Why go?
Known as the 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean, Dominica will not
disappoint the adventurous spirit. Forget the Caribbean cliche of
lying on golden sand, and think about venturing forth on
spectacular mountain hikes through untamed virgin rainforests
filled with rivers, waterfalls, rare birds, exotic plants and
surreal boiling volcanic pools. Take to the crystal clear ocean and
you'll find pristine coral reefs and resident whales. As the only
island where Carib Indians have survived, there's even some unique
local culture to discover.
Extremely friendly, largely unspoilt and lacking in tourists,
Dominica specialises in
mountain
hideaways and small family run hotels, not beach resorts.
Bananas, not tourism are still their main source of income.
Any Downsides?
Dominica isn't your typical Caribbean destination: don't expect
luxury hotels, wild nightlife and a country geared up for the needs
of western tourists. It has little to offer the beach lover: much
of the coastline is rugged, the sea is deep indigo blue, and apart
from the beaches in the north east, most have black volcanic sand.
It's the second poorest country in the region and although cheaper
than its Caribbean counterparts, accommodation, food and transport
are still fairly expensive. No direct international flights so you
may have to overnight in one of the connecting islands. It rains a
lot which explains why it's so beautifully lush.