Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call - Dominica

A popular port of call for cruise ships, Dominica is a nature lovers paradise with a  rich multicultural population that includes African, English, French and the Carib people. Dominica’s indigenous people, the Carib, occupy 3700 acres on the East coast of the Island. While you can still get an insight into the Carib people’s ancestral roots as showcased in their arts and crafts, there is npt much else that differentiates them from the rest of the population.

Dominica’s popularity as a Caribbean Port of call lies in its footprint free scenic landscape. Eco-adventures are abundant and all you need to enjoy them is a sense of awe and wonder. The majority of vacationers to the Island are from cruises and in recent years the number has continued to grow with major cruise lines including  the Dominican port of call.

Getting Around

Taxis, car rentals,  ferry, bikes, and privately owned buses are all available for your sightseeing needs. If you choose to visit the neighbouring Islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, hop on a ferry for an exciting day trip. To tour Dominica on your own, or to go to a specific location, you can choose a taxi. This mode of transportation is, however, more suitable for shorter tours or trips. You need to be aware that taxis can quickly become quite expensive but then you have a built in tour guide. .

Renting a car in Dominica gives you the opportunity to see the Island independently and on your own schedule. Be aware that you will be driving on the left hand side of the road in Dominica and you will be required to get a local driver’s permit and collision insurance is highly recommended.  When driving in Dominica, you are advised to exercise caution since many of the roads can be steep and winding.

For reasonable transportation around Dominica, just hop on one of the brightly decorated 15 passenger buses.  Biking is an excellent way to see Dominica  and enjoy its amazing landscape. The terrain can range from easy to challenging and can be suitable for visitors of any skill level.

Things to do and see

1)      The Boiling Lake is a world renowned attraction in Dominica. located in the Morne Trois Pitons national park,  tourists can take a challenging trek along a volcanic mountain. The lake is a huge boiling cauldron of blue grey water.

2)      National Parks - Morne Diablotin or Morne Trois Pitons offers the best of nature and there are also guided tours of the parks.

3)      Picard Beach. It is difficult to choose between the numerous beaches that dot the Island of Dominica. Picard Beach is a panacea of beauty and serenity.

4)      Valley of Desolation is a region in Dominica that is far from hospitable but if you want to see boiling mud  and small geysers, this is the place. It is also located in the Morne Trois Pitons park.

5)      Trafalgar Falls is one of the numerous falls in Dominica. Trafalgar falls is a twin waterfall named Mother and Father and you can swim in hot and cold pools below the waterfall

 6)   The Rain forest Aerial Tram allows visitors to get a great view of the magnificent rain forest

7)      Wacky Rollers will transform you into a creature of the forest as you swing, rapell and climb rope  ladders, swing bridges and zip lines.

8)     Whale watching. Dominica is considered the Whale watching capital of the Caribbean and claims a 95% success rate on whale watching.
 
Where to Eat

Many of the best restaurants in Dominica can be found in Hotels and resorts. The cuisine is varied with an international flavor and you can sample such specialities as rodents and frogs. If you are squeamish, ensure you are clear on what it is you are ordering. Here are some popular restaurants to check out:

1) Papillote Rain forest Restaurant - menu includes vegetarian, seafood and healthy options. Both the  rain forest atmosphere and food are excellent.

2) Escape Beach Bar & Grill

3) Pagua Bay 

4) If you are vegetarian or \vegan, you may want to check out Natural Livity Rastaurant  for soya burgers, roti, pizza and pies.

Shopping

Your shopping experience starts as soon as you get off the cruise ship. There are shops in the cruise terminal, boutiques and the Old Market Plaza.

This cruise ship port of call is a filled with national treasures. The splendour of the rain forest will entice you and  the magnificence of an unspoiled landscape of waterfalls, rivers, lakes and peaks will entrance you. Depending upon the time of year you can take in one of the many celebrations and festivals.