| Dominica
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| The
Lush, Mountainous Island of Dominica |
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Sunset
off the coast of Dominica |
Dominica
surges from the sea with soaring peaks that seem to be courting
the heavens. Virgin flora covers these dramatic mountains, creating
swaths of verdant landscapes. The residue of the fiery forces
that created the island thousands of years ago, as part of the
Caribbean Ring of Fire, bellows in several hot springs, valleys
of steaming earth, and a boiling lake which is the second largest
in the world. Along with geothermal wonders come natural coolants:
hundreds of pristine rivers and streams web the island's lush
terrain. Pure rainwater sets brooks and cascades into motion
by rushing down picturesque cliffs. Dominica's
natural wonders and rich cultural heritage make it an exceptional
ecotourism destination. Dominica defies popular notions of
a Caribbean vacation.
Dominica
(pronounced Dom-in-eek-a) sits midway along the Eastern Caribbean
archipelago, just a few miles from Martinique to the south
and Guadeloupe to the north. Its location is 15 degrees North
latitude and 61 degrees West longitude.
Dominica
is sparsely populated with around 70,000 people inhabiting
its 289.5 square miles. A significant portion of the population
lives in and around the capital city, Roseau. Dominica is
an arcadia of unspoiled nature. Tropical forest coats two
thirds of the island, which nourishes 1,200 plant species.
Rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls abound, fed by the
islands high annual rainfall. Its volcanic physique points
to extensive geothermal activity above and below sea level.
The
island is one of only a couple in the Caribbean still with
populations of the pre-Columbian Carib Indians. About 80%
of the population is Roman Catholic. English is the official
language, spoken with a melodic French lilt, but a large portion
of the population speaks Kwèyòl (Creole), with
a few northern villages speaking Kokoy.
If
sitting by the beach all day sounds a bit dull, then Dominica
is the spot for you.
Dominica
is a paradise for the outdoor adventurer interested in unspoiled
natural attractions. There is so much to do!
Hiking
in Dominica is as diverse as it is breathtaking
Nearly
300 miles of footpaths open up to some of Dominica's most
spectacular sceneries and make this island a haven for hikers
and nature-lovers. In almost every part of the country, trails
weave their way into gorges and across valleys, climbing up
to 4,000 foot mountains.
Whatever
your level of fitness there is a trail just right for you,
each with a spectacular attraction at its conclusion.
Diving
& Watersports in Dominica
Dominica
offers many choices when it comes to watersports and scuba
diving. Kayak on cool mountain lakes, swim in secluded river
pools in the rainforest, river-tube down the river into the
calm waters on the West Coast, or snorkel on pristine reefs...
there really is something for everyone in Dominica.
Dominica
is famous for its tropical rainforest, and the many rivers
and waterfalls which result from the high rainfall in the
interior. In addition, its volcanic origins manifest themselves
most noticably in the Boiling Lake (one of the largest of
its kind in the world) and many other smaller fumaroles around
the island (including at least one underwater). Moreover,
it is widely acknowledged to be both one of the best dive
sites and a prime whale watching location in the region (if
not world).
| Things
to do in Dominica
Rain Forest Aerial Tram
– Just 30 minutes from Roseau, passengers in a
comfortably-sized tram gondola soar over the treetops
of the rainforest, gaining a unique perspective on the
island’s flora and fauna. During the leisurely
90-minute ride, naturalist guides talk about the landscape
and point out various distinctive features. In addition,
a suspension bridge spans the beautiful Breakfast River
Gorge, where cloud-shrouded mountains create a mystical
backdrop for palms, tree ferns, giant bromeliads and
cascading waterfalls

Titou
Gorge – Not to be missed is this
short swim through the gorge from the base of a waterfall
through a series of natural "rooms and ponds."
High cliff walls canopied by interlaced trees create
a canopy through which light filters down from above.
Known as “Little Throat” Gorge in Carib,
its depth varies depending on rainfall amounts. A hot
spring tumbles down a short wall just outside the entrance
of the gorge, excellent to warm up in after paddling
in the cool waters of the gorge.
Wacky
Rollers Adventure Park – Utilizing
the natural landscape of Dominica, visitors can experience
the beauty of Dominica in various fun ways at this Park.
Travel on foot along the trail, advancing from tree
to tree via suspended platforms and zip lines, and indulge
in a Tarzan jump before the course ends with a zip across
the Layou River and back. A kids park for kids from
4 years and up and at least 2 meters tall complements
the adult section, making it an excellent family experience.
Riving tubing, jeep tours and kayak tours are also offered.
Trafalgar
Falls – Considered Dominica’s
most popular natural attractions, these two major falls
cascading side by side are both located on tributaries
of the Roseau River. The taller “father”
is to the left at about 125 ft and the shorter “mother”
fall to the right is about 75ft. From the road and visitor
reception area, a brief walk along a well-maintained
path brings guests to a platform for viewing and photographing
both falls. Guests can also take a side path leading
to the base of the falls. Exploring the Father is not
advised, but feel free to step into the pool at the
base of the Mother.
Boiling
Lake – Dominica has half of the
Eastern Caribbean's twenty active volcanoes. Although
none has erupted in over 1,000 years, bubbling sulfur
springs, fumaroles, and the massive boiling lake indicates
underlying volcanic activity. Second in size only to
the Frying Pan lake of New Zealand, Dominica's Boiling
Lake is 200 ft wide and is considered one of the most
amazing geothermal features on earth. It is located
five miles from the city at the heart of the Morne Trois
Piton National Park, a World Heritage Site.
Whale
Watching – Dominica's sheer walls
disappear under the sea, creating deep sheltered bays
along its western coastline: a haven for the Sperm Whale
that loves this type of habitat. A short boat ride brings
visitors into contact with the world's largest toothed
animal in the calm turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Sperm
Whale, often seen at Scotts Head, Roseau, Layou, and
Point Round. Dominica is the only country in the world
where the Sperm Whale resides all year long, with most
sightings between November and March. Whale Watching
operators follow strict codes of conduct on their excursions.
They do not lure the whales and minimize any disturbance.
On a rare trip, the whales may be elusive, but such
disappointment is usually compensated by acrobatic performances
from hundreds of dolphins.
The
Soufriere Sulfur Springs – Dominica
has numerous Hot Water Springs and these are a favorite
for tourism recreation. Located just a few miles south
of Champagne in the village of Soufriere, the pools
collect the natural flow of a hot stream allowing patrons
to relax in the therapeutic water, reputed to have healing
benefits. A gazebo, changing rooms, and a restaurant
make the spot more comfortable and convenient for locals
and visitors alike.
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