Dominica Travel Guide

"The nature island of the Caribbean," Dominica's appeal is in its raw, untamed landscape. Found between Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica (pronounced do-men-ee-ca) consists of 29 by 16 miles of virgin rain forests filled with rivers, waterfalls, lakes and natural hot springs. The island retains the language and flair of her English roots, although today she is an independent nation who's made a name for herself worldwide among tourists looking for excitement off the beaten path.

The natives brag that if Christopher Columbus saw Dominica today, he would be amazed at how little has changed since his day. There are no casinos, fast food chains or golf courses. Its tourist traps are the natural kind: 365 rivers, a boiling lake, countryside worthy of dramatic names like the Valley of Desolation, the world's last ocean rain forest, and endangered species of parrots that won't be found anywhere else in the world. Shoppers will not find expensive boutiques, but instead will be lured by street merchants peddling handmade pottery, wood carvings and jewelry.

For the beach lover, Dominica has little to offer. Her volcanic, mountainous terrain offers minute stretches of black sands and locals will tell you that the best swimming is in the rivers and springs. You can still enjoy certain ocean sports, however - like snorkeling, scuba diving and whale watching.

Dominica's land sports are her specialty, including some of the best hiking and bird watching in the world. Kayaking and rafting are also popular among the adventuresome souls who find Dominica appealing. If modest accommodations and a terrain that resembles Eden is your vacation dream, then Dominica is for you. Big, booming tourism is not on the agenda for this island, however - so remember, mum's the word.