Not all Caribbean islands are alike, and that is often the misconception from tourists who don’t dive into the distinctions of a destination. Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is definitely one of those unique island countries. If visited on a cruise ship itinerary, you can spend the day doing several excursions that reveal the essence of this country.
The port town is a veritable postcard image of quaint homes under a cloud covered mountain peak. The first impression of Dominica is its profusely forested landscape. The ascent into the hilly villages takes you to various natural formations and excursions. Natural hot springs, rainforests and rivers, plus archeological and heritage tours, are some of the highlights. The soil is rich with volcanic minerals, which contributes to the fertile landscape. An example of the latter is the pumice, which is a significant commercial product and can be seen on the boulders as you drive through the island.
A bus tour is an excellent way to take in the diverse highlights of Dominica, as you’ll see pumice on one side of the road and tropical trees planted inside painted car tires on the other. Another roadside attraction is the sprawling estate of the Caribbean’s first female prime minister, Eugenia Charles.
While you’re absorbing the visuals of this charming country, you’ll also learn factoids about the citizens’ lifestyle nuances. For example, Dominica has a resolute pride about freshly baked bread. Not only do they prefer and prioritize this daily, but reportedly, they also practice it as a twice daily ritual. Bread is baked in a wood fire stone oven daily except on Sundays. It’s also sold out of vans and cars to villagers.
Other options in Dominica are whale watching and sea turtle hatching. Dominica is reportedly the only country in the world where the sperm whale resides all year long. Sightings typically occur between November to March while sea turtle hatching takes place between March and October.
The World Creole Music Festival happens every October and showcases Indigenous music. Other ways to honor the authenticity of the island is to immerse yourself in a Kalinago tribe village excursion.
Hikers will enjoy visiting the second largest boiling lake in the world. It’s a rigorous hike in this flooded fumarole, but an unforgettable one at this World Unesco site.
Perhaps the most significant cultural fact about Dominica is that it’s the only island that has a distinct group of Carib Indians who descended from the island’s first inhabitants long before colonization began. In fact, the word “Caribbean” is derived from the name of the tribe, “Carib.” The Bois Cotlette Heritage tour is a recommended way to experience Dominica’s history, archeology and agriculture.
Known as the oldest surviving estate on the island, the approximately 290-year history of the land has produced cocoa, sugar cane and coffee. Situated 1,000 feet above sea level on a volcanic terrain, the estate beckons historians and archeologists who both appreciate what it offers. From steep escarpments to what feels like a private sanctuary, the estate holds strong historic echoes to the 1700s. Tour guides walk you through the former plantation, identifying archeological details of the structures. A sample of rum with a local snack is provided within a pavilion that doubles as an art gallery and small market of locally made chocolates and products.
As you descend the mountainous village roads, the forest scenery stimulates and relaxes you at the same time. Farm animals and tropical plants decorate the trails and paths, creating a hypnotic forest retreat as you circumnavigate the bucolic country island.
