Dominica: the “nature” island. Photo courtesy of cisc1970 via Flickr.
The phrase goes something like this: “Discover Dominica: The Nature Island.” And with a catch-phrase like that, you’d expect the island to be filled with, well, nature. And it is. This wonderful little Caribbean island is packed with jungle and white sand beaches that have made the Lesser Antilles famous for honeymoon or vacation retreats. Volcanic peaks, boiling water, sulfur rocks, spectacular diving, and rain-forest canopies make Dominica unlike any other island in the Caribbean.
Hike – 300 miles of trail await you in within this dreamy little island. From breathtaking vistas to rushing waterfalls and wandering streams, you’ll enjoy plenty of great hikes while in Dominica.
Culture – Dominica has a long a diverse history dating back to some 3100 B.C. when the islan’ds first inhabitants, the Ortoroids settled here from South America. A long and peaceful time was punctuated by the Arawaks moving in and effectively exterminating the Ortoroids from the island in 400 B.C. Consider the president set, and about every eight-hundred years or so, a new wave of people came in, dominated the island, and left something of a legacy. Today, the island has cultural markings spanning from the Arawaks to English, French, and the Caribs (of which roughly 2000 still live in the northeastern corner of the island). Getting to experience some of these customs and ways is a fabulously rewarding way to experience the island. To get a taste of the culture here, visit some ancient plantations, see the architecture of the buildings from colonial times, learn about the ancient Carib ways of canoe-making, and if the timing’s right – catch a cultural festival.
Water – There’s no doubt about it – Dominica has got water adventure in spades. Take a river tubing safari adventure or kayak down one of Dominica’s many rivers until you hit the ocean and then explore the coastline. Or, if the underwater world entices you, there are many great diving spots in Dominica, where you can spot cuttlefish, box fish, sea turtles, and a host of other marine life. Dominica is considered one of the top ten diving destinations in the world – so if you’re a diver, you don’t want to miss out (especially not on the submerged volcanic crater).
