Dominica (pronounced do-mi-NEE-ca) is not as developed for tourism as many of its island neighbors in the Eastern Caribbean. For the budget traveler, that is not necessarily a bad thing. What Dominica lacks in five-star resorts, it provides in gorgeous landscape, exciting recreation and friendly hosts. Prices are generally quite reasonable, making Dominica a good value for travelers on a budget.
Unlike highly developed islands such as Puerto Rico, Dominica lacks wide, limited access highways. An example: the island's largest airport is about 28 miles from the capital of Roseau, but that drive takes about 90 minutes. Intersections are not always well-marked, and the same can be said for some of the hiking trails. If you get lost, you'll waste time and money. Investing in the services of an expert guide will add value to your visit. Discover Dominica can recommend guides. Its offices are directly across from the port in Roseau. Perhaps you'll find a guide such as Margel Durand, who has lived in Dominica his entire life. Guides such as Durand are hard to stump. They'll answer your questions promptly and accurately.
Once you've found your way to the rain forest, you can enjoy some excellent hiking in unspoiled areas blessed with a variety of flora, fauna and bird species. The scenic beauty of Dominica seems unlimited: dense forests, towering waterfalls, breathtaking coastlines and rivers that rush through deep, lush canyons. For a splurge, consider a two-hour tubing excursion with Wacky Rollers. Cruise passengers should consider bypassing whatever is offered on ship and booking directly with the company, which has an office a block from the port behind the Garraway Hotel in Roseau. Off-season rates for the trip are $50 USD/person, but the memories are lasting. The two-mile trip is relaxing, with a few small rapids along the way to keep it interesting.
You can find high-priced accommodations almost anywhere, including Dominica. But here, you'll have to look a little harder than in most places. The Garraway Hotel sits right near the port in Roseau. Despite this strategic location, rooms start at $100 USD/night. Picard Beach Cottages on the northwest coast near Portsmouth checks in budget visitors starting at $80 USD/night in the off-season (mid-April to mid-December) for beachfront cottages. These are just two of many options you're likely to find in Dominica.
Unlike the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Dominica will not overwhelm you with a wide variety of shopping options. What you will find for sale in abundance here is authentic island arts and crafts. It's not unusual for the artist who created the work to offer it for sale. In some places, you can watch artists at work on carvings, paintings or batik hangings.
Hire a Guide
Unlike highly developed islands such as Puerto Rico, Dominica lacks wide, limited access highways. An example: the island's largest airport is about 28 miles from the capital of Roseau, but that drive takes about 90 minutes. Intersections are not always well-marked, and the same can be said for some of the hiking trails. If you get lost, you'll waste time and money. Investing in the services of an expert guide will add value to your visit. Discover Dominica can recommend guides. Its offices are directly across from the port in Roseau. Perhaps you'll find a guide such as Margel Durand, who has lived in Dominica his entire life. Guides such as Durand are hard to stump. They'll answer your questions promptly and accurately.
Hike the Rainforest, Tube the Layou River
Once you've found your way to the rain forest, you can enjoy some excellent hiking in unspoiled areas blessed with a variety of flora, fauna and bird species. The scenic beauty of Dominica seems unlimited: dense forests, towering waterfalls, breathtaking coastlines and rivers that rush through deep, lush canyons. For a splurge, consider a two-hour tubing excursion with Wacky Rollers. Cruise passengers should consider bypassing whatever is offered on ship and booking directly with the company, which has an office a block from the port behind the Garraway Hotel in Roseau. Off-season rates for the trip are $50 USD/person, but the memories are lasting. The two-mile trip is relaxing, with a few small rapids along the way to keep it interesting.
Sulphur Pools
About five miles from Roseau, not far from Trafalgar Falls, you will find an area that's home to several sulphur springs called Wotton Waven. One of them is Screw's Sulphur Spa, which offers visitors baths in warm spring water and mud wraps. The owner will explain that the water "looks dirty" but is not--it's naturally laden with minerals. Prices vary by service, but tabs tend to be modest. You can spend the day anytime but on a Monday or a national holiday.
Budget Accommodations
You can find high-priced accommodations almost anywhere, including Dominica. But here, you'll have to look a little harder than in most places. The Garraway Hotel sits right near the port in Roseau. Despite this strategic location, rooms start at $100 USD/night. Picard Beach Cottages on the northwest coast near Portsmouth checks in budget visitors starting at $80 USD/night in the off-season (mid-April to mid-December) for beachfront cottages. These are just two of many options you're likely to find in Dominica.
Shop for Native Crafts
Unlike the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Dominica will not overwhelm you with a wide variety of shopping options. What you will find for sale in abundance here is authentic island arts and crafts. It's not unusual for the artist who created the work to offer it for sale. In some places, you can watch artists at work on carvings, paintings or batik hangings.
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