Unspoiled Caribbean: Dominica

In a region of beautiful islands, Dominica is prized for its exceptional and unspoiled natural attributes. The island’s lack of commercial development means that much of its mountainous interior is best seen on foot. If you venture along the trails, which range from easy to challenging, you’ll be rewarded by the lush surroundings of rainforests, waterfalls, and natural freshwater pools.

As your ship approaches the town of Roseau (larger ships) or the town of Portsmouth (smaller ships), the island may look familiar – it’s had a starring role in a number of pirate movies. But, seeing the island on the movie screen can’t compare with being there in person. Jagged cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, mango and banana trees sway in the breeze, and whales can be spotted in the deep water around the island all year long.

 If you’re up for a fairly strenuous hike, Dominica’s Boiling Lake is one of the world’s largest hot springs (its impressively high temperature is due to hot gasses that escape through a crack in a volcanic crater). Another of Dominica’s top sights, the beautiful Emerald Pool in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is on an easy, half-mile loop trail.

Dominica is great for bird watching, and Morne Diablotins National Park is home to gorgeous and rare Sisserou parrots. A boat ride on the Indian River is another way to see some of the island’s nearly 200 types of birds.

Dominica is one of the few islands in the Caribbean where descendants of the native Carib tribe still live. On the eastern side of Dominica, about 3,000 Caribs live in a special territory that includes a model Carib village. Look for intricately woven larouma reed baskets, a traditional Carib handicraft, available for sale around the island.

The waves are gentler on Dominica’s west side, and there are some narrow, sandy beaches where you can swim, sun, snorkel and dive. For a truly memorable snorkeling experience, visit Champagne Beach, where small gas bubbles rise from the volcanic sea floor. You’ll feel like you’re gliding through an enormous glass of Champagne.

To find out how you can cruise to the pristine island of Dominica, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.

 
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