While in Portsmouth, visit the picturesque Indian River. Flanking this river are lush mangroves that seem like a beautiful painting. Take a boat ride and enjoy the cool, gentle breeze.

Head for Prince Rupert Bay if you want to try activities such as snorkelling, diving or swimming. Other beautiful spots around the bay are the palm-fringed Picard's Beach, Douglas Bay, with its stunning yellow shore, and the charming twin mounts near Cabrits.

Nearby, Fort Shirley is sure to transport you into a bygone era. You can view some intriguing artefacts and memorabilia at a wonderful museum there. This edifice, dating back from the British colonial days, has old world charm and an air of mystery. It is the perfect spot for a picnic, with some local legends and friendly ghosts for company.  The place is a must-visit simply for its unusual location and ambience.

Gracing the southern tip of the wonderful island are two inviting places - Scotts Head and Soufriere. It would hardly take you half an hour to reach these places from Roseau but the visit transports you to a different world altogether. A part of it is laid back and languid, with hills overlooking a sandy shore, and dotted with colourful fishing boats.

Yet, as you move towards the Marine Reserve, you discover that Soufriere and Scotts Head are anything but sleepy. They are the hotspots for some great adventure tourism, offering snorkelling, sea kayaking, diving and sea fishing facilities. It is a pleasure to watch people test their physical endurance and brave the elements. Or better still to do it yourself. Later, take a rejuvenating dip in one of the sulphur springs - it is wonderful for tired muscles.

Be sure to see a famous fresco in the Soufriere area that showcases life as it was many centuries ago.

Scotts Head is the southernmost tip of the island, located at the end of an isthmus. It offers breathtaking views on both sides. On the head lies Fort Cachacou, which was a strategic defence location during the conflicts between British and French forces in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The water here is ideal for diving and snorkelling.

An awe-inspiring natural phenomenon unlike anything you may have experienced before, the Champagne hot springs are a must-visit location. The water is lukewarm and perfect for a dip, but what sets them apart are the small bubbles that are formed due to volcanic activity in underwater cavities. The entire island of Dominica is believed to have been formed after a volcanic eruption many centuries ago.

At Dangleben's pinnacle you can view another marvel of nature - sharp spiky pinnacles rising out of the landscape and a stunning variety of corals and other sea creatures.

The easiest and cheapest way to reach Scotts Head from Roseau is to take a bus which would cost you around EC $3. The food at the local restaurants is also very reasonably priced.

North-west from Portsmouth is a quaint little town called Calibishie. It is an idyllic fishing village with a fairy-tale like quality. An ideal place for a honeymoon, it allows tourists to sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh breeze, colourful cottages, eating places by the seaside and towering palm trees.

It is refreshing to walk down the bay side, observing the myriad activities. In the evening the boats come back with their day's catch and an impromptu fish market is set up. There are many restaurants where you can select the seafood live and ask for it to be cooked in the way you want. Seafood cannot get any fresher than this.

If you want to explore the wealth of scenic beauty in this area, visit ‘The Gates of Hell' which is an archway formed out of two islets of rock. It is so beautiful that you wonder why it is called the gateway to hell and not heaven. You can go on a hike in the mysterious forests here. Or just hang around the village and revel in its authenticity. 

You can pick up interesting souvenirs from Calibishie as it is a rich handicrafts hub. Most gift shops stack interesting bric-a-brac made from straw and wood such as hats, baskets, jewellery cases, pen stands etc.

Dominica is a water lover's delight. Time spent in Dominica can hardly be described as a trip to the beach.  You can fish idly in a gentle stream or you can get your adrenalin pumping with windsurfing. You could also go Hobie-Cat Sailing or Banana Boating. It can mean a lazy mystic day on a quiet raft or the rough and tumble of river tubing. Water sports in Dominica take you on a rollicking ride, making your inhibitions vanish as you let your hair down.

Fishing in Dominica

Ideal location: The best places to fish are the western side - Guadeloupe Channel and Macouba Bank.

What's the catch?

Anything from Dorado to Tuna, Barracuda, Marlin and Wahoo.

Best season to fish

All the year round!

Fishing Charter rates

Half day and full day charters are available at all inclusive rates ranging from US$400-$800.

For the wildlife enthusiast Dominica has amazing species of birds and mammals and aquatic creatures. Dominica makes a great family holiday because children will be fascinated by the amazing animals and birds they can see here.

