Dominica Travel Guide
Useful Tips
Average Trip Cost
NA
When To Go
January to April
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Ideal Length Of Stay
7 to 14 days
About Dominica
Dominica (pronounced DOM-in-EEK-a) is not your typical Caribbean island. Instead of sandy beaches and turquoise waters lapping the shores, Dominica boasts a lush green rainforest and mountain ranges that are perfect for hiking. Sure, there are beaches, but instead of white sand, there is gray-black volcanic sand. Swimmers love Champagne Beach’s rocky sand shore for the bubbles in the water that are created by fumaroles and the out of this world snorkeling. Dominica does have beaches, but that is not the draw to the island. There are so many other things to do in Dominica that take out of the water and into nature that the beach will be somewhat of an afterthought.
History buffs will enjoy learning about the Carib people that inhabited Dominica, which was their last official land. The Carib people are the Caribbean’s namesake. This tribe was notoriously hostile and created many colorful stories for descendants to tell in the present day. Animal lovers will enjoy whale and dolphin watching, monkey sightings, and bird watching. For those who enjoy a good hike, the rough terrain of Dominica offers much to conquer. Go to Morne Trois Pitons National Park and explore the rainforest or got o the Papillote Wilderness Retreat and enjoy the natural springs. Enjoy a spectacularly created meal in one of Dominica’s finest restaurants with the most aesthetically pleasing panoramic view. Feast your eyes on all there is to enjoy in Dominica.
River tubing, ziplining, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, canyoning, relaxing – whatever you want to do can be done on this unique island. Friendly people who are always willing to give suggestions on things to do and places to eat make getting around simple. You’ll have so much fun being active and enjoying the feeling of an unspoiled paradise you’ll wonder why you worried about beaches in the first place.
Where To Stay In Dominica
Visitors to Dominica stay in a wide variety of accommodations, including private rental, guesthouses, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Some of the best hotels in Dominica include:
- Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
- Fort Young Hotel
- Jungle Bay Resort & Spa
- Pagua Bay House
- Secret Bay Boutique Resort
- Sunset Bay Club & Seaside Dive Resort
- Tamarind Tree Hotel & Restaurant
- Wanderlust Caribbean
Activities In Dominica
Major tourist activities in Dominica:
- Exploring the colorful capital city of Roseau
- Hiking to and snapping picturesque views from Trafalgar Falls
- Exploring Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visiting the 40-acre Dominica Botanic Gardens located near the Roseau River on land formerly cultivate for sugarcane
- Diving and snorkeling at Champagne Reef, a marine reserve off the southwest coast
- Sampling the delicious rum at Macoucherie Distillery on the centuries-old Shillingford Estate
Facts About Dominica
Size:
290 square miles
Population:
70,400
Official Language:
English
Demonym:
Dominican
Capital City:
Roseau
Government:
Unitary Parliamentary Republic
Telephone Country Code:
767
Driving:
left side of the road
Local Beer:
Kubuli
National Dish:
Callaloo (formerly Mountain Chicken)
Main Airport:
Douglas-Charles Airport
Electricity:
230 V/50 Hz – plugs are three-prong UK standard (type D & G)
Visa Information For Dominica
All visitors to Dominica must have a valid passport and an onward or return ticket. Citizens of the United States and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for stays less than six months. Citizens of the United Kingdom and some European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, etc.) do not require a visa for stays less than three months.
All visitors to Dominica must have a valid passport. Furthermore, all visitors must have a return or onward ticket plus sufficient means to support themselves during their stay in Dominica.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For Dominica
With a valid passport and supporting documents, it typically takes two weeks for a Dominica visa application to be processed by the nearest Dominican High Commission.
Is It Safe In Dominica
In comparison to major American and European cities, Dominica is relatively safe, but there is some crime. As such, it is though recommended that visitors be vigilant at all times, especially when away from the major hotels and tourist areas.
How To Get To Dominica
Dominica has two main airports, including Canefield Airport (IATA: DCF, ICAO: TDCF) and the Douglas–Charles Airport (IATA: DOM, ICAO: TDPD), formerly known as Melville Hall Airport. Most visitors arrive in Dominica via the Douglas–Charles Airport located, which has the longer runway and is about an hour away from the city. Canefield Airport is 15 minutes from the capital city of Roseau.
There are no direct flights to Dominica from North America (Canada and United States) or Europe. Thus, international visitors to Dominica must book flights to one the neighboring Caribbean islands and then transit to Dominica. The nearby island includes Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI), Martinique (FDF), St. Maarten (SXM), Puerto Rico (SJU), Guadeloupe (PTP) and Saint Lucia (SLU).
Once in the Caribbean region, book flights to Dominica via:
- Air Antilles: Barbados, Castries, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, Sint Maarten
- Air Sunshine: Anguilla, Castries, Nevis, Saint Croix, Saint Kitts, Saint Thomas, San Juan, Sint Maarten, Tortola
- Caribbean Airlines: Barbados
- Fly Montserrat (Charter): Montserrat
- Liat: Antigua, Barbados, Saint Lucia
- InterCaribbean Airways: Barbados, Castries, Tortola
- Seaborne Airlines: San Juan
- St Barth Commuter (Charter): Saint Barthélemy
- Trans Anguilla Airways (Charter): Anguilla
When To Go To Dominica
The most popular time to visit Dominica known as the Nature Island is from February to June, the island’s driest months.
Major events attracting visitors to Dominica include:
- February: Mas Domnik (Carnival)
- May: Hike Fest
- May: Dominica Festival of the Creative Arts (DOMFESTA)
- July: Dive Fest
- September: Kalinago Week
- October: World Creole Music Festival
- October – November: Taste of Dominica
Weather In Dominica
The weather in Dominica is warm throughout the year. Evenings are cooler but rarely as low as 70°F. The rainy season in Dominica is quite long as it starts in May and continues through December with monthly rainfall ranging from about seven inches a month to nearly 15 inches.
Getting Married In Dominica
Marriage Requirements:
Couples who want to get married in Dominica must apply for a Special Marriage License from the Ministry of Social Services, Community Development, and Gender Affairs.
Documents Required:
In addition to the completed marriage application form, both the bride and groom will need their:
- passports
- birth certificates along with driver’s licenses or other forms of identification
- certificates of no impediment or single status report
- EC$7.50 postage stamps
Also, if applicable:
- divorce papers, i.e., decree absolute and/or death certificate of spouse
- proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped and signed by a solicitor
- proof of name change by Deed Poll, stamped and signed by a solicitor
Residency Requirement:
Couples can be married in Dominica within 24 hours of arrival.
Fees:
For those wishing to meet, the two-day residency requirement is EC$300.00. For persons opting for no residency, the marriage fees are EC$500.00. The costs for weekend and holiday weddings are EC$704.00.
Witnesses:
Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
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