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Dominica

Dominica

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Beaches

Overview of Island

'Dominica lies 1,400 miles south of Miami, at latitude 15° north and longitude 61° west, is approximately 29 miles long and 16 miles at its widest point; (approx.  289.5 sq. miles). Dominica is the dividing point of the Caribbean islands’ Windward Islands to the west and the Leeward islands to the east.


Capital: Roseau                    

Language: English and Kweyol (mixture of French, English and a syntax borrowed for a variety of West African indigenous languages); also Kokoy which is a distinctive English dialect spoken in the north.

Population: 68,910 


Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. The first inhabitants were the Ortoroids who came in from South America around 3100 and lasted until 400BC. The Caribs, who settled here in the 14th century, called the island Waitikubuli, which means ‘Tall is her Body.’ Christopher Columbus on arrival to this land, with  captivity on his mind and less poetic flair ignored the Kalinago name and  renamed the island after the day of the week on which he spotted it – a Sunday (‘Domenica’ in Italian) – on November 3, 1493. The Kalinago resisted the efforts of the Spanish to control them, but the British and French soon followed and claimed the Island. Because of the diseases brought by the Europeans plus the battles they raged on the Indians, the latter finally lost control and fled back to South America. The names of many villages reflect the mix of the Kalinago, French and English settlers.


Today there are still approximately 2000+ Kalinagos on the Island in northeast Dominca who inhabit the 3,700 acres of  land given to them by Hesketh Bell in 1903 the British Administrator at the time.  Some aspects of the traditional culture such as canoe building can still be seen.  


In 1978 Dominica attained its independence from Britain, followed by economic and political challenges.  Banana brought great hope and some prosperity until the UK market removed the preferential access to all of the Caribbean.  Today like most of the Caribbean Islands, Dominica relies heavily on tourism to drive economic growth, using its natural eco-system as a focus of development. 






Highlights

Special offers

Things to do

Tropical Rainforest

Small Fumaroles (including one underwater)

Diving

Whale Watching

Crater Lakes and Waterfalls (including Emerald Pool)

Where to stay

Pagua Bay House

Paradise awaits in Dominica's chic boutique hotel retreat overlooking the tranquil cove of Pagua Bay.

Secret Bay

Secret Bay is a hidden gem in Dominica that offers privacy, luxury and an immersion into nature in this most intimate, six-star experience in the world.

Zen Gardens

~ Welcome to Nature! Zen Gardens is located in the lush Belles Valley surrounded by the Northern and Central Rainforest Reserves of Dominica.

Beau Rive

A hotel that is intimate, low-key, with a simple elegance and an attention to detail.

Calibishie Cove

Calibishie Cove is a private relaxed beach hideaway. A Dominica hotel where you can get away from it all.

Breeze Travel 003

Hibiscus Valley Inn is an open space guesthouse with a big gardens and wonderful views!

FAQs

How To Get There?
You can get to Dominica either by plane or sea ferry. The island has two airports, Douglas-Charles formerly known as Melville Hall Airport in the north approximately one (1) hour from the city; and Canefield airport in the South. Most persons would arrive at the former larger airport. Since these are not international airports, it is necessary to take a connecting flight from a nearby island such as Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin and Antigua. Dominica has recently acquired approval to build an international airport, construction to be started soon.
CUISINE KNOWN FOR
Popular meals include rice and peas, stew chicken, stew beef, fried and stew fish; many different types of hearty fish broths and soups which are packed full with dumplings, carrots and ground provisions.
What is the terrain like?
The majority of the island is covered by densely wooded mountains and rain-forest. The overall terrain is very steep, and extremely rugged. Dominica's beaches generally consist of shimmering black sand or rocks.
What is the climate like?
Dominica has a tropical climate, with a relatively cool and dry season from January to mid-April and a hot, humid and rainy season from mid-June to mid-November. Average annual temperature is 27 degrees C. The hot season is moderated by the northeast trade winds and heavy rainfall. Natural rainfall on the coast averages 1,780 mm, but in the rainforest it triples that amount.
What Are The Entry Requirements?
Basic requirements: A valid passport for entry or a Passport Card (for land or sea crossings only) to get back into home. A return airline ticket and/or proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
What Are The Marriage Requirements?
Because of the simplicity of getting married in Dominica, it is ideal for an impromptu tying of the knots. - One member of the couple is required to be in Dominica for a minimum of two days prior to filing an application for a marriage license. - Application forms are available from the Ministry of Community Development in Roseau. - For a non-resident marriage license, couples must present birth certificates and proof of citizenship. - In addition, if applicable, proof of a legal divorce decree or the death certificate of a deceased spouse must be presented. - No blood tests are required. - The cost of the marriage license is approximately $114.00. - There is also a lawyer’s fee of $190.00 for statuary declaration on marital status. - Marriages at the Registrar’s Office cost $10.00 and those held elsewhere cost $35.00 For more information, contact the Dominica Tourist Information Office. Tel. 767-448-2045. http://www.visailing.com/articles/married-in-Caribbean/married-in-Caribbean
What Are The Healthcare Options?
There are three public hospitals on the island: The Marigot Hospital The Portsmouth Hospital, and The Premier Princess Margaret Hospital. Intensive care units are available at the Portsmouth Hospital and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Several specialists and general practitioners operate private clinics
Other Useful Facts
Telecommunication: Modern system with public phones in the city and in most communities. There are 3 major mobile service providers on the Island namely, Cable & Wireless, Digicel and Orange Cariabe. Electricity: Dominica uses 220/240 volts. Transformers are required for American appliances. Banks: List of Banks include: Dominica Agricultural Industrial & Development Bank The Bank of Nova Scotia The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank First Caribbean International Bank Griffon Bank National Bank of Dominica Royal Bank of Canada Credit Card: Most tourism related business, such as hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and car rental agencies accept Master Card, Visa and American Express credit cards, including traveler's cheques.