Dominica

Dominica

Dominica's location is 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude. The island sits midway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, just a few miles from Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Its official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica, which is mostly referenced in official communiqués and to distinguish the island from its northerly Caribbean sister, the Dominican Republic. Known as "The Nature Island," Dominica's tropical rainforests cover two thirds of the island, and are home to 1,200 plant species. Rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls abound, fed by the island's high annual rainfall. Its volcanic physique points to extensive geothermal activity – even underwater. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean. The island is sparsely populated with 70,000 people inhabiting its 289 square miles. A significant portion of the population lives in and around the capital city of Roseau. 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), and a few northern villages speak Kokoy.

Activities

A number of nature oriented activities are offered on the island, these include: Hiking, Trekking, River Bathing, Bird watching, Whale Watching, Scuba Diving, Botany Explorations.

Shopping

A fine selection of Dominican arts and crafts, often hand-painted on-site, can be found in numerous little shops throughout the island. Handcrafted treasures are often one of a kind and make unique souvenirs. A warning before you begin: if you find something you love, buy it at the moment. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll come back. Crafts people rarely make the same thing the same way twice.

Food

Dining in Dominica is a savory story with a happy ending. Spend a day touring the island and it's easy to see why restaurants set such a varied and tasty table. Fruits and spices abound. Tables overflow with red, pink, yellow, orange and green vegetables. The country's cuisine, like the island, is a blend of cultures. African, Carib Indian, French and Oriental influences provide an assortment of dishes, which are waiting to be sampled during your visit.

Currency

The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is the currency used locally. United States dollar, British Pounds and the Euro currency are acceptable everywhere on the island. Most hotels, restaurant, car rental agencies and tour operators accept Master Card, Visa, and American Express as well as Traveler's checks.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

Click to view sailings.