Dominica Info

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History

Dominica has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. The island was originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, who arrived in Dominica around 3,000 years ago. The Kalinago, also known as Caribs, were a fierce tribe of seafaring people who were known for their skill in fishing and navigation. They lived off the land and sea, cultivating crops such as yams, cassava, and corn, as well as hunting and fishing.

In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus arrived on the island during his second voyage to the New World. He named the island Dominica, after the Latin word for Sunday, as he landed on a Sunday. However, the island remained largely uncolonized for several centuries.

In the 18th century, Dominica became a battleground for European powers seeking to control the lucrative sugar trade in the Caribbean. The French and British both established settlements on the island, and there were frequent battles between the two powers for control of Dominica.

The island eventually became a British colony in 1763, after the Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years' War. Dominica became an important center of sugar production, and many African slaves were brought to the island to work on the sugar plantations.

In 1838, slavery was abolished on Dominica, and the island began to transition to a more diverse economy, with cocoa, coffee, and bananas becoming important crops. Dominica.

Attractions

Roseau
The Cruise Ship Terminal dominates the small town of Roseau. The Cruise Ships are taller than the Buildings. Everything is in walking distance. There is the Old Market, which was once used to buy and sell slaves. Close by the Old Post office which is now a Museum. A little to the south of the city centre is Fort Young Hotel, you can't miss it. Roseau has some fine examples of distinctive stone and wood townhouses dating from the Victorian era. The Botanical Gardens are a relaxing place with amazing trees and beautiful flowers and also a parrot sanctuary. A small path up the hill leads to a lookout point which offers a wonderful view of Roseau and the Cruise Ships.

Emerald Pool
The Emerald Pool is a beautiful small basin in a lush green setting at the foot of a gentle waterfall in the centre of the island. It can be reached after a five minute walk through a rainforest of ferns and foliage. It is very popular on cruise ship days, but so beautiful that you shouldn't miss it. You can swim in the cold water. 

Boiling Lake
US Americans tend to call every tour a Life Time Experience. In fact, they don't like to leave the air conditioned van and never get a real Life Time Experience. Only those of you who are not a couch potato can have a real Lifetime Experience in Dominica. The hike to the Boiling Lake in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park is only a one day hike but very challenging, especially in the rain. And it rains very often in Dominica.

As a visitor you must not walk on your own, because it's a tough hike. Hire a certified guide in the village of Laudat where the trail begins. Start early, by 8 a.m., to allow enough daylight. Good hiking shoes are necessary. Pack your camera waterproof.

From the bottom of Laudat the path leads to Titou Gorge, a deep, narrow volcanic fault. The trail then ascends a steep slope, passing tropical rainforest, gorges, mountain tops and crossing rivers. 

The Valley of Desolation is an area of boiling mud ponds, brightly-coloured hot springs and mini-geysers. Sulphur crystals colour the ground, steam vents through cracks in the earth and streams run black in this area resembling a primeval valley.

The second largest Boiling Lake in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only one of its kind. The lake measures 63 meters in across the edges and boils at 82 to 92 degrees Celsius. Geologists believe a crack in the earth allows hot gases to vent from the molten lava below.

The trail is often slick due to rain, which requires a bit of tricky scrambling over sections of vertical ground. It can become a dangerous hike if you don't have a guide or don't make a very early start.

Scott's Head Dive Site
Scotts Head Dominica is a small fishing village located on the southern tip of the island of Dominica, overlooking Soufriere Bay. West of the village is a peninsula  with the same name. The Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet here. Scotts Head was named after Colonel George Scott after capturing the island from the French in 1761. Soufriere Bay is a protected area of the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve and offers the best snorkelling and diving in Dominica.

Victoria Waterfall
Dominica is perhaps the best country in the world to see waterfalls. There are plenty. Probably the most impressive waterfall on the island is the Victoria Waterfall at the East coast. It is formed by the White River pouring over a cliff into a warm pool below. Minerals give the water a milky white colour. You can swim in the pool. To reach Victoria Falls, you have to hike along the White River. The walk is easy, but it can be very slippery.

Carib Reserve
Dominica is the only Eastern Caribbean island that still has a population of pre-Columbian native Caribs, also known as the Kalinago. The Carib Reserve was established 1903 by British colonial authorities in a remote and mountainous area of Dominica's East coast. About 3,500 people live inside the Carib Reserve and another 2,000 Caribs reside elsewhere on the island. Together they make up the largest group of Caribs left anywhere in the world. Tourists can visit the friendly people and buy Carib crafts in their small shops.

Cabrits National Park
Cabrits National Park is a protected tropical forest and volcanic-sand beaches located on a peninsula just north of Portsmouth. The park also encompasses the surrounding coast and coral reefs, and Dominica's largest swamp. Contained within the park is Fort Shirley, the location of an English garrison which includes hiking trails. It's a beautiful place that shouldn't be missed.

Indian River
At Indian River local guides take tourists through the mangroves to a pub in the rain forest. The river flows into the prime bird watching territory of Glanvilla Swamp. You see iguanas, huge land crabs, herons and other birds. Some of the scenes of "Pirates of the Caribbean", "Dead Man's Chest" are filmed at Indian River. You get to see the place, but it isn't spectacular. Best time for the trip is late afternoon to see the sunset on the way back.

Rainforest Aerial Tram
The Dominica Aerial Tram takes visitors on a hanging gondola ride through a mile of tropical rainforest, where you can get a bird's eye view of the wildlife, the colourful and lush flora, and the waterfalls. Tram rides take approximately 90 minutes. It is a great educational experience with spectacular views but overpriced. Main customers are Cruise ship passengers with plenty of money and little time.

Wotton Waven
This village and estate at the end of the Roseau Valley was named after a place in England. It is a scenic area with bubbling pots of hot water and volcanic fumarole activity. The Wotton Waven sulphur springs are a possible future source of geothermal energy. Wotten Waven can be reached by bus from Roseau (bus stop near the police station). 

Trafalgar Falls
The Trafalgar twin falls are one of Dominica's most famous sites. Known as Mother and Father, the two falls can be reached after a 20 minute hike through a forest of ginger plants and vanilla orchids. The cool main stream of Trafalgar Falls originates in the mountains and is joined near the bottom by a hot mineral spring. Swimming in the hot and cold pools is enjoyed amid the sulfur-dyed rocks at the falls' base.

Whale Whatching
The waters off of Dominica are prime areas for whales to feed, breed and play. Whale watching is a year-round activity in Dominica. The tour guides try really hard to find whales, resulting in a success rate in spotting whales or dolphins of 90 %. Sperm Whales can be seen year round; other whales are Pilot, Pygmy Sperm, False Killer, Dwarf Sperm, Melon-Headed and Arca.