"The Nature Island of the Caribbean" a Dominica Travel Page by BROOKS

Send Photo to a Friend

(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