Docking In Roseau, Dominica
The rainforests of this tiny nation are what draw visitors to this lush island along with some incredible snorkeling and diving sites. Dominica is home to incredible hiking trails, many leading to the islands amazing waterfalls.
Geologically Dominica is one of the most recently formed Caribbean islands. Created by volcanos rising from the sea millions of years ago, this island lies on the line between two opposing tectonic plates. Even today there are a number of steaming springs and fumaroles dotting the islands landscape. The volcanic forces that created Dominica explain why this island, smaller than New York’s Manhattan, has mountains climbing almost to 5,000 feet. It’s those tall mountains that pull moisture from the northeast trade winds crossing the island that causes heavy rainfall contributing to its flowing streams and waterfalls.
Dominica is a safe island in the Caribbean with tourist-targeted crime being very rare and locals who are generally friendly and more than eager to help you.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships dock at a pier right at the center of the capital of Roseau’s waterfront, situated on the western side of the island. Taxis are common but public facilities are not readily available. Walking off the ship will find you in the center of town.
Getting Around Dominica
The easiest and often the least expensive way to get around the Roseau area is by taxi, but to see more of Dominica you need take a tour or rent a car, as the major sights and destinations are fairly spread out. Rental cars and taxi services are available in downtown Roseau and while there are local minivan buses that are cheap and run regularly along the coastal routes between Roseau and both Scotts Head and Portsmouth, figuring out routes and times can be a challenge. Also bus service is reduced after business hours with almost none on Sundays.
Currency
Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) as its official currency. The currency is also shared with Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Anguilla, and all are members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted along with major credit cards.
Attractions
Dominica is a place for adventures. With volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, rugged coastlines and sparkling waterfalls, giving Grenada its nickname of Nature Island. If you are looking for tropical beaches, they are few and far between. The islands geological history has left most of its shoreline rugged and most of the island’s beaches are covered in rocks and pebbles rather than sand. The big attraction here is to explore some of the worlds most interesting rainforest trails with many well maintained and marked. For specific information visit the OFFICIAL DOMINICA TOURIST SITE.
Other attractions include Fort Shirley, part of the Cabrits National Park and located on a scenic peninsula just north of Portsmouth. This fortress is most famously known for the revolt of English African slave soldiers in 1802, an event which would lead to freeing of all British slave soldiers in 1807.
Dominica is also noted for being the home to the Kalinago Indians, who are the descendants of the island’s original people who were known as Carib Indians throughout the Caribbean. The Kalinago are famous as rainforest guides and offer a number of tours as well as programs demonstrating their way of living and culture. There’s more information HERE.
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