"The Nature Island of the Caribbean" Dominica by BROOKS

Dominica Travel Guide: 275 reviews and 733 photos

(click to enlarge) Calibishie, Dominica, W.I.

The Most Beautiful Place on Earth

THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED IN LOVING MEMORY OF MRS. CAROL "YOLANDA/TONI" HYPOLITE-NORRIS APRIL 28, 1970-MARCH 1, 2006

Dominica is truly the gem of the Caribbean also dubbed the "Nature Island of the Caribbean." It's not exactly easy to get there; you will possibly need to take several connecting flights. Once there, however, it will all be worth it.

It's quite majestic and wonderful, and more importantly my "2nd family" resides there. One could say that it's almost like going back in time that day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus landed there.

The first to live on this unspoiled, scenic, and green isle were the Carib Indians. There are approxmately 3,000 people that are direct descendants or pure Caribs (approx. 300 are considered pure and only on Dominica and no other islands). Many of them live on the Northern Carib Reserve. The rest of the population of 75,000 are of African descent with some traces of European ancestry. The French and British battled for many years for the control of Dominica. They weren't totally successful due to the mountainous and obscure natural landscape.

There are many nature sites including Trafalgar Falls, breathtaking Boeri Lake, the Boiling Lake, and the Northern Carib Indian Reserve. If you are a nature lover and looking for true adventure this is definitely the place for you. Some of the excursions will require you to be physically in shape. The trek to the BOILING LAKE takes 8 hours round-trip for instance. It can only be executed with a registered travel guide ONLY!!! If you're looking for big nightlife, world renowned shops, and restaurants this isn't the place to do that. Dominica is duty free. There is a 10% governmental supplement tax now on restaurants and hotels. There are certain nights around Roseau where live bands, karaoke, and "Happy Hour" takes place. Try it, it will be memorable.

One more note, The Commonwealth of DOMINICA is a CARICOM country and is a part of the British Commonwealth gaining full independence from England in 1978. Other CARICOM countries include: Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and Grenada. This is so not to be confused with the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. That is a whole DIFFERENT NATION on the island of Hispanola bordering Haiti. Dominica lies between 2 French overseas departments Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south.

All photos copyright (c) Brooks Dorian Brummel

Pros and Cons

Pros:You've never seen anything like it
Cons:Driving is on the left, roads aren't real great
In a nutshell:Like going back in time 100's of years; non commerical

Intro Updated Aug 9, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (27)

Exterior of Calibishie Lodges - Dominica

For an inviting stay visit... Hotels (4)

At Calibishie Lodges, you will find the most wonderful hosts that will help set the tone for another fantastic vacation... more travel advice

A luxurious accomodation Hotels (4)

Beau Rive is an amazing bed and breakfast style hotel. The proprietor, Mark Steele, took years to build this small... more travel advice

$1 Eastern Caribbean dollar banknote - Dominica

Eastern Caribbean Dollars Local Customs (2)

2.69 Eatern Caribbean Dollar = 1 USD Can purchase/exchange at airport, banks, local shops, and hotels throughout... more travel advice

Wide array of fruits, nuts, greens - Dominica

Delicious fruits, oh how sweet Shopping (1)

Open market and supermarkets; fresh fruits daily at reasonable prices Dominica is in its own right famous for delicious... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Dance, Dance, Dance
Things to Do (5)
See All Wireless and internet connection
Tourist Traps (1)
Tours
What to Pack (2)
See All Packing List
Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Dominica Botanical...

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Be careful when crossing the...
Transportation (2)
See All Depending on where you are...
Favorites (2)
See All One adventure I'd suggest is...
Restaurants (2)
See All Floral Gardens
serving...
Been to Dominica?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (104)

Reply
- Report abuse
riorich55 Jul 18, 2011 at 7:49 AM

Liked your pages here. My wife and I have a trip planned for late September this year.
Reply
- Report abuse
JessH May 19, 2009 at 3:45 AM

Wow; the things we learn on VT! Thanks so much for sharing all your stories & info & great photos - top 5 stars all around! For the time being I'm not travelling for beaches, so this summer it's back to Scotland! What about you? Have a great day / Jess
Reply
- Report abuse
SLLiew Sep 17, 2007 at 8:14 PM

Excellent useful tips on Dominica. Hope I can visit the Caribbean one day. Right now have to be happy with just postcards from there :) SL
Reply
- Report abuse
Foxxy_Red Aug 26, 2007 at 3:21 PM

Really good pix, Brooks. How are you?
Reply
- Report abuse
Stephen-KarenConn Aug 7, 2007 at 5:31 AM

Some excellent tips here. The low ratings puzzle me. Maybe some kind of VT glitch. I was in Dominica about 20 years ago, arrived and departed on a LIAT prop which held only about 10 passengers. The island was very undeveloped - and absolutely georgeous.
Reply
- Report abuse
cosmopolit Aug 17, 2002 at 2:36 PM

Great page to plan a trip in detail!
Reply
- Report abuse
genispp May 22, 2002 at 2:01 PM

great page
Reply
- Report abuse
karibikgirl May 5, 2002 at 3:12 PM

Excellent
Reply
- Report abuse
kostya Mar 26, 2002 at 9:03 AM

great
Reply
- Report abuse
jtb2inky Mar 22, 2002 at 12:36 PM

Great Details!