Domnica

Dominica has all-around adventures with gorgeous reefs, plenty of tropical fish, rainforests, hiking, waterfalls, and warm water springs. July to November is the wet season. Dominica is at the edge of the hurricane belt. There is resident population of sperm whales, as well as dolphins and humpback whales in winter months.

Sheer walls drop thousands of feet straight from the shoreline, pinnacles rise up from the depths shrouded in schools of wrasse and chromis. Large yellowtail snappers, cero, barracuda and schools of horse eye jacks patrol the deeper waters. Sloping reefs hide creatures considered rare in many destinations like seahorses, frogfish and flying gurnards. The crests of its submerged peaks are decorated with colorful corals and tropical reef fishes. Scorpion fish, red banded lobsters, banded coral shrimps are also commonly found, and in the North batfish are also common. It is not unusual to see three turtles on a single dive!

Geography and Nature
Dominica is an island of volcanic origins located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, at approximately 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude.

It is the largest and most mountainous of the the Windward Islands, with an area of 289.5 sq. miles (754 sq. km). It is 29 miles long and 16 miles at its widest. It has several peaks of over 3,000', the tallest of which are Morne Diablotin (4,747') and Morne Trois Pitons (4,600').

Dominica is famous for its tropical rainforest, and the many rivers and waterfalls which result from the high rainfall in the interior. In addition, its volcanic origins manifest themselves most noticably in the Boiling Lake (one of the largest of its kind in the world) and many other smaller fumaroles around the island (including at least one underwater). Moreover, it is widely acknowledged to be both one of the best dive sites and a prime whale watching location in the region (if not world).

There are a number of National parks or reserves on the island. Our World Heritage Site, the 17,000 acre Morne Trois Pitons National Park contains perhaps the majority of Dominica's above-water famous sights - several crater lakes and waterfalls, including the Emerald Pool, 14 miles from Roseau.

The Northern Forest Reserve is another fine example of oceanic rainforest and is also famous as the home of Dominica's national bird, the rare Sisserou Parrot. The Cabrits National Park, just north of Portsmouth, is home to the partly-restored Fort Shirley. It is also a marine reserve, as is the area around Scott's Head/Soufriere at the south-western tip of the island.

Climate
Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island's annual temperature averages at 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island's extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.

Immigration
Immigration officials require most visitors to the Commonwealth of Dominica to present a valid passport on arrival. All visitors need to show a return ticket. Canadian citizens can show documents certifying proof of citizenship that also bears a photograph, and French nationals can stay for up to two weeks by presenting a valid identification card.

Visitors arriving from countries that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations do not require a visa, however, nationals of Nigeria and other exempt nationalities will often require proof of visas into Dominica from Third Countries in order to disembark as intransit passengers in these countries. Nationals of Hati and the Dominican Republic require a visa to enter.

Visitors who will remain on Dominica for less than 24 hours (including cruise-ship passengers) do not require a visa to enter.

Visitors coming from a specified list of countries, who intend to stay for 21 days or less, do not require a visa.

Visitors will need to pay an EC$55 departure tax when exiting the island.

How to get there
International flights from US and Europe are connected to the island through hubs in Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Leeward Island Air Transport (LIAT) usually completes the Dominican leg of these flights. LIAT and American Eagle also provide connecting flights to the island out of Puerto Rico.

Electricity
Dominica's electrical services use 220/240 volts. American appliances are quite popular, but their users utilize transformers for voltage conversion. Many accommodations offer both outlets, but it would be wise to receive confirmation from the specific establishment.

Currency
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Banks will offer EC$2.68 for a US$1.00 traveller's cheque. Everywhere on the island businesses accept United States Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros.

Malaria risk