Dominica

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Dominica is located along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago not far away from Martinique in the south and Guadeloupe in the north. The official name of Dominica is the Commonwealth of Dominica, which distinguishes it from the Dominican Republic.

Dominica is also known as the Nature Island. It lies between 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude. The tropical rainforests of Dominica cover approximately thirds of the whole island and are considered to be the home of more than 1,000 plant species. Annual rainfalls feed rivers, deep lakes and marvelous rainfalls of the island. The island determines its geothermal activity. The most famous park there worth to be visited is The Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Dominica occupies about 289 square miles and is populated with more than 70,000 inhabitants. The significant amount of people lives nearby the capital Roseau. More than 80 % of inhabitants are Roman Catholics. The official language of Dominica is English., but the major part of the population speaks Creole (Kwèyòl). The population of the northern villages speaks Kokoy.

Dominica is a wonderful place for those who are fond of diving in the Caribbean sea, hiking through the thick forests or just soaking up the sun or breathing in the fresh air. Dominica can provide you with extreme kinds of sport, eco tours, whale watching combined with unforgettable impressions of wild nature.

Diving

If you’re fond of diving because you like to experience beauty, wonder and thrill, Dominica is worth to be visited by you. The Caribbean Sea here is the most amazing. It’s full of colorful reefs, beautiful corals, big sea turtles and whales. Once you’ve dived here you realize that this is the best place in the world for diving experience.

When you dive the reefs of the Caribbean Sea you’re plunged into the magic world of adventures, observe unusual seahorses, flying gurnards, frogfish and feel other diving destinations. Beautiful golden crinoids can be found in the stands of sponges and coral. Dominica is rich for such rare sea creatures as electric rays, sea snakes,, sea urchins.

Now let’s observe pristine marine habitats found in Dominica! The topography of Dominica is rather rich. You can find here beautiful landscapes with canyons that plunge to depth compared with the soaring peaks of the mountains above. Boulder fields and volcanic craters accompany pinnacles and steep walls and in such a way set the stage for the best diving in the Caribbean Sea.

Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve is located in the southwest of Dominica. It’s famous for its coral walls, that are almost unspoilt, and for its interesting volcanic features. In the north you can find the Cabrits National Park Marine Section, which is famous for its variety of fish. The best reef diving in the region can be organized in the Salisbury Marine Reserve.

Dominica’s landscapes are famous for their volcanoes, chasms, craters. You can dive here through warm waters that are created by a geothermal vent and feel temperature rise of the water. Even the sea floor is warm when you touch it.

Hiking

Every trail in Dominica can lead you to interesting places worth to be visited. You have the chance to observe valleys and gorges, forests and mountains, myriads of waterfalls, rare examples of flora and fauna. The first Caribbean long distance trail appeared in Dominica. It’s known as the Waitukubuli National Trail. This trail shows all peculiarities of island history, culture life, natural beauties and serves for the education purpose. Without any doubts Dominica inspires all visitors, either the casual walkers or serious hikers. Having visited Dominica people know more about this life and its natural beauties.

The longest distance trail in Dominica covers more than 115 miles and takes its visitors through national parks, farms, forests, coasts. It’s also considered to be the longest trail in the Caribbean. Of course, Dominica possesses other trails, easier for tourists. These short trails allow all hikers to enjoy the beauties of the island, they’re rather wide and convenient for visitors. Besides, almost all trails possess bridges that help visitors cross streams, rivers, gullies. Trails confront hiking enthusiasts with special sections that are challenging with steeper slopes. Steps can be found on the steepest places as well as the bridges can be found on the largest rivers. Dominica can be home for serious hiking. On the other hand hikers must have perfect physical conditions.

Biking

The beautiful landscapes of Dominica and tropical climate can set the real stage for biking. You’ll receive unforgettable impressions while travelling there, your heart will pump, you legs will work constantly, and your adrenaline will flow down. You can find small cozy lodges on the island in order to rest and then to continue your trip through this untouched beauty. Biking in Dominica will provide you with memories for the whole life.

Bird Watching

Dominica is a perfect place for birds and in such a way it becomes a perfect place for bird watchers! The first bird you’ll see in Dominica is a Sisserou Parrot on the Dominica flag. As a rule parrots live in the northern part of Dominica. Due to the work of the protected status and the efforts of such organization as the Parrot Research in Roseau, the population of parrots is constantly recovering and is spreading south. More than 170 species of rare birds can be counted in Dominica. In order to learn more about these birds you can organize an exciting bird-watching tour to Dominica.

 Architecture Sightseeing

If you want to investigate something unusual in Dominica, it’s worth to pay attention at its architecture. The representations of the Creole architecture of the 18th century can be found in the centre of the city. Just a day will be enough to visit all beautiful buildings in the island. These buildings represent religious, civic and military structures. Also you can observe old mills and plantations. You have a chance to visit dwellings of Kalingo Indians, that are built of reeds, palm leaves and other local materials.

Canyoning

As the rule canyoning uses the natural places where rocks meet water. Dominica is the perfect place for climbing waterfalls, swimming through pools, hiking across riverbeds and jumping over cascades into crystal water. All the year round canyoning gives the perfect opportunity to investigate Dominica and at the same time to enjoy adventure and fun of the great water-sport. Dominica’s canyons are located a short distance from the town of Roseau.

Health and Wellness

If you want to improve your health Dominica will provide you with rare natural products, healing therapy. You have the opportunity to hike the terrains, to soak in the sulphur hot pool. Dominica can truly be named the Natural Island. If you’re fond of yoga, you can imagine it in the rainforest. You have the opportunity to relax with a massage or to revitalize with a tropical juice or herbal tea. This is a place where you can experience holistic medicine or aromatherapy.

Kayaking

Fresh waterways of Dominica and the quite Carribean Sea make perfect opportunities for kayaking. The tranquil Soufrière Bay is a perfect route for all beginners. The rich variety of marine life and the serenity of huge coves will impress and delight you greatly. If you want to experience the kayaking at high altitudes you can visit Freshwater Lake which is located in the Morne Trois Pitons World Heritage Site. The longest river Layou takes you through diverse habitats, cooing birds and matted roots.

Whale Watching

Underwater drop-offs of Dominica create perfect havens for the Sperm Whales. Dominica is considered to be the only country where the Sperm Whales prefer to reside all the year round. Nevertheless sightings of whales are organized as the rule in November or March. One boat ride in the calm Carribean Sea can give you an opportunity to get acquainted with the biggest toothed animal in the world. Different fishermen and boaters happen to see the Sperm Whale at Layou, Scotts Head, Roseau. Whale watchers follow strict rules of their behavior in order to minimize disturbance without luring the whales. 
While visiting Dominica you receive a perfect opportunity to be plunged into the wild world of adventures as it’s in the program “Survivor.” Been equipped with all necessary gear you receive a chance to travel through footbridges, canopies on ropes. One of the final zip lines takes you across the Layou, which is considered to be the longest river in Dominica. Perfect physical challenge, tremendous vistas convert zip-lining into one of the most exciting excursions on the island.

Sea Turtle Viewing

Dominica’s shores are rich with different species of sea turtles such as Green Sea Turtles, Leatherbacks, Hawksbills. If you visit Rosalie Beach in March or October you’ll observe the most interesting ritual in turtle life.
Having mated in the water the female turtle comes ashore in order to dig the nest, to lay the eggs and to smooth the eggs over with sand while avoiding detection.
People have to take great care of these places with the aim of protection sea turtles.
It’s worth to know that lights must be kept away from all these areas as they scare female turtles and at the same time disorient all hatchlings. All witnesses of this ritual receive unforgettable impressions for the whole life.