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Visitor
Activities
Scuba Diving
As dramatic as the topside terrain of Dominica is,
so will divers find below the waves. Over the past few
years, Dominica has earned the reputation as one of the
top five dive destinations in the world. In addition to
unique dive sites like "Champagne" which features
a bubbling, underwater hot spring, Dominica's reefs are
full of gorgeous multi-coloured hard and soft coral, an
abundance of reef fish and fascinating marine life such
as seahorses and frogfish. The underwater terrain is unique
and diverse, providing dive sites suitable for all skill
levels, from beginner to the very experienced.
Diving off Dominica offers an amazing diversity of reef,
wreck, dramatic wall, pinnacle and drift dives. Dominica
has a profusion of sponges and unique creatures... Seahorses,
Frogfish and Snake Eels.
Water Temp 78 - 83F 25 - 28C -- Visibility - Can reach
100+ ft 30 m depending on river runoff.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling sites are never very far, regardless of
where you are on Dominica. In all, there are some 30 separate
and first-rate snorkeling areas immediately off the coast.
The western side of the island, where nearly all of the
snorkeling takes place, is the lee side, meaning the waters
are tranquil. You can explore the underwater hot springs
at Champagne and Toucari, the Coral Gardens off Salisbury,
and the southern shoreline of Scotts Head Beach, with
more than 190 species of flamboyantly colored fish. The
closeness of the reefs to shore makes snorkeling here
some of the best in the Caribbean. Your hotel or one of
the dive shops can set you up with gear.
Beaches
Dominica beaches are far from the best of the Caribbean.
Most are rocky with gray-black volcanic sand. But some
beaches, even though they don't have great sand or shade,
are still good for diving or snorkeling in the turquoise
waters.
The best beach on the island lies on the northwest coast.
Picard Beach stretches for about 3km (2 miles), a strip
of grayish sand with palm trees as a backdrop. It's ideal
for snorkeling or windsurfing. You can drop in for food
and drink at one of the hotels along the beach.
On the northeast coast, four beaches -- L'Anse Noire,
Hodges Beach, Woodford Hill Bay, and Hampstead Beach --
are among the island's most beautiful, although none are
great for swimming. Divers and snorkelers often come here,
even though the water can be rough. Watch out for the
strong currents.
The southwest coast also has some beaches, but the sand
here is black and rock-studded. Nonetheless, snorkelers
and scuba divers flock to Soufrière Bay Beach and
Scotts Head Beach for the clear waters and the stunning
underwater walls.
Swimming
The beaches may be lousy, but Dominica has some of the
best river swimming in the Caribbean. Some say the little
island has 365 rivers, one for every day of the year.
The best places for swimming are under a waterfall, of
which there are dozens on the island. Almost all waterfalls
have a refreshing pond at the base, ideal for a dip. Your
best bets are on the west coast at the Picard or the Machoucherie
Rivers. On the east coast, the finest spot is White River,
near the hamlet of La Plaine. Consider also the Layou
River and its gorges. Layou is the island's largest river,
ranging from tranquil beach-lined pools ideal for swimming
to deep gorges and turbulent rapids. All the rivers are
pristine and make nice spots for a little sunbathing or
perhaps a picnic lunch to enjoy along their banks.
Whale Watching
Whale watching ranks at the top of the list for exciting
excursions. Who wouldn’t get caught up in the spectacle
of seeing these majestic giants up close and personal?
Dominica’s temperate seas and underwater contours are
ideal for hosting numerous whale population.
Kayaking
Dominica is probably the best place in all the Caribbean
for kayaking. You can rent a kayak for a unique adventure
around the rivers and coastline of the lushest island
in the West Indies. You can combine bird-watching, swimming,
and snorkeling as you glide along. Consider Soufrière
Bay, a marine reserve in southwest Dominica. Off the west
coast, you will discover tranquil Caribbean waters with
rainbow-hued fish along the beaches in Mero, Salisbury,
and in the region of the Layou and Macoucherie Rivers.
Fishing
For sport fishermen who want the thrill of chasing 200
lb marlin, dolphin fish, barracuda, and yellow fin tuna
then Dominica should be a major attraction.
