Dominica

Understand

The name of the island Dominica is derived from the Latin word for Sunday, the day on which Christopher Columbus saw the island in 1493. It lies in a fertile area of tropical mountains around 750 km2 (290 sq mi), set along its coastline of black sand beaches. Administrative divisions. 10 parishes: Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter.

Climate Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall. Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months and well into the fall.

Geography The island is mostly rainforest, however, volcanic terrain can be found. Along its coastline, black sand beaches can be seen everywhere. Coastal rivers are present across the island, where tourists can provide recreational water activities for tubing and boat tours, giving Dominica the nickname the "Land of 365 Rivers."

Terrain Rugged mountains of volcanic origin. Highest point Morne Diablotin 1,447 m

History Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Kalinago people (called "Caribs" by Europeans). France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Kalinago Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Tourist information Dominica

See

This lush Caribbean island is called "the nature island" for a reason. Its beautiful, tropical natural riches are by far its main attraction. Where other Caribbean destinations pride themselves most on their white, palm-lined beaches, Dominica shows another side of the region. Head to the mountain village of Laudat for a hike through the UNESCO listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Getting there

The following persons do not need a visa to enter into the Commonwealth of Dominica: Citizens of the following countries can stay for up to 6 months: Member States of the Commonwealth, CARICOM member states, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, United States of America; Citizens of the following countries can stay for up to 3 months: Argentina, Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico Netherlands (including Netherlands Antilles), Norway, People's Republic of China, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, United Kingdom and Venezuela. Citizens of other countries can stay for up to 21 days visa-free if they have a return ticket and enough money to support their stay. This is subject to the discretion of the immigration officer.

By plane There are two airports in Dominica, Melville Hall (Douglas–Charles Airport) (DOM IATA) and Canefield (DCF IATA). Most commercial flights land at Melville Hall. However, the airport cannot accommodate jet aircraft. The island can be accessed through San Juan, Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe and other Caribbean hubs. Canefield airport is 5km from Roseau, while Melville Hall airport is about 1 hour away from the second largest city in Dominica, Portsmouth. A new airport capable of handling long-haul flights with widebody aircraft is expected to be built by 2027.

By boat The most extensive official service is operated by Express des Isles, which runs services to Martinique and Guadeloupe ferries on most days of the week. Arrival in Roseau. A one-way ticket to Martinique (July 2019) is €69 online + EC$86/US$33/€35 harbour tax payable in cash only at

Getting around

As far as freedom of movement and exploration a car can be invaluable. Though small, the island's tightly turning mountain roads make for relatively long journeys and a hair-raising experience. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and there are various car rental agencies at both airports.

Honk your horn on hairpin turns especially during the day. Beware of large trucks as their width forces other drivers off the road. Watch for large pot holes and crumbling asphalt as roads can be in very poor condition. Ask directions if lost, the locals are very friendly and informative. When in mountains in torrential rains, consider stopping for a bit or at least going very slowly. A compact is sufficient for most situations but a small 4x4 might also be nice. A large 4x4 would be cumbersome on the small streets. Other travel options include buses or taxis. If you are on a low budget and have plenty of time then hitch-hiking or the bus will be fine (except on Sundays), although sitting in a bumpy bus for long trips on winding mountain roads is not the most comfortable thing to do. Taxis are more comfortable than buses and may not be expensive, particularly if the fare is shared with 2 or more travellers. Whether you use the bus or taxi, make sure that you clearly agree to the destination and price before you start the trip.