Dominica Overview

By Troy Shaheen

Tucked away in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, the mountainous island nation of Dominica thrives as the region’s well kept secret among a multitude of overexposed locations. Nicknamed the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” this unique destination benefits from a history of unspoiled rain forest and unexploited wildlife. You will not find luxury chain hotels, or comprehensive gear stores in Dominica. You will instead find an untouched paradise for “off the beaten path” types and wildlife wanderers. Due to its distinctive character, Dominica has recently established itself as a top destination for adventure travelers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers who don’t mind roughing it a bit.

Dominica’s pristine blue waters, lush green forests, and sublime mountain peaks give it a diverse range of attractions. The natural beauty makes for great hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife exploration. Dominica’s coast also benefits from a unique underwater terrain that makes for some of the world’s most reliable whale watching.

In the south of the island, travelers often venture to Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which was declared a World Heritage site on April 4, 1995. This naturalist wonderland is host to a variety of exotic hikes including Desolation Valley and a journey to Boiling Lake, the world’s second largest of its kind. On the northern end of Dominica, Cabritis National Park features a more aquatic feel. This park is located on a peninsula outside of the major city of Roseau.  It protects impressive coral reef as well as untarnished wetlands. Other popular sites are Emerald Pool in the central rain forest and Trafalgar Falls just minutes outside of Roseau.

The two major cities of Dominica are located on opposite ends of the island. In the south, the capital city of Roseau offers a culturally rich atmosphere. The hustle and bustle of local business is a far cry from most tourism capitals, favoring native flavor over travel catering. Still, you can easily find many tourism companies who are willing and able to show you the natural attraction of your choice. The northern city of Portsmouth has a unique history and an atypical demographic. Originally intended to be the capital, Portsmouth was forced to forfeit this title after a massive malaria outbreak in 1760. Today, two American universities occupy the city, contributing tremendously to the culture as well as the economy. Both cities are great bases for travel, but should not be explored for more than a day or two.

Lodging in the cities and rain forest can be found quite easily. Despite the lack of franchise hotels, there are plenty of comfortable lodging options around the major cities and popular attractions. These options include inexpensive hostels, rustic cottages, furnished apartments, and luxurious bed and breakfasts. Both the budget backpacker and the luxury vacationer should have little trouble finding satisfactory housing.

As word spreads, it is unclear as to how long Dominica can remain a well kept secret. The most glaring sign of this new exposure can be seen in the 2004 filming of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. This large endeavor brought in hundreds of employment opportunities to Dominica, but also aided in the destruction of some rain forest. On the positive side, this exposure also brought in increased tourism, leading to increased management and preservation of the raw and pristine environment that has become the staple of Dominica. Without a doubt, any adventure traveler or wildlife enthusiast should consider Dominica when looking for an awe-inspiring experience void of most typical tourism.