Mammals: One of the most unusual mammals found in Dominica is the Agouti. It resembles a guinea pig in some respects but has dark fur. Its pink ears give it an adorable appearance. Unfortunately, it is also eaten as a delicacy.

Some other mammals which were brought here by settlers over the years are the wild boar and the Manicou. While wild boar is hunted for recreation, the Manicou ends up on plates as a delectable meat dish.  Bats are natives of this island and you may come across many varieties.

Birds: There are 175 diverse species of colourful birds that inhabit Dominica, which is a large number considering the small area of the country. This fact illustrates just how untouched and fresh this country is. Birdwatchers can spend days in the park area and observe numerous birds in their full glory - ubiquitous doves to exotic Jacquot parrots, menacing broad winged hawks to melodious hummingbirds, slithering flycatchers to the enigmatic tremblers and mountain whistlers, and the national bird of Dominica, the Sisserou parrot. Remember to carry your camera and a stock of film because these and other birds and creatures will prove to be great shots to show off when you return home.

One animal that is loved less for its appearance and more for its taste is undoubtedly the mountain chicken. The name is actually a misnomer as this creature is not a chicken but a large mountain frog which resides in Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is supposed to taste like a chicken but better, a fact due to which it is a local piece de resistance of sorts. Sadly, the mountain chicken population is on the wane.

Lizards: Dominica being a tropical country is home to a large number of reptiles too. Many varieties of lizards, such as zandoli, abalo and iguanas, abound here.

While zandoli lizards reside on trees and are like chameleons - they can change colour to fox their predators as well as prey - the agoli is larger and more upfront. These are large ground lizards that make no bones about their scavenging habits. Iguanas here are green in colour and inhabit the coastal regions.

Snakes: Some of the common snakes one can spot in the thickets and wild areas are the boa constrictor Nebulosa and grass snakes. The boa constrictor is called Tet Chien in these areas, growing up to over 3 metres long. But the good part is that none of these species are poisonous.

Most tourists start their date with Dominica at Roseau for obvious reasons. Being the country's capital it enjoys the best infrastructure and modern day facilities. Yet it is not like a typical metro, chaotic or crowded, but rather retains its freshness because tourism in this country is still not commercialized.

It also retains its original landscape with lush greenery interspersed with distinctly French architecture. All the surrounding areas provide a mixed bag of experiences to tourists. You can admire the imposing plateaus or trek past charming waterfalls. You can go canoeing on one of the rivers in the region or bask in the gentle sunlight of its beautiful beaches.

Roseau also produces abundant vegetables, citrus fruits, spices and essential oils. So do sample the local fare in the meals you consume or take some back home as all these are of an excellent quality.

The best way to know a country is to understand its people and culture. So get to know Dominica by delving into its past. Start at the Roseau Museum. Moving through its network of passages, you will see that this small island country is pretty large in terms of culture and heritage. It has had a tumultuous past with an influx of people of varied ethnicity.

The first to come were the Arawak Indians, who were ousted by the Carib Indians. Later the island witnessed bloody conflicts between British and French forces for many years until the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed in 1748, after which Dominica was considered neutral ground. Both French and British influences remained evident in the country's development, giving it an eclectic blend of diverse cultures, yet a distinct identity of its own.

If you want to get a feel of what Dominican marketplaces were like in the past, do visit the Old Market Plaza. It is a heritage site that it dates back many centuries. This is the place that used to trade in the buying and selling of slaves. Today it is a bustling city market with enthusiastic shop owners, hawkers and tradesmen selling local wares. The mood is upbeat, especially over the weekends.

You can enjoy a carefree evening on the waterfront, at the Dame Eugene Charles Boulevard. There is a breathtaking view of the ocean and there are charming street side cafes where you can lounge. In the evenings the crowd is festive and cheerful. It is good to mingle with the locals and join in the fun. You would not have to make much effort to fit in as the high spirits of the crowd are infectious.

While you are in this area, do have a look at a quaint old post office right on the Bay Front. It has an interesting fresco that illustrates the passage of time and the progress of the Dominican Postal Department. They don't make post offices like that anymore.

If you love being by the sea, watching small and big boats, yachts and ships go by, head for the Roseau jetty. Along its tree-lined boulevard, you can observe boats come and go over the horizon. While the old jetty has smaller, private boats, Woodridge Bay is the anchor point for commercial ships and cruise liners.  

