1. Whale and dolphin
watching from Dominica - afternoon boat excursions from Dive
Dominica and the Anchorage Hotel are twice weekly - 2.00pm till dusk, all
year round. Along with the many species of whale which frequent our waters
(located by sonar detector lowered from the boat) can be seen dolphins
and frigatebirds, along with flying fish jumping alongside and in front
of the boat. Follow this link for further
details.
2. Hike to the
(world's second largest) Boiling Lake, situated in our WorldHeritage
Site, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
An all day guided hike through forested
highlands, via Titou Gorge, Breakfast River, Panorama viewpoint and theValley
of Desolation, where steam is emitted and boiling water trickles from fumaroles
and small wells into a grey water stream. The outflow of water from the
lake itself flows eatward down the White River, which meets the Atlantic
near the village of Delices. This is the only hike in Dominica on which
you MUST be accompanied by a qualified guide.
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Boeri Lake
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Titou Gorge
Laudat
Freshwater Lake
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3. Other hikes in
Morne Trois Pitons National Park include the impressive 300ft
Middleham Falls, which takes approx. 1 hour to reach from either Providence
(near to Laudat), beyond Cochrane via Tou Santi (stinking hole), or from
Sylvania.
The trail to the Freshwater Lake is about
a 1 hour hike from Laudat or may be driven to in a 4 wheel drive vehicle,
from where a 45 minute hiking trail continues on to Boeri Lake. These may
also be reached via a hiking trail from the village of Grand Fond, accessed
from the east coast at Rosalie.
Should you attempt any of less well used
trails - around the peaks of Morne Trois Pitons, the summits of Morne Micotrin
(4,006ft.) or Morne Watt (4,017ft.), you are also advised to take along
a qualified guide, as it is easy to loose the trail in places . Most hikes
commence from or near to the village of Laudat, at a cool 2,000ft in the
northern heights above the Roseau Valley.
In the southern heights is the village of
Woten Waven, from where there are short trails to hot springs, geysers
and fumaroles such as the Dragon's Mouth.
4. Field trip with
Forester and bird expert. Favourite
locations are Colihaut Heights and the Syndicate Forest on the western
slopes of Morne Diablotin, were our two native parrot species are most
commonly observed from lookout points along the rim of the Picard River
gorge, along with other endemics such as Grey Kingbird, Mangrove Cuckoo,
Blue-hooded Euphonia and four varieties of Hummingbird, and from where
a short hike will bring you to the river pool below Milton Falls on the
Dublanc River, a tranquil spot to enjoy a traditionally prepared picnic
lunch and take a refreshing bathe in the river. An all day outing may also
include a visit to Cabritts or boatride up the Indian River.
More
Information and Rates
5. Cabrits National
Park. Just north of Portsmouth is a twin peaked peninsular with
well tended nature trails through 'dry forest' to both summits, where old
cannons remain and from where panoramic views can be enjoyed. Near to the
park entrance and visitor centre are the well preserved remains of Fort
Shirley.
6. The Indian River
meanders
slowy
though mangrove trees and marsh plains to its mouth on the south side of
Portsmouth from where, for a small charge, a guide will row you up the
river as far as navigable to a bush bar in the forest, where you may disembark
for refreshments before returning. Your guide will describe the unique
vegetation to be seen along this tranquil stretch of river and you will
be unlucky not to spot the giant Ringed Kingfisher.
7. Botany field
trip with Forester and flora expert.
Dominica's flora is very diverse, with numerous varieties of colourful
heliconia, orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, crepers, ferns and mosses.
Commonly seen are beautiful pink anthuriums growing under the forest canopy
and deep red ginger lilies. The wealth of indigenous primordial rainforest
cloaking much of the island is also very diverse and interesting.
8. Soufriere's
'Champagne' & forest hot springs. Soufriere is at the south
of the island, on the north side of Scotts Head Bay, a marine reserve.
In the sea immediately in front of a historic old church on the shore,
and in several other nearby locations, streams of tiny bubbles rise from
the sea bed, betraying undersea hot springs referred to locally as 'champagne'.
Following the unpaved road inland from Soufriere for about 1 1/2 miles
brings you to a hot springs bathing pool in the shade of the forest canopy.
From there, a nature trail ascends to several sulphur deposits - large,
pale, cone shaped mounds with steam seeping from the odd crevice.
forest
mineral
pool, Soufriere |
9. The twin Trafalgar
Falls are only a 20 minute forest walk from the village
of Trafalgar, at the head of the Roseau Valley - a generous and well tended
trail leads through mature forest to a timber viewing platform. For the
young and fit, a narrow and rocky trail continues up to the pool at the
base of each of the falls, where a wind of fine spray rapidly cools you
down. Papillote's 4 acres of forest gardens and restaurant overlooking
the Roseau Valley is an ideal spot to take lunch.
