Dominica Travel Information

Dominica, often referred to as "The Nature Island," is a hidden gem in the Caribbean. Known for its rugged landscapes, natural hot springs, and diverse culture, this island offers visitors a chance to experience something truly unique and unforgettable. From hiking in the rainforest to swimming in the crystal-clear waters, Dominica has something for everyone. The island is full of adventure, natural beauty, and culture, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from the crowds and experience a more authentic Caribbean vacation. Here are the top 10 things to do in Dominica that you shouldn't miss.

1. Boiling Lake

Boiling Lake is a must-see natural wonder on Dominica. The lake is a volcanic crater filled with bubbling, hot water that ranges from blue to green in color. It's a great place to hike and take in the stunning views.

2. Middleham Falls

Middleham Falls is a beautiful waterfall that is located in the middle of the island. Visitors can hike to the falls and take a refreshing swim in the pools below.

3. Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a variety of unique and exotic plants and animals. The park is also home to several hiking trails and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty.

4. Snorkeling and diving

Dominica offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. The island is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs and sea turtles.

5. Hot springs and Mud baths

Dominica is home to several hot springs and mud baths, which are great places to relax and rejuvenate. The hot springs and mud baths are believed to have therapeutic properties and can help with a variety of ailments.

6. Indian River

Indian River is a beautiful, peaceful and serene place to visit. The river is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and manatees, and offers visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely boat ride and explore the island's natural beauty.

7. Roseau

Roseau is the capital city of Dominica, and it's a great place to visit. The city is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites, and it's a great place to experience the island's culture and way of life.

8. Fort Shirley

Fort Shirley is a historical site located in the town of Portsmouth. The fort offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the island's history and explore the ruins of the fort.

9. Beaches

Dominica is home to a variety of beautiful beaches, where visitors can relax and soak up the sun. Some popular beaches include Champagne Beach and Mero Beach.

10. Cultural activities

Dominica is home to a rich and diverse culture, which is reflected in the island's music, dance, and festivals. Visitors can experience this culture by attending a local festival or concert, or by visiting one of the island's cultural centers.

Climate

Dominica has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The island experiences two seasons: the rainy season from June to November and the dry season from December to May. The average temperature ranges from 75-85°F (24-29°C) throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dominica is during the dry season, from December to May. The weather is sunny and dry, with less chance of rain and fewer crowds. The island's lush vegetation is also at its most vibrant during this time. However, if you don't mind a little rain and are looking for a more unique experience, the rainy season can also be a great time to visit. During this time, the island is lush and green, and you'll have the opportunity to see the island's waterfalls and rivers at their fullest. Additionally, the sea is typically calmer during the rainy season, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Dominica offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels to luxurious resorts and villas.

Hotels and Resorts

Dominica has a variety of hotels and resorts to choose from, including small, intimate resorts and larger, all-inclusive resorts. Many of these resorts offer amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and on-site restaurants.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as villas and apartments, are also available on the island. This can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together, as they offer more space and privacy than a hotel room.

Guesthouses and Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers, guesthouses and hostels are a great option. These accommodations offer basic amenities at a lower cost than hotels or resorts.

Eco-Lodges

Eco-lodges are a popular accommodation option in Dominica, and offer a unique and sustainable way to experience the island. These lodges are often located in remote areas and offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature.

Overall, visitors to Dominica can find the perfect accommodation to suit their needs and budget. Whether you're looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly hostel, the island has something for everyone.

Getting around Dominica can be a bit of a challenge, as the island is relatively small but mountainous. However, there are a few different transportation options available to visitors.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are available on the island, and can be a great option for exploring Dominica's many scenic drives. Keep in mind that many roads on the island are narrow and winding, so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

Taxis and Minivans

Taxis and minivans are readily available on the island and can be a good option for getting around, especially if you're not comfortable driving on the island's winding roads. Taxis and minivans are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price before setting off.

Buses

Buses run regularly on the island and can be a budget-friendly option for getting around. However, the routes are limited, and buses can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Ferries

Ferries run between the island of Dominica and its neighboring islands such as Guadeloupe and Martinique. This can be a great way to explore the neighboring islands while you're in Dominica.

Hiking

Hiking is also a great way to get around the island, especially if you're looking to explore the island's natural beauty. There are many hiking trails on the island, some of which are quite challenging. It's best to hire a guide if you're not familiar with the trails.

In summary, Dominica has a variety of transportation options available, from rental cars and taxis to buses and ferries. Visitors should consider the type of trip they want to have and the budget they have before deciding which transportation option to choose.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.