DOMINICA
Dominica, the largest of the Windward Islands, covers 289
square miles and has approximately 91 miles of coastline. The island is
characterized by very rugged and steep terrain. Dominica, formerly a British
colony, became independent in 1978 and remains a member of the British
Commonwealth and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Dominica has a
population of approximately 70,000 people, including 3,000 indigenous Caribs.
Everyone speaks English. An English Creole dialect and French patois are widely
spoken. Most unspoiled island in the Caribbean, National Geographic Traveler
1 0f 10 perfect Caribbean Islands, TIMES ONLINE, UK (Jan 2008)
Click to Download PDF
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Photography by Clem Johnson
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Dominica - the "Nature Island of the
Caribbean" It boasts a variety of natural attractions including 365
rivers and streams, waterfalls, hot sulfur springs, a boiling lake (considered
the world's second largest) and four, cold, freshwater lakes, two of which are situated
more than 2,500 feet above sea level. |
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| The island's relatively high range of
altitude, coupled with its rainfall, has given rise to a wide variety of
vegetation. Native flora includes over 1,000 species of flowering plants
including 74 species of orchids and 200 ferns. Twenty-two endemic species of
plants have been identified, one being the bwa kwaib, officially designated as
the island's national flower. Dominica is also home to a wide variety of
tropical wildlife. |
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To date, 172 species of birds have been recorded including two endemic and
endangered species of parrots-the Sisserou (Dominica's national bird) and the
Red-necked Parrot. The opossum, agouti, iguana and other lizards and many other
land creatures including a large variety of nonpoisonous snakes have made a home
in Dominica.
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Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the only UNESCO
World Heritage site in the Eastern Caribbean.
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"Luxuriant natural tropical forest blends
with volcanic features of high scenic appeal and scientific interest... With its
precipitous slopes and deeply-incised valleys, fifty fumaroles and hot springs,
freshwater lakes, a "boiling lake" and five volcanoes...together with the
richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles, Morne Trois Pitons National Park
presents a rare combination of natural features of World Heritage value. "
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Additional information about this unique site can be found
here:
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Below the sea
Dominica's underwater terrain is as diverse as the island's
terrestrial areas with a wide variety of marine life and dramatic underwater
features including sunken volcanoes and deep drop-offs. More than a half-dozen
types of whales and a dozen types of dolphins have been identified in Dominica's
waters. Due to the deep depths of the warm West Coast waters, a variety of
whales use the Dominican coastline to seek food, mate and give birth, making
Dominica the Whale Watching capital of the Caribbean. Imagine having a 30-to-45
foot-long sperm whale stare you down, or glimpsing a cow sperm whale nursing her
calves - there's no better place for this than Dominica!
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Divers from around the world experience the
uniqueness of underwater springs, caves, and volcanoes, while they observe the
abundant and colorful marine life which include tropical fish, sponges, sea
horses and coral.
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Culture
In addition to our natural attractions, Dominica is also rich in
cultural heritage, with long and outstanding traditions in music, dance,
theater, craft, art and the plain, simple life of its people.
Everywhere
you go on the island are reminders of this heritage: the Creole language spoken
by so many, the mix of French and English village names, the infectious Jing
Ping music that makes you tap your feet, the aromatic creole cuisine, and so
much more. |
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The last of the indigenous Caribbean people still live in a 3,500
acre, semi-autonomous area of Dominica called the Carib Territory. They maintain
a strong bond to their Pre-Columbian past, which is evident in the baskets they
weave from the l'arouma reed and the wooden fishing canoes still carved in
traditional fashion from the trunks of Gommier trees.
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Climate Warm temperatures year-round, but bring a sweater for
the cooler mountain evenings. Average daytime temps are between 70-80 degrees F.
Jungle Bay generally receives a cooling onshore breeze.
Dominica's
verdant greenery is fed with regular servings of rain! Although the official
rainy season is from July-October, expect what's known locally as 'liquid
sunshine' at anytime! |
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