10. Scuba Diving and
Snorkelling - Dominica is rated among the top 5 dive destinations
in the whole of the Caribbean and number 8 in the World. Diving opportunities
off the 29 miles of sheltered west coast are exceptional and not to be
missed if you are divers. There are several dive centres scattered along
this stretch - from north to south: Cabrits Dive
Centre, close to Picard Beach
Cottages, Anse-A-Liane Lodge, near to Colihaut,
the East Carib Dive Club at Salisbury beach,
Dive
Castaways at Mero, Dive Dominica and
the Anchorage Hotel, side by side at Castle
Comfort just south of Roseau, and
Nature Island Dive
at Soufriere. The marine reserve at Scotts Head/Soufriere Bay is a sumerged
volcano, renown for its 'champagne' bubbles and great diversity. Douglas
Bay, north of the Cabritts peninsular is also a designated marine reserve.
On the Atlantic side, the north facing stretch of coastline from Blenheim
to Woodford Hill has many attractive inlets and coves which are sheltered
from the strong currents and breakers of the Atlantic and where snorkelling
is also possible. Visit our scuba page for
further information
some of the many fish commonly seen
in Dominican waters
| blackbar
soldierfish : harlequin bass : longsnout butterflyfish : spotted drum :
moray eel |
11. The South East
Coast has some breathtaking scenery. The road from Pond Casse
in the island's centre first reaches the SE coast at the picturesque mouth
of the Rosalie River. A further 20 min.
drive south brings you to the Sari-Sari River, below the bridge is a long
deep river pool ideal for bathing and a great picnic spot. Turn left and
drive through the village of Laplaine and you will come to a hiking trail
along the river to Sari-Sari Falls. Driving south for a further 20 min.
brings you to the village of Delices, where the White River flowing from
the Boiling Lake nears the sea. A 45 min. hike will bring you to the Victoria
Falls. Downstream from the windy pool below are several smaller pools,
large and deep enough to enjoy a swim in the opaque, turquoise water which
has by then lost much of its heat, but is nonetheless a very pleasant temperature.
Along this whole stretch of coast, the palm, banana and forest clad slopes
rise steeply and dramatically to some towering summits.
12. The Carib Territory
in the east is home to the only surviving population
of Carib Indians in the whole of the Caribbean chain of islands, originally
descended from South America. They inhabited most islands of the region
for a long period of time but most were wiped out during the time of European
colonisation. Handicrafts such as basket weaving and carving can be purchased
from roadside kiosks and a traditional Carib Village is open to
visitors where a veriety ot typical Carib construction can be observed
and local food sampled. A series of small waterfalls leading to the sea
at the mouth of the Crayfish River is very picturesque.
| coconut
bread
Carib construction
Crayfish River |
13. the popular
Emerald Pool and also the little known Twin
Falls are in the forested
highland in the centre of the island. Not far from the juntion leading
to Castle Bruce in the east is a visitor centre by the road, from where
a fairly short, gentle and well tended trail leads through the forest to
the Emerald Pool below a small waterfall in the shade of the forest canopy
- a beautiful spot if you are alone, but to be avoided on cruise ship days!
Along the Imperial Road leading north-east from Pond Casse in the direction
of Marigot is a small local bar, painted light blue and named Spanny's
Disco. After first requesting permission at the bar, follow the path which
leads from the main road accross agricultural land to the edge of the forest,
from where a trail leads down the valley side to a pool at the base of
the first falls. After crossing the river, the trail rises sharply over
a small ridge to a second falls of similar proportions. A idyllic spot
- both pools are suitable for a refreshing bathe.
14. climb our highst
mountain peaks - Morne Trois Pitons (4,672ft) and Morne Diablotin (4,747ft)
but
only if you are fit and active and enjoy obstascle courses. These trails
are seldom used and are not well maintained - watch out for Razorgrass,
which is a sedge with a triangular stem and can climb and grow very long
- the dark green slender blades have a surface which sticks like velcro
to your skin and scratches if you pull away! The trail leading to the summit
of Morne Trois Pitons starts at the Rosalie
Road, not far from the Pond Casse roundabout in the centre of the island.
The Morne Diablotin trail commences close to Syndicate Forest, accessed
via road from the west coast highway, just north of Dublanc, where the
junction is signposted to Morne Diablotin. Allow a minimum of 3 hours each
way for either hike and remember it is usually dark by about 7.00pm.
15. The north facing
north-east coast has many attractive and secluded beaches,
often sheltered from the Atlantic by rocks and islets - Hodges Bay, Grand
Babtiste Bay and Calibishie are favourites. Calibishi is a small and very
pleasant village with a handful of shops, bars and restaurants. From the
ridgetop road through and beyond the village of Bense, a trail leads down
to the Hampstead River. After crossing
the first part of the river, follow the second to where a deep diving pool
can be found below a small waterfall.
