Welcome to Dominica

Remember that scene from Jurassic Park, when Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler get their first view of the lush island paradise below them? Minus the prehistoric beasts, Dominica is as unspoiled, untamed and epically beautiful as that fictional isle.

Today’s eco-travelers are in for a treat. There are beaches, to be sure (Mero is a favorite for its fine, black sand), but it’s the off-shore scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking that are the real draw here. Snorkelers and divers love Champagne Reef off the southwestern coast for its ample seahorse and squid sightings. There’s even a shipwreck just 25 feet underwater, making it incredibly accessible to all levels of diver.

If you’re a hiker, head to Morne Trois Pitons National Park and gape at thundering Trafalgar Falls. Check out a boiling lake, volcanoes and hot springs. Dominica isn’t nicknamed the “Nature Island” for nothing.

Unique Facts

• Island Caribs, natives of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, still live on Dominica – visit some of native population at Kalinago Barana Aute, a model village.
• There are nine volcanoes on the island, the highest of which is Morne Diablotins. It’s a difficult, six-hour hike, but well worth it for the rain forest scenery and flora and fauna.
• Visit an actual boiling lake, called, well Boiling Lake. It’s a flooded fumarole in a volcanic crater. Hike the 5.5-mile trail to see it in all its glory – the water changes color depending on volcanic activity.
• There are countless rivers on the island of Dominica, so if you love to canoe and kayak, you’ve come to the right place. The Indian River is the widest and you’ll see birds, iguanas and more as you float.
• Whale-watching is popular, with good reason. Year-round, you’re likely to see the sperm whales that live here, with the very best viewing season being November to March.

Language

Dominica’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to visit Dominica is from October to January. Dominica’s rainy season is between August and October. The island is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms from August to September, with peak hurricane season between late August and early September.

Airports

Douglas-Charles
Canefield Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Dominica: Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types D and G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar.

Getting Around

Dominica has a reliable public transportation system, comprised mainly of private minibuses. Find bus stops at designated points throughout the city. Taxi service and rental cars are also available and useful as most of the island’s top activities are fairly spread out geographically.

Driver’s License

A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required.

US Embassy Info

US Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, WI
Tel: (246) 227-4000

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Office
Dominic Museum
cnr Dame Eugenia Charles Blvd & King George V St.
Tel: 767-448-2045

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Dominica is low. Use common sense and precaution by keeping close track of valuable and locking your rental car when driving or parked.