The island of Dominica is located in the eastern Caribbean, neighbouring the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dominica is known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean due to its lush and unspoiled vegetation and abundance of Eco-Tourism resources. Dominica also has a rich cultural heritage and is the perfect destination for some off the grid and unique experiences for the entire family. We will highlight some of the exciting experiences available to you in destination Dominica.
Exploring the unspoiled natural attractions
Dominica is overflowing with Eco-Friendly attractions for you to enjoy while leaving a minimal carbon footprint on the environment. Some of the things not to miss include; the Morne Trois Piton National Park, Cabrits National Park, and Champagne Reef.
The Morne Trois Piton National Park
The Morne Trois Piton National Park encompasses over 1700-acres of the island’s unspoiled mountainous interior and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. When you visit the Morne Trois Piton National Park, you should not miss experiencing the Boiling Lake, Victoria Waterfall, Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, Emerald Pool, Titou Gorge and the Valley of Desolation. The Boiling Lake is one of the most popular attractions in the National Park; it is a crack in the earth created by volcanic activity that has been flooded over many years and is steaming hot due to the effects of hot gases and molten lava situated below the lake. The Boiling Lake is 63 meters wide, making it the second largest of its kind in the world, temperatures range from 82-92 degrees Celsius, and the center of the Lake is believed to reach boiling point at a 100 degrees Celsius. The hike to get to the Boiling Lake is over three hours, but it's well worth it, due to the unique experience. You will be hard-pressed to find a similar Lake anywhere in the world, so it is definitely a must-have experience if you are visiting Dominica. Victoria Waterfall is another of the tropical gems located in the Morne Trois Piton National Park; it is formed by the White River cascading over an impervious cliff, forming a pool below. The Victoria Waterfalls are one of the most photographed places on the island and the hike to get there is approximately 40 minutes. Trafalgar Falls is a unique twin falls, and one of the most popular things to do in Dominica, since getting to the Falls is a simple fifteen-minute hike. The Falls is also joined by a hot mineral spring close to the bottom, making the waters rich in mineral and the perfect place to take a dip with the entire family! The serene Middleham Falls, the beautiful Emerald Pool, the rugged Titou Gorge and the awe-inspiring Valley of Desolation all offer unique experiences that will leave you with memories for a lifetime!
Cabrits National Park
The Cabrits National Park is an alluring preserve of lush tropical rainforest, black sand beaches, swampland and an abundance of thriving coral reefs. When you visit the Cabrits National Park, you will enjoy snorkelling and diving among some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. You should also take some time out to visit Fort Rupert, which is a relic of an 18th century British Garrison that was located on the island.
Champagne Reef
Champagne Reef is the most popular dive and snorkel site on the Island of Dominica. It is found off the southwest coast of the Island in a marine reserve. There is an abundance of unique flora and fauna found at this geothermal reef, and you can get there by swimming from Champagne Beach.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Dominica cultural heritage is a mixture of French, English, African, and Native Indian traditions. The Caribs (a Native Indian tribe) still reside in Dominica on a 3700-acre preserve that was granted to them by the Queen of England. The Caribs select their own Chief and offer a rich cultural experience to visitors. They produce crafts such as baskets, mats, and wooden carvings that are available for purchase as souvenirs. You will also learn about their natural medicinal remedies and longstanding rituals. It is a cultural experience that you will remember for a lifetime. St. Lucians also love to celebrate, and you can partake in the island’s annual Carnival and Independence Day festivities to get a deeper understanding of the fascinating culture of Dominica.
Family Friendly Places to stay in Dominica
Dominica is an excellent destination for families. There are several Hotels on the Island that are suited for family vacations, some of the recommended ones are; Portsmouth Beach Hotel, The Champs Hotel Restaurant and Bar, Fort Young Hotel, Rosalie Forest Eco-Lodge, Jacoway Inn, The Tamarind Tree Hotel and Restaurant and Comfort Cottages. One of the advantages of Dominican hotels is that they are small and offer personalized levels of service, which makes guest stays more meaningful than if they stay at a large, all-inclusive hotel. This makes Dominica the perfect destination for you if you want a relaxing and authentic Caribbean experience in a homely setting.
Finally, Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets and offers a wide array of options for nature lovers, hikers, divers, and people seeking a unique cultural experience. The unspoiled environment is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the warm tropical Caribbean climate!
Have you been to Dominica? Tell us about your most favourite memory on that beautiful Island?
