Elegance, Comfort and Affordability for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

Dominica, not to be mistaken for the Dominican Republic, is also referred to as the Commonwealth of Dominica or by the French name Dominique. It is part of the Windward chain of islands and is the largest of these islands measuring 29 miles long and 16 miles wide. Dominica is situated between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, with ferry service running frequently between the islands.

Since its discovery in 1493, Dominica changed hands between Britain and France numerous times, the former taking ownership of it in the end. Therefore, the official language is English, although French Creole is also widely spoken as a dialect. Both English and French influences infiltrate other aspects of the island’s culture and architecture as well.  Dominica gained independence from Britain in 1978.

The population is approximately 70,000 people mostly of African descent, although the island has a surviving population of Carib Indians, the indigenous people who Columbus met when he first came to the island in 1493. In terms of terrain, the island is mountainous and offers magnificent, scenic beauty.  You may often find, within the same day, that it is raining in the mountains, but entirely sunny in other parts of the island. Tropical gardens and forests are plentiful, and the island also has the second largest boiling lake in the world in addition to many natural hot sulphur springs and a plethora of rivers. The saying is that there is one river for everyday of the year!

The waters which run throughout the island are therapeutic, pristine, inviting, and unspoiled. In fact Dominica bottles its own spring water which is perhaps the cleanest water you will ever encounter. We also boast of having the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean, and whale watching is also a major attraction.

As a result of the magnificent natural beauty, Dominica is well known to be The Nature Island of the Caribbean, a title which it so rightly deserves.

Click here for "Things To Do" while you're  in Dominica!

Dominica offers the visitor an opportunity for a tranquil or adventurous vacation experience, in a very safe environment. Even if you are looking for the regular beach fare, Dominica provides an escape from the ordinary and an opportunity to truly take your shoes off. Dominica's  beaches are laddened with black, beautiful, volcanic sand. Unlike most Caribbean beaches which are usually perforated with endless visitors and locals alike, Dominica's beaches are like a private oasis. On any regular day, upon a visit to the beach, you are very likely to meet only a modest amount of fellow beach goers.

However, due to its lush terrain, Dominica provides far more than just water activities and beaches.  The island has been hailed one of the Top 5 Ecotourism destinations in the world, and offers a myriad of ecotourism activities.  These include hiking, whale watching, spot fishing, biking, etc.  You can even float down on a tube along a river ("Wacky Rollers") or explore the terrain via mountain bike.  Perhaps even more appealing, you can enjoy the rainforest without the threat of encounters with any dangerous wildlife.

Besides being a true island paradise, Dominica, The Nature Island of The Caribbean, is also one of the safest places in the Caribbean with a very low crime rate. Therefore, the island offers the opportunity to truly experience Caribbean culture without the threat of feeling unsafe. We proudly boast of having some of the friendliest, most hospitable, and mellowest people in the Caribbean.  They will welcome you with open arms and truly make you feel at home.

Roseau, DMA Updated Sunday, August 01, 2010 3:00 AM Fair 79°F High: 87°F Low: 77°F Wind: 3 mph Humidity: 89% Monday 85° / 78° Tuesday 84° / 76° Wednesday 83° / 75° Thursday 84° / 78° MSN Weather Data provided by Foreca