Ecotourism in Dominic : An emerald paradise in the Caribbean

Welcoming and friendly, the inhabitants of Dominica open up their heart as well as their island. They love their country, respect as well as embellish it, and are always available to help you find your way or just give you a piece of information. If you do want to wander around on the island, choose a taxi driver. He will guide you and help you get close to such a different island (without any traffic signs), and he will take you to some « secret » places, often unknown by tourists…

Green, luxuriant, with an abundance or rivers, Dominica is a real tropical paradise. Thanks to an exceptional biodiversity, the island offers an amazing fauna and flora. Even Guadeloupe does look a little pale compared to it! While discovering the botanical gardens, take some binoculars to observe the numerous birds (including two species of parrots) who have decided to settle down in the forest and keep your ears wide opened…There are many hikes as well, but the paths are often uneven. Think about taking some good hiking shoes, waterproof clothes, and of course remember to respect any mountains regulations. Beware of the rain and of the flash floods it can induce. Many rivers and hot pools are accessible all over the island. From Trafalgar Falls to Emerald Pool, going through Jaco Falls or Tiken Glo Cho, some stunning sites are awaiting. To reach them, you often have to follow the riverbed at the heart of the forest . Imagine the scenery ! Once there, you won’t be able to resist and will most definitely have to dive in the waterfalls, and take a break in one of the often equipped hot pools. Rich in sulphur, these baths are excellent for your health. So, go for it !

If Dominica is usually know in Guadeloupe for her 365 rivers, abroad she is also famous for scuba diving. There are indeed many dive centres and the island hospital even has a decompression chamber. If scuba diving is so developed in Dominica it is thanks to Simon Walsh, the president of Dominica Watersports Association, who has been working at promoting watersports in Dominica for the last 15 years. Working with tourists on a regular base, he also makes a point in offering the young locals a chance to open up to the wonders of the sea. Each year, during the « Dive Fest » (an event presenting various activities such as scuba diving, rowing boat races, underwater treasure hunt…), he invites, free of charges, about a hundred young people to come and discover scuba diving. Those who will fall for this new activity will become a part of his training association and will follow the instructor course. 18 young participants have already become instructors in the past few years and are now working in one of the island dive centres.
As for Dominica underwater world, it is absolutely stunning and very well preserved. The corals are really healthy, the fish are plentiful, and the turtles as well as dolphins often cruise by. Diving can definitely lead to nice encounters !

Hubert Winston, president of the Dominica Marine Center is one of the main island’s figures when it comes to boating. As a real sailing passionate, he appears in the top Caribbean regattas and ever since his return from the USA he has been working at developing sailing and marine facilities on the island. The Dominican Yacht Club, the sailing club he has set up, now offers 9 optimists for children, 2 Sunfish and several J 24, perfectly fitted for regional racing. Every Saturday, Dominica’s young people can now discover and improve their sailing skills and even take part in regattas during school holidays. In December will be held the first Christmas Regatta, which should attract many aficionados. « These are some of the means to promote Dominica and attract a different public. Dominica is known as the « Nature Island » with its rivers and hot springs but we also have many other assets on our coastline. » Hubert Winston emphasizes. This is why he would love for a little marina to see the light in Dominica. Meanwhile the Dominica Marine Center offers to the sailors wanting to call at the island many services : safeguarding of the boat while on the island, mechanical assistance in case of a breakdown, dangerous waste management, sea rescue…and to top it all off Hubert Winston and his team also train young people to become skippers ! Dominica Boating has definitely many bright days ahead !

Located in the eastern part of the island, the Indian Reservation is the home of the descendants of the Kalinagos ; the first natives of the island. It is the one and only reservation in the Caribbean. About 8000 Natives live on this territory in 8 villages. Now offering elementary schools, and free school buses, these villages are better acknowledged by the government. Thus, a traditional Indian village has been recreated on a small scale within the reservation. The Kalinago Barana Aute (Caribbean Indian cultural village) emphasizes diversity, the history and cultural heritage of the Kalinago people and presents, through this traditional village reproduction their customs and cultural traditions. The village also offers a way to increase the public’s awareness of their life style.

Another Indian village has also recently come to life, the « Carib Model Village ». The tribal chairman is happy to welcome you and make you discover the traditional healing plants and the old ways of his people. Here, you are not in a recently built traditional village, but in a real one where you will be able to meet the Natives through their daily routine and chores. They might even teach you how to fish in the river or how to weave a typical basket. Soon, a few small huts will be available for rental, just to spend a few days in the village…

Upon arrival, ask for « Cobra », one of the best island guides. He will take you on his rowing boat to the heart of the Indian River. A real local fauna and flora specialist, he will tell you all about the river and its inhabitants. After a half- hour boat trip he will stop in the middle of the forest in an amazing wood and bamboo bar, built by welcoming Rastas. 100% organic Pina Colada unavoidable , and for amateurs rooms for rent !

Full of activities, perfect for encounters and exchanges, Dominica is a small island that is most definitely worth knowing. The ideal way being to immerse ourselves and spend a few days on this beautiful green and blue jewel…

For further information :
DOMINICA WATERSPORTS ASSOCIATION
DOMINICA MARINE CENTER
OFFICE DU TOURISME DE LA DOMINIQUE
OFFICE DU TOURISME DE LA DOMINIQUE EN GUADELOUPE
KALINAGO BARANA AUTE