Dominica – A Hidden Paradise
There are many Caribbean holiday destinations to choose from. Many people are drawn to the usual, Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Grenada and St. Thomas. But did you know there are several others that are just as nice? This includes Dominica where you will find many things to do. This post will highlight three of the most popular places to see on a Dominica tour.
Although Cruises in the Caribbean are very popular, Dominica is not one of the usual islands on the itinerary. Many of the cruises will have Dominica on their 10 day itinerary but not on a 7 day cruise. For those that have never cruised, cruising allow you to visit multiple places without having to unpack multiple times. The ship becomes your floating hotel. You go to sleep at night and the next day brings you to a different island and possible tour excursions. Alternatively, you could just fly to Dominica and spend some time away from the rest of the world.
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Where Is Dominica?
Dominica is one of the lesser-known islands in the south-eastern Caribbean and is one of the smallest but there are some great things to do in this cruise port of Rosseau. You should not overlook Dominica on your journey to seek warmth, adventure, history, culture, and history of the Caribbean islands because of it’s size. Dominica is one of the newer islands in the Caribbean chain, formed through geothermal activity.
As a volcanic island, Dominica exhibits tall, sharp mountains, lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and deeply wooded valleys. A common nickname for Dominica is “Nature’s island”. The economy of the island is heavily focused on tourism; and showcasing the islands’ natural highlights through diving, hiking, wellness, and eco-tours.
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Once your cruise ship docks in Roseau, Dominica’s capital, you will see many historical buildings made of wood and stone. These buildings are an example of Dominica’s unique architectural style, influenced by English, French, and Spanish architecture. A scenic drive reveals both the lovely natural highlights of the Roseau Valley as well as the city’s landmarks. It truly is a hidden Caribbean paradise.
Activities and Things to Do in Dominica
There are many things to do in this hidden Caribbean paradise particularly for the nature lover. These include hiking, visiting hot springs, viewing waterfalls and ocean kayaking and whale watching.
Most cruise ships offer several tour and excursion packages catering to different abilities, tastes, and desires. If you are staying on the island, check out the vast selection of activities through Viatour. They have a great selection of activities to suite everyone.
For the purpose of this article, I will highlight one of the most common tours in Dominica , especially if you arrive on a cruise. This is a morning day tour that highlights city sights, a wellness Village and the Botanical Gardens.
Tip: Be sure to bring proper footwear if you plan on hiking or going on waterfalls excursions.
Before the Tour
Once you have left the ship and step on land in Dominica, you will feel the warmth of the island people as you pass through the Old market Square where the vendors will showcase their local crafts and artifacts which can be traced to their island’s history. You will then meet with your pre-scheduled tour guides who will guide you through your selected activity.
1. Morne Bruce
One of the most popular things to do in Dominca is take a tour to the hill overlooking the city. After a short drive through the village, the mini van winds its way through a twisty-turny steep road up a mountainside to arrive at the Morne Bruce which is an outcropping on the mountain that permits a stellar views of the entire City below. Named in honour of James Bruce, who planned the islands fortifications in the 18th century, Morne Bruce served as a garrison post for the Defense of Roseau during its early years.
At the top of the hill you will be greeted with an exceptional and unobstructed view of the city of Rosseau and the cruise port. From here you can see the brightly colored buildings of the capitol city as they meet the beautiful blue Caribbean sea. If you come here on an excursion from a cruise ship, the stop will only be about 15-20 minutes. If you are staying in Rosseau, you can take hike up here on a path called “Jack’s walk“. I am told sunsets are beautiful.
During the day, there is also a small market area where you can purchase some local hand-crafted merchandise and light refreshments.
2. Botanical Gardens
After a short drive down the road, you will arrive at the Botanical Gardens. This 40-acre oasis is considered one of the botanical gems of the Caribbean and is home to over 50 indigenous species of plants and trees and home to an aviary for Sisserou parrots, the national bird of Dominica.
Dominica’s National Flower (the colourful Bwa Kwaib) can also be found as you walk through the fragrant blooms and lush vegetation. This tropical paradise creates an illusion of an idyllic retreat. If you are staying on the island, bring a picnic and spend some time here. In addition to national parades and cricket matches, the lawns host celebrations and festivals.
The remains of a school bus crushed by a Baobab Tree during Hurricane David in 1979 are close to the southwestern gate. It is a stark reminder of the potentially devastating effects of tropical storms in the Caribbean.
On a cruise excursion, the stop here is led by a knowledgeable guide who will point out the highlighted features and relay some history of the island’s natural assets. This stop is usually about an hour.
Take the time to wander around and absorb the beauty of these gardens!
3. Hot Springs
Following the Botanical Gardens, the tour guide will lead you through some mountainous terrain and lush rainforests to Wotten Waven, a wellness Village known within the “Dominican Hot Spot”. The smell of sulfur in the air and steam billowing in the distance are indicative the geothermal activity that gives this wellness centre its’ life. This is a pretty relaxing experience in Dominica.
After a short introduction by your host, you’ll be escorted down natural steps (water shoes recommended) to a series of open-air pools for an island-style hot mineral bath derived from an underground source. These therapeutic waters relax tired muscles and joints while detoxifying and cleansing the body. The heat and sweat of the day evaporates from your body as you inhale the soothing aroma and feel the warmth of the waters. A feeling of paradise in Dominica.
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Following your rejuvenation, the host provides some fresh fruits for some needed rehydration for the journey back to the port.
Leaving Dominica was interesting as the winds picked up and the sea swells rose to the point where the cruise ship was being tossed in the port. The Captain purposefully tilted the ship away from the dock to avoid further damage while he waited to all passengers to embark so we could return to sea for the next leg of the journey.
Although I chose this cruise ship excursion in Dominica, there are plenty of other things to do in the lush and peaceful little island in the Caribbean. It is truly a hidden paradise in the Caribbean!
Have you taken a tour in Dominica?
If you are heading to the southeastern Caribbean, perhaps Grenada is on your itinerary. Be sure to explore some of the sights in this Grenada cruise Port Guide.
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I love visiting botanical gardens (I’m very fortunate to have one very local to me that I go to regularly); it would be an absolute treat to visit one like you did here. What an amazing experience!
[…] For other natural beauty destinations, check out neighboring Dominica. […]