Dominica 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.

Dominica, also known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” is a small island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Its name is derived from the Latin word for Sunday, as it was the first island Christopher Columbus landed on during his voyage to the New World on a Sunday in 1493.

The island was originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, who called it “Wai’tukubuli” meaning “tall is her body.” They lived in harmony with nature, practicing agriculture and fishing, and were skilled in canoe building and basket weaving.

In 1627, the French claimed Dominica and it became a battleground between the French and the British for over a century. Eventually, the British gained control of the island in 1783 through the Treaty of Paris. During this time, Dominica became a popular destination for European colonists seeking fertile land for sugar and tobacco plantations, leading to the importation of enslaved Africans.

In 1833, slavery was abolished in Dominica, and the island became a British colony. However, it wasn’t until 1978 that Dominica gained its independence, becoming the last of the Caribbean islands to do so. Since then, it has been a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government.

Dominica’s history is also marked by natural disasters. In 1979, Hurricane David devastated the island, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The island has also been prone to volcanic eruptions, with its most recent being in 1997 when the Soufriere volcano erupted, causing significant damage to the island’s infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, Dominica has maintained its reputation as a nature lover’s paradise. The island is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including the world’s second-largest boiling lake, over 365 rivers, and a large variety of bird species. In 1997, Dominica became the first country in the world to introduce a government-sponsored ecotourism program, showcasing its commitment to preserving its natural beauty.

Today, Dominica’s economy is mainly driven by agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services. The island has also made strides in sustainable development, with initiatives such as becoming the first country in the world to ban single-use plastic bags in 2019.

From its indigenous roots to its colonial past and its present-day focus on preserving its natural beauty, Dominica’s history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. This small island nation continues to captivate visitors with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, making it a hidden gem in the Caribbean.