Official Name: Commonwealth of Dominica Capital: Roseau Flag: Population: 72,660  Language: English (official), French patois Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) Government Website: www.dominica.gov.dm Chamber of Commerce: www.daic.dm Emergency Info:

The largely rural and scarcely populated island of Dominica stands in the Eastern Caribbean, between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dominica is a unique Caribbean island in that it’s actually referred to as a “non-tourist destination.” Unlike typical Caribbean islands which are generally coveted for their limitless drapery of lethargic white sand beaches, Dominica is considered instead for its dramatic topography of jutting peaks originating from its volcanic history, which have sculpted the breathtaking island into a land of unbelievable hiking and adventure. Dominica is no less than a pristinely preserved bit of paradise.

Its tropical forest, which covers two thirds of Dominica, fosters a staggering 1,200 plant species which flourish under the islands high annual rainfall. Alluding to its volcanic birth, the island is abundant with geothermal activity from its highest points to below sea level. While Dominca has some of the most spectacular forests and jutting landscapes, the diving and snorkeling off its shores also displays an impressive scene. You can enjoy the islands refreshing waters by kayaking or tubing down one of Dominica’s many unspoiled rivers, or simply a dip in a warm crater lake or hot spring.

The “Whale watching capital of the world” lives up to its name. With 22 species of whales sited in the waters surrounding Dominica, its whale watching tours have a 95% success record. Most notably, Dominica is one of only a few places you can catch a glimpse of the elusive sperm whale, thanks to such deep water close to shore. A whale watching tour should be (and is) on the top of any visitors list.

Ironically this bashful island is a bit of a Hollywood star, lending its exceptional landscape as location for the film Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest. One of the locations the film used for shooting is the magnificent Ti Tou Gorge (“Little Throat Gorge”) which is understandably worth notice. The gorge is really a swim, which leads through a series of naturally formed “rooms or ponds” lined by high cliff walls covered in lush plant life, and just a short distance from the gorges entrance a hot spring flows down a low cliff.

Roseau is Dominica’s capital, and though it is not among the richest in the region, its charm and old world feel are pleasing. Quaint shops line the roads and enticing scents lift from café doors. The buildings are mostly stone and wood, with only a few recently sprouted cement structures, and the mountainous landscape surrounding the market town provides excellent aesthetic appeal.

Located within Dominica’s Cabrits National park is Fort Shirley, an 18th century British garrison. It’s a great place for exploring as visitors are allowed to roam through the partially reconstructed ruins that spread off into the rainforest. From certain ruins, there are some spectacular views of the ocean, in particular Prince Rupert Bay.

Other popular water spots include Trafalgar Falls, located in the West end of Trios Pitons National Park it consists of two waterfalls: a tall “father” fall, and a shorter “mother” fall. Its only a short hike to the falls and there is a good swimming hole at the base of the mother fall. Another perfect spot for a dip is Emerald pool which was given its name for obvious reasons. It’s also very accessible, only about a five minute walk through the rainforest.

But perhaps the most popular natural gem of Dominica is Boiling Lake. This wonder of Dominica is the world’s second largest actively boiling lake. Getting there is an ambitious hike taking about three and a half hours one way, but worth every step. It begins at Titou Gorge, and requires a guide, comfortable shoes, and plenty of fluids. The trail is winding and varies in its terrain. It takes hikers through the “Valley of Desolation” which was once a rainforest but was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1880. The mystical looking lake sits in a shallow basin where it bubbles and steams. Geologists believe it is actually a flooded furnarole - a split in the ground that allows the escape of gasses from lava below the earth’s surface.

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