Dominica

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Location
Flag
Quick Facts
Capital	Roseau
Government	Parliamentary democracy; republic within the Commonwealth
Currency	East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Area	total: 754 km2 water: 0 km2 land: 754 km2
Population	68,910 (July 2006 est.)
Language	English (official), French patois
Religion	Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6%
Calling Code	+1 767
Internet TLD	.dm
Time Zone	UTC-4

Dominica [1] is a Caribbean island country between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. It is often known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural 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.

Note 

Should not be confused with the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic.

[edit] Regions

Map of Dominica

Administrative divisions 

10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter

• Central Region The lushly forested and hand-farmed central region is sparsely populated and considered by many to be the most beautiful region. It consists of several villages:
• Belles
• Penrice
• Dleau Gommier
• Wet Area
• Stone Hill
• Jaco Flats

[edit] Cities

• Roseau - Capital
• Portsmouth
• Scott's Head- Beautiful village at the end of the road on the southwest corner. Scott's Head wraps around the lip of a gently curved bay that happens to be the ancient crater of a volcano. Luckily for divers you can bring your own snorkel or scuba gear and walk out and admire what remains, a 160 meter deep coral lined hole that stretches for hundreds of meters. Several quaint shacks serve decent fare for decent prices. Villagers are curious as visitors are few. The main road ends at a small point on a hill that provides stunning views of both Scott's Head below and Roseau to the north.

The Village of Scott's Head

[edit] Other destinations

• Morne Trois Pitons National Park A World Heritage Site, it contains many attractions such as the Boiling Lake, the Freshwater Lake, Boeri Lake and Middleham Falls.
• Boiling Lake A 12 mile round trip hike (8 hours), very steep mostly on steps and switchbacks. A guide is recommended for inexperienced back country hikers, the terrain is rough especially when wet (which it almost always is). The trail is well marked most of the way. The trail is completely lost at the Valley of Desolation and picks up again where vegetation begins. The hike is stunning and the bare volcanic mountain tops make for unforgettable views of rolling mountain tops and steamy volcanic vents. Trail ends at the Boiling Lake, a 100 meter wide lake that is being heated by a volcanic vent and is boiling.
• Champagne
• Glassy An incredible and short 2-3 hour day hike in the southeast of the island. The trail begins nicely enough through some farm land and then plunges into a deep jungle valley then approaches the coast skirting steep cliffs to one side (not for those with vertigo). The trail ends on an old volcanic flow that juts into the ocean, waves roll all around crashing on all sides, little ponds collect some of the water from the crashing waves and some coral and fish make the ponds their home. When approaching the edges of the cliffs be aware waves have been known to throw people against the rocks or worse yet pulled them into the ocean to their certain death.

Boiling Lake

• Jaco Steps Ford the creek in Belles and hike into the a rain forest up the side of a nearly inaccessible forest plateau. In 30 minutes you will reach the Jaco Steps. There is not a clear consensus of why these steps were constructed many decades ago. To do a circular route by following the river upstream will add a hour at least to your journey and will involve multiple crossings of the river en route.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Climate

Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall. Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months.

[edit] Terrain

Rugged mountains of volcanic origin.

highest point 

Morne Diablatins 1,447 m

[edit] History

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

[edit] Get in

Visitors from the United States, Canada and European Union nations are granted automatic visas on entry for up to 21 days (with extensions available). Other nations should check with Dominica immigration before traveling.

[edit] By plane

There are two airports in Dominica, Melville Hall(DOM) and Canefield(DCF). Most commercial flights land at Melville Hall, however, the airport does not accommodate international flights. The island can be accessed through Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe and other Caribbean hubs. [2]

[edit] By boat

From Martinique and Guadeloupe ferries on most days of the week. Arrival in Roseau.

• Canadian Sailing Expeditions - Tall Ship Caledonia The Tall Ship Caledonia will arrive in the region in the fall of 2007. Travellers can embark at Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe and sail on to various locations on the island such as Deschaies. The vessel makes a number of stops in the area and visits Roseau & Portsmouth

[edit] Get around

Car Rental

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 journey 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. Road Runner Car Rental [3] is an excellent choice, offering a variety of 4x4 vehicles at bargain rates. Tips:

• Honk horn on hairpin turns especially during the day.
• Beware of large trucks as their width forces other drivers off the road.
• 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 sufficient for most situations but a small 4x4 might also be nice. A large 4x4 would be cumbersome on the small streets.

[edit] Talk

Languages 

English (official), French patois

[edit] Buy

The best local handicrafts are Carib made baskets. The earth tone colors come from burying the fibers in the ground for different lengths of time.

Dominica is also well known for its music, so be sure to buy some local music while you are on the island. Genres range from jazz, reggae-dancehall, calypso & soca, to Cadence-lypso and Bouyon and which are popular Dominican genres. Visit during the last weekend in October and be treated to the World Creole Music Festival [4] or if you can't make it, ask for the best local artistes, and be sure not to purchase pirated copies!!

