Dominica Flag
"Nature Isle of the Caribbean"
Why visit Dominica?
Not the widely tourist destination island but ideal for eco-travelers wanting unspoiled natural beauty with beautiful lakes, birdwatching, boating, diving, fishing, hiking, hot springs, kayaking, mountains, rain forests, snorkeling, wellness, whale watching, waterfalls, and water sports.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, canned jams, coconut crafted goods, jewelry, leather goods, perfumes, pottery, rum, soaps, and spices
- Local Cuisine to Try: Agouti (delicacy). Callaloo (soup). Manicou (delicacy). Mountain Chicken. Sancocho (soup).
- Local Drink to Try: Mamajuana (cocktail). Sorrel Punch (cocktail).
Roseau, Dominica. Photo Credit: Richard Todd/Pixabay
History
- 3100 B.C., Ortoroids arrived from South America.
- 400 A.D., Arawaks who settled on the island.
- In 1493, discovered by Christopher Columbus.
- During 1600, the Kalinago's claimed the Island.
- In 1630, the French were unsuccessful with missionary efforts.
- In 1720, France took formal possession of the island.
- In 1763, Great Britain gained control.
- In 1805, the English developed the islands' sugar cane plantations.
- In 1978, became independent of Great Britain.
- In 1902, territory officially became a reservation.
Fun Facts
- Agriculture and bananas dominate their economy. Along with supplemental income from tourism and offshore services.
- Boiling Lake (Morne Trois Pitons National Park) is the world's second-largest hot spring.
- Cricket is their popular sport.
- Has hundreds of streams and over 300 rivers.
Roseau, Dominica. Photo Credit: Richard Todd/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (February), Dominica Festival of Arts (DOMFESTA), Mas Domnik, (April) Dominica Festival of the Arts, Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, (May) Hike Fest, Jazz N'Creole, Tourism Awareness Month (May), (July) Dive Fest, Domfesta, (August) Cricket, (September), Kalinago Week, (October) Giraudel Eggleston Flower Show, World Creole Music Festival, (November) Independence Day, and Taste of Dominica.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Whit Monday, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, National Day of Community Service, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Good to Know
- Ferry service connects to Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Lucia.
- Not the ideal "beach destination" because of ease to access them.
- You may enjoy reading, The Orchid House written by Phyllis Shand Allfrey.
- Island lacks large resorts, museums, nightlife, and shopping.
- Still recovering from Hurricane Maria (2017).
- A paradise for Bird Lovers with nearly 200 species to include the rare Amazonian Parrots. Jaco and Sisserou are only found there.
- It's illegal to wear camouflage clothing.
- Amongst the Karifuna people the ancient craftsmanship of basket weaving, canoe building, and wood craving still exist, available for purchasing.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Without prior express consent from the Dominican Government do not enter with any ammunition or firearms.
- Consensual same sex conduct is illegal.
- Medical Care does not meet our Western Standards.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, & Zika.
- Traffic moves to the left hand side of the road.
Photo Credit: botosgy/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 6 months.
Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs between June - October.
- Coolest Season: December - February
- Humid & Hottest: May - October
- Peak Season: December - April
- Shoulder Season: June - November
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Bois Cotlette Plantation, Fort Shirley Garrison, Fort Young, Rodney's Rock, & The Old Mill Cultural Centre.
- Museums: Dominica Museum.
- Popular Attractions: Boiling Lake, Calibishie, Cabrits National Park, Canefield, Champagne Reef, Dominica Botanic Gardens, Emerald Pool, Indian River, Jacko Falls, Kabet, Kalinago Barana Aute, Laudat, Layou River Valley, Middleham Falls Dominica, Morne Trols Pitons National Park, Mount Diablotins, Old Market Square, Papillote Tropical Gardens, Portsmouth, Roseau, Scott's Head, Soufriere Marine Park, Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Valley of Desolation & Woodbridge Bay.
Photo Credit: Megan Zopf/Pixabay
My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available.
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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