16. New Lake, Carholm
In
November 1997, Dominica experienced several weeks of prolonged heavy rain
which precipitated a massive landslide in the interior. This formed three
dams blocking a northern tributary of the Layou River. The lower dam burst
after about a week of continued heavy rain, the second burst a few days
later. These flooded the Layou River, depositing huge amounts of tarish
and sand, temporarily raising the level of the river bed by up to 30 feet
in places. The rear dam did not burst and has consolidated, leaving a new
lake with a much largerv surface area than either the Freshwater or Boeri
Lakes and reaching a maximum depth of 140 feet. This lake may be viewed
from the end of the road at the edge of the escarpment left by the landslide,
reached via a feeder road just east of the Layou River Hotel. Though officially
named the Mathia Dam, the local landowner has christened this area 'Miracle
Valley'. The rear shore of the lake by be reached via a hiking
trail from the Cuba Road which loops up into the hills from Mero to Salisbury
on the mid west coast.
17. The Layou River
is the island's longest, originating on the south-east slopes of Morne
Diablotin, flowing first in a south easterly direction then, from the village
of Belles, westwards to flow ultimately into the Caribbean Sea. Approx.
3 miles from its estuary on the mid-west coast, by the first road bridge,
a short trail leads to a shaded beach on its south bank, where a long stretch
of river is slow and deep enough to enjoy a swim and where, on the far
bank, a small pool has been built around a hotspring. Another great picnic
spot.
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Layou River. central Dominica |
18. Wild Life The
Agouti is a tailless forest rodent with dark fur and pink ears, not unlike
a tallish guineapig. The Manicou is a species of opossum - it has a tail,
lives mostly in the trees and is largely nocturnal. These are believed
to have been introduced by the early Amerindian settlers from the Orinoco
delta region of South America, as a source of food. Wild boar were also
introduced into the forests for hunting, but are seldom seen. The only
indigenous mammal to Dominica is the bat, of which there are several varieties,
commonly seen in numbers at dusk - favourite food, mosquitos. Mountain
Chicken or Crapaud is a very large smooth skinned frog native to Dominica
and Monserrat - colour varies from brown to grey, depending on local habitat.
The male is identified by a short black thumb claw, which aids holding
on whilst mating. It used to be abundant also in the neighbouring French
islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe but, regarded as a delicacy, it has
in recent years been hunted to extinction. There are also three varieties
of tiny tree frog.
| mountain
chicken/ crapaud
tree frog
iguana |
Vivid green Iguanas are prevalent in coastal
areas, spending most of their time in trees, where they often go unnoticed
due to their excellent camouflage. The predominant old males turn grey
and black and grow a frill under their chin. Most commonly seen throughout
the island are tree lizards, local name zandoli. They have the ability
to lighten or darken their colour (though not rapidly) to suit their surroundings.
The males are territorial and swing out a bright orange neck fan to intimidate
rivals. The nocturnal gecko is also commonly seen, often around patio lights,
which attract a good meal of insects. Ground lizards, local name abalo,
can grow almost as large as iguanas. They are carnivors and scavengers,
common but shy, and can run exceedingly fast. Males are tinged with blue,
whilst females are brown with two yellow stripes down their back.
abalo
grass snake
boa
skink
zandoli
gecko |
As well as the tiny legged skink, there are
several varieties of grass snake and the larger boa, which usually keeps
well hidden in the forest and scrubland - none are poisonous. Soon
to come - flora and
fauna pages.
19. Eating local
food Fresh
fish may be obtained locally from many of the coastal villages.
A conche being blown can usually be heard throughout the vicinity, indicating
when fish are available for sale from the local fishermen. Red Snapper,
Balou, Dorade and Tuna are commonly available. Crabs, crayfish and shrimps
can be found in the rivers and streams. Fresh fruit
and vegetables are
of amazing quality and succulence; bananas, limes, grapefruit, oranges,
pawpaw, mangoes, avocado pears, starfruit (carambola), water melon, pineapple,
guava, passion fruit, coconuts, soursop, sugar apples, custard apples,
golden apples (pome-cite), easter apples, mammee apples - often referred
to as apricot, local cherries, tamarind, yellow goosberries, cocoa etc.
Vegetables include green bananas, plantains, cristophene, green pawpaw,
pumpkin, bredfruit, breadnuts, cucumber, spinach, zucchini, celery and
very full flavoured tomatoes. Root vegetables include beetroot, dasheen,
tania, yam and several variety of sweet potato. The main outlet is Roseau's
market place, located at the Riverside, close to the Bayfront. Dasheen
and Tania bear large 'elephant ear' leaves - from the young tender shoots
is made thick, green Calaloo soup, a local delicacy. Floral Gardens Hotel,
in the north east, grow sufficient Hibiscus to make a refreshing
and delicately flavoured cold drink from the red flower petals, served
daily in their riverside restaurant.
20. Activities For
the hyperactive, bicycles and kayaks can be hired by the hour, dayor
half day at Scotts Head and Soufriere. Snorkelling gear may also be hired.
Sports fishing
- charter a boat (half day US$350, full day US$600)
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