
fascinating 'Boiling Lake' in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park,
tubing down the Layou River, snorkelling among the tropical fish at
'Champagne' (where volcanic fissures make the water bubble), hiking
through the forest, plunging into the green depths of the Emerald
Pool, riding an aerial tram through the rain forest canopy, or
watching a live folklore show, to name just a few of the diversions
to be enjoyed.
This unspoilt tropical paradise does not offer luxury resorts
and high-rise hotels, but is rather designed for those who want to
take a break and relax in cliff-top villas, small mountain spas,
guesthouses and apartments. At the same time the island is equipped
with all the modern conveniences, including good communications,
banks and numerous restaurants, usually run by local families, in
which to sample the delicious local West Indian cuisine. Those
brave enough might like to tuck into traditional favourites like
stewed opossum, or 'mountain chicken' (which is actually a large
frog), which can be washed down with some hearty coconut rum
punch.
Dominica is one of the few places left in the world, and most
certainly in the Caribbean, where it is genuinely possible to 'get
back to nature'.