DOMINICA, “NATURE ISLE OF THE CARIBBEAN”
BY CLAY LARROY
BY CLAY LARROY
The preparation for a vacation is almost as
exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and
confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I
think that some of the best destinations in the world are located in the
Caribbean. So I am continuing my tour across around the Caribbean Islands. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Things to see and do in Dominica
Black sand beaches
Striking black sand beaches lie along Dominica's east coast and
sections of the island's west coast. While these dark strips of coastline may
not be as inviting to sunbathers as the gleaming golden stretches also found on
the island, they are without doubt a dramatic sight to behold.
Boiling Lake
The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to the Boiling Lake:
a steaming basin of bubbling liquid found at an altitude of 2,500ft (762m). It
can only be reached by foot, and it is highly recommended that anyone
undertaking the 7-mile journey from Laudat is accompanied by a guide.
Botanical Gardens
Roseau's well-maintained botanic gardens provide a green escape in
the busy city. The grounds have been battered by several hard-hitting tropical
storms, such as 1979's hurricane David which brought much devastation; a bus
which was crushed by a tree in the hurricane remains as a powerful reminder.
Carnival colours
With February comes
Carnival season (Mas Dominik): two
weeks of celebrations culminating in a wild, colourful costumed parade. Revel
in dazzling sequins, feather-topped masks and glitzy-ritzy skimpy dresses;
watch street jugglers, prancing musicians and marching drummers amidst cheering
crowds of merrymakers.
Central Forest Reserve
This beautiful reserve is home to a vast population of gommier
trees whose wood has provided building and craft material to the Carib peoples
for hundreds of years; drive through the reserve and enjoy the surrounding
greenery, lakes and rivers.
Emerald Pool
Waters appear glimmering green in the leafy light as the cascading
waterfall crashes into the deep pool below; this is one of the most popular
points in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
Explore Roseau
Explore Dominica's capital, boasting friendly locals and sea
views. Join in the hubbub of downtown and then relax in the Botanical Gardens.
Go swimming
Dominica's beaches vary in quality, but there are many seaside
spots perfect for diving beneath the waves. If salty sea water isn't your bag,
head to the Layou on the west coast for a freshwater dip.
Hike in Morne
Trois Pitons National Park
Stretch your legs amid the lush greenery, towering trees and
exotic foliage found along the Morne Trois Pitons National Park's hiking
trails.
Jeep safari tour
Explore the hinterland's hidden reaches by a jeep safari tour and
experience a tranquil contrast to bustling Roseau. Scour forests for bird-life
and marvel at vibrant tropical blooms nestled amongst rock crevices and
moss-covered patchy scrub.
L'Escalier Tête-chien
L'Escalier Tête Chien (which in French Creole means Stairway of
the snakes head) is an impressive rock formation jutting out into the Atlantic,
and is found in the South of the Carib territory.
Soufriere Sulphur Springs
See this otherworldly landscape, largely absent of plant life
owing to the sulphuric fumes and gushes of hot water. A pool has been built at
the bottom of the valley for bathers eager to bath in the warm waters.
Trafalgar Falls
Dominica's most popular waterfalls are incredibly beautiful and
many flock to see the waters tumbling down the rocks. After heavy rains the waters
can get pretty powerful and the rocks dangerously slippery, so take care if you
decide to take a dip.
Visit Cabrits Historical
Park
On the Cabrits Peninsula find the fine ruins of Fort Shirley and
Fort George dating back to the 18th century. Visit the small museum near the
entrance which features collections of artifacts discovered on the site, and
explore the jungle-lined hiking trails around the area.
Visit Carib Indian
Territory
Discover the indigenous
lands of Carib Indian Territory, home to the only remaining Carib community in
the Caribbean. Still renowned for their canoe-building skills, the Caribs'
long, pointed vessels are hewn from a single trunk of a gommier tree. Visitors
may be able to witness a craftsman at work using age-old traditional carving
tools. Visit the traditinoa village of Kalinago Barana Aute (www.kalinagobaranaaute.com)
for traditional arts and crafts.
Watersports
The clear warm Dominican waters are perfect for scuba-diving and
snorkeling, especially in the popular water-sports area of Soufrière where
dramatic volcanic cliffs tumble into the sea. Visibility is usually up to 80m
(263ft) with some of the best, lesser-known snorkeling spots reached by
kayaking along the coast.
Whale watching
The waters surrounding Dominica are teeming with impressive
wildlife, and they are especially renowned for their prime whale watching;
sperm whales, pilot whales and pygmy whales all glide around the Dominican
coast, as do Atlantic and spotted dolphins.
REFERENCE SITES
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“An ocean breeze puts a mind at ease.”
– Unknown
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