Dominica
What do you call an island that’s 26 million years old? A baby, and thus, Dominica’s Beauty. The youngest island in the Caribbean, erosion has yet to dull the sharpness of her terrain. Beautiful, dramatic angles are everywhere. Energetic rivers run vigorously. Dynamic forests remain untouched.
When you first ride through the countryside, the uncompromising beauty of the island-rolling hills, secluded coastlines, virgin woods-will make you feel as if you’re at the end of the world. Dominica is without doubt, “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”. So come and explore or simply bask in nature’s simple pleasures.
Dominica is truly a nature lover’s paradise. The indigenous plants and flowers, the lakes, waterfalls, you could never tire of being in Dominica. The people are the friendliest you will ever find, and will go out of their way to make sure your request or wishes are taken care of.
Flag Coat Of Arms
THINGS TO DO
Hiking & Adventure: See many of the geographical wonders the island of Dominica has to offer by foot. There are numerous amounts of trails for all different levels of fitness. Below list the main and generally the favorite trails to take.
Trafalgar Falls: in the Roseau Valley. Just a 10 minute walk each way, you are minutes from seeing two romantic waterfalls cascading side by side.
Titou Gorge: in the Roseau Valley. More of a swim from the base of the waterfall through a series ponds formed by the interlaced trees & the cooled lava. It’s a short swim with magnificent light …and did I mention there is a hot spring?
Emerald Pool: Off Roseau-Castle Bruce road. Only a one kilometer trail leading you to a forty foot waterfall and a crystal clear pool. On the trail back prepare to be awe struck by the views.
For those who are looking for a little more of an excursion, intermediate hikes I highly recommend include:
Victoria Falls: South East coast. The Victoria Fall is fed by Boiling Lake, which will take your breath away with it’s awesome white color. This hike can also be combined with Sari-Sari Falls If your craving more. Be prepared for climbing over boulders.
Syndicate Portsmouth: Morne Diablotin National Park. The trail follows the Picard River and travels through the rainforest, where you may see the rare Imperial and Jaco parrots. Out of the rainforest you’ll be taken past the plantations and end on the main road at the entrance to Portsmouth.
Middleham Falls: Just outside of Laudat. This hike lead you to the heart of the rainforest. The fall itself is a striking 200 ft drop. Great place to take a chilly and refreshing dip, or shall I suggest…dive!
Other hikes just as notable but more difficult
- Chemin Letang
- Sari-Sari Falls
- Boiling Lake
Want to do less walking but still have an adventure? These next items will guarantee just that
- Ride through the rainforest canopy on the aerial tram and across a suspension bridge.
- Rent a bike! And experience the trails that way
- Wonder the Island by Horseback or ATV
- Between the months of March and October take a trip down to Rosalie Beach late at night to see the turtle take part in a different type of destination wedding!
Water Sports
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Scuba divers or those interested in Scuba diving should explore at least 1 of the 25 diving sites.
Once you hit the water you’ll be taken to a pristine marine habitat, where seahorses, frogfish and other rare creatures thrive.
*An absolute must do–Snorkel through the warm sea vents, it will feel as though you are swimming through a giant glass of champagne.
Whale Watching
Probably one of the easiest things to do on the island other then relax is to go whale watching. Hop on a boat and you are almost guaranteed to see at least a sperm whale.
Dominica also provides an ideal place for Kayaking and rubber tubing on the Layou River, the longest river in Dominica.
CUISINE
My first time to Dominica was truly a gastronomic experience. I went for the local products called ground provisions. I thought I had just gone to heaven. Of course like other destinations Dominica offers an international cuisine. On the health side, there is ‘bush’ tea and other products to nurture and replenish the body. For a quick bite be sure to stop at any of the many hash houses where I recommend you try Rotis or a meat pie. Environment is very casual and tipping is at your discretion.
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Government Regulations:
- At least one member of the party must be in Dominica for a minimum of two (2) days prior to the ceremony. A passport must be produced for inspection.