Hiking
Whether you're an experienced explorer or a novice adventurer,
Dominica has a trail waiting for you to discover. Trailheads
are found throughout the forest reserves, national parks
and island resorts. These pathways provide you with a
tour of the lush, green rainforests and some trails lead
to romantic waterfalls with excellent swimming and photo
opportunities.
For the experienced - Boiling Lake
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Said to be the second largest in the world, this hot springs
lake is a caldron of gray-blue water at a temperature
ranging from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit; a full-day
rigorous hike with a guide is needed to visit this awesome
sight. A well-maintained trail begins at approximately
1,600 ft, where a level stretch of rocky pathway blends
alternately with wooden steps. But don't be fooled by
the flat beginning, it grows steeper. Although this is
a strenuous trail, the trip is among the best ways to
experience the rainforest of the Caribbean’s Nature Island.
See and hear rainforest birds and other rare tropical
animals while truly experiencing the heart of the island.
Moderate experience - Sari-Sari Falls
Sari-Sari Falls is off the East road. After parking next
to the Banana field, you begin descending down a steep
incline to the bed of the Sari-Sari River. You will travel
along the river bed, crossing several times as the exact
path you travel depends on the flow of the river. The
hike is only about a mile each way, can be slippery when
wet. Sari-Sari is a beautiful waterfall, but most of its
appeal is its location on the remote Atlantic side of
the island.
Bird Watching
Bird watchers will take pleasure in sighting our 160 bird
species, including the Dominica trademark Imperial Parrot
and the purple-throated hummingbird.
Cabrits National
This reserve encompasses history and the natural environment,
with an 800-acre marine reserve as well as a museum and
ruins of colonial outposts.
Fort Shirley
This English colonial fort is among the ruins found at
the Cabrits Historical and Marine Park, which preserves
remnants of the islands tumultuous history.
Roseau Museum
This museum highlights the island's cultural and natural
history.
Horseback Riding
Leisurely cruise through the rain-forest on a fully guided
nature adventure! Our docile, well-trained, riding horses
will take you deep into the rain-forest along mountain
trails. Relax in your western style saddle and enjoy all
that nature has to offer!
Mountain Biking
Although the mountains of Dominica look very imposing,
you will be surprised to find a fantastic selection of
trails suitable for any skill level. We will help you
pick the best route for your experience and energy level.
Shopping
Store hours are usually Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm
and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
In Roseau, the Old Market Plaza, of historical significance
as a former slave-trading market and more recently the
site of a Wednesday-, Friday-, and Saturday-morning vegetable
market, now houses three craft shops, each specializing
in coconut, straw, and Carib craft products.
Outlets for crafts include Dominica Pottery, Bayfront
Street at Kennedy Avenue, Roseau. An array of pottery
made from local clays is on sale, as well as other handcrafts.
Balisier's, 35 Great George St., Roseau. The shop has
some of the most original T-shirts on the island, as well
as an assortment of Carnival dolls and handmade jewelry.
Ego Boutique, 9 Hillsborough St. in Roseau, has the best
selection of clothing, much of it in the classic West
Indian style, along with some crafts and home accessories,
much of it made locally.
The casual shopper seeking souvenirs and crafts can also
drop into Island Stuff, 25 Hanover St. in Roseau, a small
shop that's jam-packed with intriguing items including
handcrafts and fine art. Try also The Crazy Banana, 17
Castle St. in Roseau, which offers a little preview of
some of the best items for which the Caribbean is known,
including handcrafts, handmade jewelry, bottles of rum,
cigars, and regional paintings.
Restaurants
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. Nowhere in the Caribbean
will you find such a culinary assortment.
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.
Nightlife
When the sun sets on the day’s adventures, evenings in
Roseau and Portsmouth unfold with a blend of music that
includes reggae, jazz, soca, zouk, steel band, blues,
rock and roll and resounding dance hall disco. Some hotels
have regularly scheduled entertainment. Catch a first-run
movie at Carib cinema in Roseau or Portsmouth.
Dominica Carnival
Dominica's Carnival, held at the traditional pre-lenten
time, is a feast of calypso, shows, and two-exciting days
of street jump-up. Carnival is formally opened about a
month before the two final days of jump-up.
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