Dominica – Part 2

If you plan to walk this trail in Dominica then you will need the right shoes for the adventure. There are many different makes but you should be looking for a multi-activity shoe that will suit the terrain. It needs to be both lightweight while o¬ffering outstanding grip so you’ll be comfortable on forested trails.

The treasures of the island aren’t purely on the beaches or in the forests. This island has been called the whale watching capital of the Caribbean. As Dominica’s coast welcomes 22 whale species which are best spotted between November and March. Visitors are promised strong odds of seeing at least one of these mighty mammals. You are particularly likely to see sperm, humpback, false killer and pygmy killer whales. You will often be treated to large pods of frolicking dolphins with the main species being spinner, spotted, Fraser and bottlenose. These animals won’t be shy about swimming alongside your vessel so you should get some really good photos. However the best way to indulge in the pristine coastline is by grabbing a snorkel and getting closer to the action. The island’s remarkable topography is mirrored below the surface, with boulder fields, canyons, cliffs and craters making for a fascinating underwater world. While enjoying Soufrière’s Scottshead Marine Reserve in the south, you can take a paddle in the Champagne Reef, so called because of the pockets of air squeezed out through cracks in its underwater volcanic rock. On the island’s northern tip, you can see unspoiled swathes of coral in Cabrits Marine Reserve, which is renowned for its healthy assortment of tropical fish.

The cultural make up of Dominica can best be described as convoluted. The people here are coming from French, English, African and indigenous backgrounds. This naturally gets played out in its music, food and spiritualism which becomes a vibrant concoction of all the different influences. This is best experienced through its festivals. The Dominica Carnival kicks off the party during January and February, when calypso notes fill the air and performers dress in kaleidoscopic headdresses and costumes. An ideal opportunity to explore Dominica’s waters arises every July with the annual Dive Fest. The festival season climaxes with two major events for Dominica, the lively World Creole Music Festival every October and its independence day on 3 November. Now you can enjoy a wild Dominica experience for yourself.

If you like the sound of what you have been reading then the good news is that it is all being put together by the tourist board as a package. There is a three centre walking trip, where you’ll tackle sections of the Waitukubuli Trail, hike to Boiling Lake, snorkel Champagne Reef and then sample some of the rich culture. It’s the ideal way to explore the island without needing to do all the work yourself.