- Birth Certificates are required. Not Baptismal.
- Completed application form “G” must be signed by both parties and witnessed by a magistrate.
- Each party before a Commissioner of Oaths must sign a completed declaration form. $5.00 postage stamp must be affixed to each form and marital status form.
- If married before, decree of divorce or death certificate of former spouse must be produced.
- A license fee of $300.00 must be paid on submission of above-listed documents.
- Prospective spouses are advised to seek the advice of suitable counselors.
- Application form is obtainable from:
Ministry of Community Development & Women Affairs
Government Headquarter
Roseau
Dominica
Tel. 767 448-2401
The form must be returned to the same Ministry duly signed, witnessed and accompanied by the requested proof of identity and marital status. After processing the application a marriage license is issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
This license must be presented to the Registrar at the time of the marriage ceremony.
Cost:
- Cost of Marriage License EC$300.00 to be paid to the Ministry of Community Development.
- Marriages with the Registrar’s Office – EC $30.00
- Marriages celebrated outside the Registrar’s Offices will cost EC $100.00 plus a reasonable transportation fee.
- Lawyers fee for statuary declaration on marital status (inclusive of Affidavit) – EC $500.00
Church Weddings
Roman Catholic:
- Must fulfill Government’s requirements.
- Must have documentation from respective Parish Priest indicating that appropriate preparation courses have been followed.
- Must visit the Parish Priest in Dominica who may offer counseling.
- Cost of church wedding – EC $150.00
Methodist:
- Must seek permission from the Government.
- Must publish bans and purchase marriage license.
- Must attend counseling sessions, normally three sessions. Duration 1⁄2 to 1 hour long. Can be done while application license is being processed.
*Rates are subject to change without notice
Hotels
Ambassador Hotel Ltd
Address: Canefield, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2413
Phone: (1-767) 449-2155
Fax: (1-767) 449-2304
Anchorage Hotel & Dive Center
Address: Castle Comfort, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 34
Phone: (1-767) 448-2638
Fax: (1-767) 448-5680
Anse-A-Liane Lodge & Dive Centre
Address: Anse-A-Liane Street Peter, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2180
Phone: (1-767) 446-6652
Fax: (1-767) 446-6651
Barnard Amelia
Address: Petit Coulibrie, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 331
Phone: (1-767) 446-3150
Fax: (1-767) 446-3151
Beau Rive
Address: Castle Bruce
Phone: (1-767) 445-8992
Fax: (1-767) 445-8992
Best Caribbean Hotel
Address: Morne Daniel
Phone: (1-767) 449-3560
Blenheim Rainforest Inn
Address: North District
Phone: (1-767) 445-5588
C& H Towers
Address: Roseau
Phone: (1-767) 448-1563
Fax: (1-767) 448-4000
Casaropa Apartments
Address: Bay Street, Portsmouth
Phone: (1-767) 445-5277
Fax: (1-767) 445-4536
Castaways Beach Hotel
Address: Castaways, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 5
Phone: (1-767) 449-6245
Fax: (1-767) 449-6246
Cherry Lodge Hotel
Address: 20 Kennedy Avenue
Phone: (1-767) 448-2366
Chez Ophelia Cottage Apartments
Address: Copt Hall, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 152
Phone: (1-767) 448-3438
Fax: (1-767) 448-3433
Clud Dominique Villas Limited
Address: Hodges Bay Calibishe
Phone: (1-767) 445-7421
Coconut Beach Hotel
Address: Portsmouth
Phone: (1-767) 445-5393
Fax: (1-767) 445-5693
Continental Inn
Address: 37 Queen Mary Street, Roseau