[edit] Eat

• Calabash Heights in Roseau provides delicious rasta Ital food and is strictly vegan.
• Shopping at the night time fruit market by the river in Roseau is an interesting experience enhanced by a drink of fresh coconut water and freshly roasted plantains or breadfruit.
• Tomatoes in Portsmouth is a popular gathering place for expats as well as professors and students of Ross University.

[edit] Drink

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 an hibiscus specie common also in Jamaica. The popular locally brewed beer is Kabuli. 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-pasteurised 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. Pal is one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable fruit enthusiasts on the island. He sometimes has juice from rare fruits.

[edit] Sleep

Belle Côte Villa [5] Luxury 3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath air conditioned Villa with private swimming pool at Hodges Beach. Sleeps 10 in comfort. Beautiful views. Great place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking or just relaxing. 15 minutes from the airport and close to Calibishie. Best value for a family or group.

• 'Sister Sea Lodge' [6] 6 cottages in tropical garden directly at the beach. In the fish-bar fresh fish and sea food served on a banana leaf. Sister Sea Lodge is next to Ross University. The romantic bar is run by a German lady: Harta Sango.

• 'Jungle Bay Resort & Spa' [7] Choose from 35 treetop cottages at this 'barefoot luxury' resort. Try the popular ' Jungle Spa Adventure Package' for the best value!

• Calibishie Lodges [8] $80-130 USD. Located on hillside above the beach. Pool, gardens, and restaurant.

• Veranda View A small guest house located in the north part of the Island, Veranda View is an ideal location to base yourself to tour the island. Located 15 minutes from the Melville Hall Airport, the guest house is easy to find on the main road in Calibishie.

• 'Pointe Baptiste Villa and cottage' [9] A large and small colonial style historic house located in a 25 acre estate, which includes 2 beaches.

• 'Fort Young Hotel' [10]73 Guest rooms in Roseau. Beautiful terraced rooms overlook the harbor.

• 'BareFoot Travel' [11]Offers a choice of over 30 properties in Dominica. Diving and Adventure Packages.

• '3 Rivers Eco Lodge' [12]Individual cottages, dormitory style accommodation, tent rental, as well as a bamboo tree house and two traditional carib Indian jungle huts made from local sustainable materials. The tree house and jungle huts are about 15 minutes hike into the rain forest out on the property.

• 'Beau Rive' [13]Stunning cliff views in Carib Territory, rooms are large and airy. Mark, the proprietor, is a charming host and points visitors to some lesser known attractions nearby. Ideal for independent travelers with a vehicle. The food and atmosphere in the dining room is impeccable and reflects the owner's cosmopolitan origins.

• 'Papillote' [14]Deep in the jungle built atop bubbling hot springs this little enclave puts you at the foot of the hike to Trafalgar Falls and considerably closer to the Boiling Lake trail head. On site there are two waterfalls, wild fauna, four beautifully set hot spring pools, resident chickens and peacocks. The kitchen serves excellent straightforward healthy fare with a decidedly Caribbean touch.

[edit] Learn

Founded in 1978 Ross University, an American medical school, located in Portsmouth, offers a Basic Sciences curriculum designed to prepare students for licensing and practice in the U.S.

[edit] Work

Work permits are inexpensive. (EC$100 to work as a teacher, for example.) A permit is granted after some months and the usual health check, police check, etc.

[edit] Stay safe

• Violence toward tourists is virtually unheard of in known history. This makes Dominica one of the safest places to travel in the region.
• While hiking in Dominica's forests there is no chance of being bitten by the fer-de-lance because this deadly snake, known on nearby islands, does not live in Dominica.

[edit] Stay healthy

Tap water is safe to drink, but since it is sometimes drawn straight from Dominica's many rivers, it has a tendency to turn brown after heavy rainfall. It's better to drink the bottled water available almost anywhere.

Basic healthcare is available at Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau.

North Americans moving to Dominica often experience boils for the first time and fingernail and toenail fungi. Stomach problems are rare among travellers.

Towns are sprayed with insecticides periodically to control the mosquitoes responsible for spreading Dengue fever. However, the spraying may not be done at the scheduled time and pesticides may drift into your home if the windows are open.

[edit] Respect

In the high lands and uninhabited central regions water is gathered at roadside springs. Sometimes the bus will stop and passengers will fill their water bottles. Locals prefer the taste of this water to bottled water. Public water is bacterially safe to drink due to heavy chlorination and has the expected chlorine flavor.

[edit] Contact

Area code is 767, on the North American exchange.

Digicel is a local cellular company which provides prepaid plans for those visiting for short periods. Cable & Wireless and Orange also provide cell service.

To contact Dominica's tourism offices, visit the Discover Dominica contacts page

WikiPedia:Dominica

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