Dominica

Dominica is one of the less ‘touristy’ islands in the Caribbean. Its claim to fame is its natural beauty and rainforests. The beaches are black volcanic sand, which can get very hot in the sun, and the water is not the typical crystal blue Caribbean color because of the dark sand. Having said that, you do not want to miss the natural wonders of Dominica!

There is not much shopping to be found here although there are some local shops and a market down near the pier. Note that wherever you go on the island, it will cost you $1 to access a bathroom!

Most ships dock in capital of Roseau. This island is a very poor island and tourism is one of their top income sources.

MAP - http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/lgcolor/dmcolor.htm

INTERNET CAFÉ – The Cornerhouse (King George V St) or Marpin Internet Café  - turn left outside the pier and proceed down the front street about two blocks.

There are many sights to see:

EMERALD POOL – a beautiful grotto in the rainforest reached by a short 10 min hike. It has a small waterfall and you can take a swim in the jewel green waters…beware…it is chilly! It takes almost an hour's  drive to get there but there are some other sights along the way which will break up the drive. Entrance fee $5pp.

TRAFALGAR FALLS - These famous twin waterfalls are a 20 minute drive from Roseau. A bit of a hike takes you from the Visitors Centre to a good viewing platform; the more adventurous can continue on to swim in the refreshing waters of the smaller waterfall or find the hot springs of the tallest fall. Bring good walking shoes! Entrance fee $5pp. There are guides there as well but I can’t remember if the $5 fee includes the guide or is extra??? We didn’t use a guide and we had no problems.


MR. NICE’S FRUIT STAND – Mr. Nice does not ‘sell’ fruit. He makes a show of peeling and serving samples of the various fruits on Dominica. He does look for tips though : - ) You have never tasted fruit like this in Canada!

CHAMPAGNE REEF – this popular snorkeling spot is located off a very rocky beach to the south of Roseau.  Its attraction are the bubbles that come out of the volcanic air pockets on the ocean floor. As you snorkel, the bubbles rise around you as you swim among the tropical fish and check out the coral.  I believe there is a small entrance fee - maybe $2pp? Not worth the visit unless you are planning to snorkel as you need to be in the water to experience the bubbles and the 'beach' is mostly rocks and is not comfortable for sunbathing.

WOTTEN WAVEN SULPHUR SPRINGS – take a dip in natural hot springs with lots of minerals to soothe your skin and muscles.

RIVER TUBING

Wacky Rollers – 3 hours, $50pp, http://www.wackyrollers.com/tubing.htm

Antours – http://www.antours.dm/home.htm - 4-5 hours $50-$57pp (see below) which offers various tours, including river tubing from further upriver, which is a bit more exciting than just doing the lower part. It costs $50pp for river tubing that also includes a stop at Mr Nice's Fruit Stand. An extra $7 will also get you to Emerald Pool. We did river tubing with Antours on our recent visit to Dominica and it was so much fun that I will do it each time I am in Dominica! They generally run a 50% off sale between Christmas and New Year’s and you can get 50% off the price, if you pay up front. If there has been a lot of rain and it is unsafe to tube or if the ship skips this port for some reason, they will refund your money.

ISLAND TOURS
I would really recommend a tour on this island, especially if it is your first time visiting. An outfit with excellent reviews and a reasonable price is Reyno’s Tours. You can contact them via email at ‘reynotours@hotmail.com’. You will likely be in a van with several other people. The cost is about $40pp and it will stop at all of the prime sites plus a couple of extras.

You can also ‘wing it’ and hire a taxi once you get to the island. Based on my research, you should be able to get a taxi to take you wherever you want to go for the day for $20pp, if you have 4 people or more. You will have to negotiate both the itinerary and the price BEFORE you get into the cab. Sometimes you get the better rates if you by-pass the cabs that are near the front of the line. You may have to speak to a few cab drivers to get one who will give you this rate…don’t settle!! You will need to polish up your negotiating skills.

We have been to this island several times and have always enjoyed it and never felt unsafe but, on our recent visit in March 2010, I felt a bit more uncomfortable walking around town. There are a lot of 'entrepreneurs' who will offer you anything from drugs to women while you are strolling down the street. There are warnings on the discussion boards to not wander around alone in downtown Roseau but, if there are a few of you then you don’t need to be as concerned.  You can be taken advantage of easily unless you know the price of things.  Be wary about people offering to let you take their picture, pose with a parrot, etc. They will let you take the picture and then ask for money. Always ask the cost before you do something.

Best to make your arrangements for this island before you get there…then you will be less likely to run into problems!

You can find more info on: http://www.visit-dominica.com/index.cfm