Phone: (1-767) 448-2215
Fax: (1-767) 448-7022
Dolphin Resorts Ltd
Address: Grande Savanne Salisbury
Phone: (1-767) 449-7288
Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association
Address: 38 King George V Street, Roseau
Phone: (1-767) 448-6565
Fax: (1-767) 448-0299
E & C Ltd
Address: Main Road Calibishie
Phone: (1-767) 445-8537
Evergreen Hotel
Address: Castle Comfort, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 309
Phone: (1-767) 448-3288
Fax: (1-767) 448-6800
Exotica Cottage Resort
Address: Gommier Giraudel, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 109
Phone: (1-767) 448-8849
Fax: (1-767) 448-8829
Falconer House
Address: Corner of Cork & Hanover Streets, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 416
Phone: (1-767) 448-8641
Fax: (1-767) 448-7166
Fort Young Hotel
Address: Victoria Street, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 519
Phone: (1-767) 448-5000
Fax: (1-767) 448-5006
Fort Young Hotel
Address: Victoria St., Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 519
Phone: (1-767) 448-5000
Fax: (1-767) 448-5006
Garraway Hotel
Address: Place Heritage One Dama Eugenia Charles Blvd, Roseau
Phone: (1-767) 449-8800
Fax: (1-767) 449-8807
Herche’s Place Hotel
Address: Bay Stree Scotts Head
Phone: (1-767) 448-7709
Hummingbird Inn
Address: Rock-A-Beach & Cliffs Morne Daniel, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 1901
Phone: (1-767) 449-1042
Fax: (1-767) 449-1042
Itassi Cottages
Address: Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2333
Phone: (1-767) 448-7247
Fax: (1-767) 448-3045
Karam George
Address: Coconut Beach Hotel Picard
Phone: (1-767) 445-5415
Layou River Hotel
Address: Layou, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 8
Phone: (1-767) 449-6081
Fax: (1-767) 449-6713
Lintona Hotel
Address: Arcadia Pointe Michel
Phone: (1-767) 449-9165
Luro Club (Dominica) Ltd
Address: Salisbury
Phone: (1-767) 449-6602
Fax: (1-767) 449-6603
Margaret Casey Inn
Address: Baystreet Portsmouth
Phone: (1-767) 445-4282
Morning Bird Apartment Hotel
Address: London Rd Mero
Phone: (1-767) 449-7401
Fax: (1-767) 449-7579
Petit Coulibri Guest Cottages
Address: Soufriere, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 331
Phone: (1-767) 446-3150
Fax: (1-767) 446-3151
Picard Beach Cottage Resort
Address: Prince Rupert Bay, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 34
Phone: (1-767) 445-5131
Fax: (1-767) 445-5599
Pointsettia Hotel
Address: Street Aroment, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2118
Phone: (1-767) 449-94 28
Fax: (1-767) 449-9429
Portmouth Beach Hotel
Address: Portmouth
Mailing Address: P.O Box 34
Phone: (1-767) 445-5142
Fax: (1-767) 445-5599
Reigate Hall Hotel
Address: Reigate
Phone: (1-767) 757-2656
Fax: (1-767) 448-4034
Roxy’s Mountain Lodge
Address: Laudat, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 265
Phone: (1-767) 448-4845
Fax: (1-767) 448-4845
Sea World Guest House
Address: Citronier, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2277
Phone: (1-767) 448-5068
Fax: (1-767) 448-5168
Sutton Place Hotel
Address: 25 Old Street, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2333
Phone: (1-767) 449-8713
Fax: (1-767) 448-3045
Tamarind Tree Hotel Restaurant
Address: Salisbury
Mailing Address: P.O Box 754
Phone: (1-767) 449-7395
Fax: (1-767) 449-7395
Vena’s Paradise
Address: Roseau
Phone: (1-767) 449-2001
Fax: (1-767) 448-0539
Wesleeann Apartel
Address: Canefield
Mailing Address: P.O Box 1764
Phone: (1-767) 449-0419
Zandoli Inn
Address: Roche Cassee-Stowe, Roseau
Mailing Address: P.O Box 2099
Phone: (1-767) 446-3161
Fax: (1-767) 446-3344
