Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Dominica is
an island with English roots and tropical and lush natural beauty. It has
the highest mountains in the Caribbean and has one of the best remaining
rain forests in the world.
Cabrits National Park is on the northwest coast of the island and has
over 1,000 acres of protected marine life.
Fort Shirley defended the island in the 18th century and now affords a
sweeping view of the bay from its ramparts.
The beach at Prince Rupert Bay, shaded by seagrape and coconut palms, is
perfect for an outing and snorkeling.
Morne Diablotins, the island's highest peak and the source of many of its
rivers, rises in the Northern Forest Reserve. In the area of Morne
Diablotins, the island's highest peak, are found the Sisserou and Jaco
parrots for which the island is famous. Hiking and parrot watching are
favorite activities, but a guide is highly recommended.
In the northeast is the 3,700 acre Caribe Territory, which is home to
descendants of the island's original inhabitants--the Carib Indians.
Although mainly agriculturists, they still produce baskets, canoes and other
traditional items. The Catholic Church at Salybia has an altar fashioned
from a dugout canoe. Craft shops throughout the Territory offer beautiful
examples of the Caribs' wares.
The rainforest in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, in the south central
portion of the island, contains plant life that will amaze you, from giant
ferns and hanging orchids to sweet-smelling wild ginger. There are six
established hiking trails.
To view historic Dominica, stroll through Roseau and see the island's
architecture, with wooden buildings ornamented with fretwork, or
''gingerbread,'' balconies and jalousies. Many of the restored older
buildings are built of thick masonry walls. The Catholic Cathedral and
Anglican Church are well worth a visit. The Old Market Square is behind the
Post Office and has seen slave auctions and executions, as well as the sale
of produce. It is currently a craft market. On Saturday you must see the new
market at the mouth of the Roseau River, one of the Caribbean's most
colorful, with the bounty of Dominica's fruits and vegetables on display.
The Botanical Gardens were originally designed as an experimental facility
to advance agriculture, but ornamental plants can be seen here, too.
Dominica underwater is as spectacular as above. The unexplored coral
reefs, dramatic drop-offs and wrecks offer spectacular world-class diving.
At Soufriere, try a dive known as ''Champagne'' for the bubbling waters
created by volcanic activity on the sea bed. In Douglas Bay, in the marine
portion of Cabrits National Park, there are underwater snorkeling trails.
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Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
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