When you say Dominica, almost everyone thinks you mean the Dominican Republic — but no, Dominica is its own island in the Caribbean, technically a part of the Lesser Antilles. A beautiful island oasis, Dominica, is the country that majority of the people don’t know much about. But thanks to its untouched beauty, lush green forests, volcanic landscapes and adventure activities, Dominica is gradually becoming one of the top destinations to be included in a passionate traveller’s list. For those who would like to know more about this country, here are 10 lesser-known facts that may surprise you.
1. Dominica is still populated by the generations people who inhabited it many centuries ago. Island Caribs, natives of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, were the first inhabitants of the island and are known today as the Kalinago people. Today, there are about 3,000 living on the island, representing the largest native population in the region.
2. The original inhabitants of the island, the Caribs, and later the Africans, brought an intense knowledge of plants and herbs. Luckily, much of that knowledge has been passed down generation after generation, and herbs like Moringa, dandelion, basil, and many others are still used today in what’s often called “bush medicine.”
3. Most Dominicans are descendants of African slaves brought in by colonial planters.
4. Dominica is home to the incredible ‘Boiling Lake’. This wonder of nature and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a flooded fumarole that is around 195 feet deep and is heated by gasses escaping from the molten lava below the Earth’s crust. It is the second largest boiling lake in the world.
5. There are nine volcanoes in Dominica – Morne Diablotins being the highest mountain! The path to the volcano is long, but all the efforts will pay off once you see the breath-taking views from the peak of the island’s highest mountain. Besides, while walking, you’ll see the beauty of the rainforest, multiple plants and even animals.
6. Dominica only has four amphibians — and one of them is called crapaud (French for “toad”), giant ditch frog, or “mountain chicken.” It’s one of the largest in the world, is only found in Dominica and Montserrat.
7. Dominica is the only country which is home to whales all year round. Those who want to see these giants will have plenty of opportunities watching them swimming in the warm waters together with dolphins.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed here. The movie’s “Cannibal Island” is Dominica; the place where Will Turner and his shipmates are hanging in bone cages is Titou Forge in Morne Trois Pitons National Park; the Indian River became the “Pantano River;” and several villages were settings for other scenes.
9. There’s a river for everyday of the year. That’s right! Dominica is blessed with 365 rivers. The Indian River is the widest on the island, and many visitors choose this one for their first island boat ride.
10. Dominica a dreamland for all the adventure junkies! The country offers 300 miles of hiking and biking trails. With so many rivers, mountains, and beaches in Dominica, you don’t have to search very hard to find an extreme adventure.
How to reach?
Dominica is home to two personal international airports namely Douglas Charles Airport and Canfield Airport that receive the international flights. Owing to the great distance between the Dominica and India, there are no direct flights between them.
There are two major ports in Dominica where cruise ships dock namely central Roseau, at Woodbridge Bay north of Roseau, and at Cabrits, north of Portsmouth. LÕExpress des lles is a schedules ferry service that links Dominica with St. Lucia, Guadeloupe and Martinique through a 300-seat catamaran.
Visa:
https://wordpress-825601-2838871.cloudwaysapps.com/visa-dominica/
Captain Nero’s recommendations in Dominica:
Boiling Lake: Being one of the most popular attractions in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this is the second largest hot spring in the world after Frying Pan in New Zealand, at a temperature ranging from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit along its edges. This bubbling pool lies at the end of a strenuous, three-hour hike through thick forest. But it’s worth it!
Champagne Reef: One of Dominica’s most notable dive and snorkel sites, you will be amazed by the thousands of warm bubbles emitted from geothermal springs that vent gases through the water, giving a sensation of swimming through champagne. Batfish, sea horses, barracuda, rays, squid, and trumpet fish are just some of the species found in the warm waters here.
Victoria Falls: One of the most impressive and photogenic waterfalls on the island, the Victoria Waterfall, in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is formed by the White River cascading over a cliff into a warm pool below. It is perfect for an exciting hike thanks to the traversing trail paths, crossing rivers and climbing rocks.
The Carib Territory: Dominica has the largest remaining tribe of Carib Indians, also called Kalinago people, in the Caribbean, and a visit to this reserve, on the northeast coast, gives you a feel for their fascinating culture. Explore the traditional village, purchase hand crafted souvenir and talk to the locals here to learn about their history and lives.
Emerald Pool: Located in Morne Trois Piton National Park, Emerald Pool is the perfect spot for a dip on a sunny day. The waterfall grotto can be found along the road to Castle Bruce, and is an easy 30-minute hike through the rainforest. There is a cave and walkway behind the waterfall for those who prefer not to get in the pool.
Cabrits National Park: Located on a scenic peninsula just beyond the town of Portsmouth, this is the last stop on the Waitukubuli Trail. It preserves lush rainforest, swampland, black-sand beaches, and thriving coral reefs. This scenic peninsula boasts panoramic views from its highest point, and the reefs offer some excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