Top 5 spots to visit in Roseau

1. Roseau Museum
2. Bay Front or Dame Eugene Charles Boulevard
3. Roseau Botanical Garden
4. Old Market Plaza
5. Morne Bruce

Cabrits National Park

This reserve encompasses history and the natural environment, with an 800-acre marine reserve as well as a museum and ruins of colonial outposts.
Attraction type: Historic walking area

Fort Shirley

This English colonial fort is among the ruins found at the Cabrits Historical and Marine Park, which preserves remnants of the islands tumultuous history.
Attraction type: Historic site

Roseau Museum

This museum highlights the island's cultural and natural history.
Attraction type: History museum; Museum
Tour Listings 

Boeri Lake

Morne Trois Pitons National Park
This crater lake on the slopes of Morne Micotrin is the islands highest, at 2,850 feet.
Attraction type: Lake

Boiling Lake

Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Said to be the second largest in the world, this hot springs lake is a caldron of gray-blue water at a temperature ranging from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit; a full-day rigorous hike with a guide is needed to visit this awesome sight.
Attraction type: Lake; Hot spring/geyser

Carib Territory

The descendants of the Caribs, the first inhabitants of Dominica, or Waitukubuli, as they called it, live in eight villages in this reservation.  The Carib Territory is in the northeast area of the island, near Melville Hall airport.  This 3,700 acres reservation, established in 1903, is home to the last of the indigenous Caribbean people called the Carib Indian.
Attraction type: Reservation

Champagne Bay

A remarkable underwater site where vents allow bubbles of hot water into the sea, which resemble Champagne.
Attraction type: Beach; Bay

Dubique

Find not one, but three waterfalls at Dubique.
Attraction type: Waterfall

Dominica Aerial Tramway

A 4,600-foot-long Rainforest Aerial Tram will take you on a spectacular one-hour journey over the magnificent rainforest, where you can glide through the rainforest.
Attraction type: Tram

The tropical climate of Dominica makes it an ideal garden county where anything can grow and flourish. The land is very fertile and the heavy rains provide an abundance of water. You can see some of the most fascinating gardens as you commune with nature. The Forestry Division of Dominica takes its job pretty seriously, well aware of the fact that the nation's wealth is in its hands for safekeeping.

Roseau has a Botanical Garden, magnificent in proportion, spanning 40 acres. It houses thousands of species of plants, ferns and cacti. The highlight of the garden is a section devoted totally to orchids. Here, they grow in entire fields. It is not very surprising that you can find a bird sanctuary here, too, with numerous beautiful birds.

One of the sights of this garden is a ‘crushed bus', which consists of a tree growing out of a bus. It took shape due to Hurricane David, which devastated the island in 1979, and the exhibit displays the regenerative power of nature as the tree continues to grow atop the bus. Look out for the 'bamboo house', and nearby a small aviary with examples of Dominica's rare parrots.  

Next, turn to the top of the aviary to reach Morne Bruce. Perched on top of the garden this point gives a bird's eye view of the city. For more information on this spectacular garden you can contact the Forestry Division in the Botanical Gardens, Roseau and get brochures, posters and literature on all the wildlife attractions of Dominica.

Forestry Division in the Botanical Gardens, Roseau
Telephone number: 4482401; Fax: 4487999

Another garden which is much smaller but equally captivating is D'Auchamps Garden situated near Trafalgar village on the outskirts of Roseau. It is a traditional Caribbean garden, with citrus fruit plantations and various species of plants, both wild and cultivated. New species are added weekly. The plants are clearly labelled. This garden has been designed by Sara Honychurch who emphasises the uses of the plants for medicine and agriculture.

After Roseau, Portsmouth is the most important town and harbour. Portsmouth is about an hour's drive away from Roseau on the west coast. Along the route to this town is the Ross University. All the local fruits, vegetables and spices are sold twice a week at a colourful market here. Open-air shops sell folk arts and crafts, and T-shirts too. Portsmouth boasts of a few guesthouses, restaurants and a cinema.

Portsmouth is a shipping hub where many luxury cruises halt. It is a heady blend of breathtaking locales, a multi cultural, vibrant society with interesting architecture and great eating places. If you want your holiday to be in the lap of nature but interspersed with slices of bustling city life, do visit Portsmouth. It is the second largest city in Dominica. Fort Shirley at Cabrits is worth visiting. Do stop over at Ross University on the way from Roseau and savour the vibrant bazaar here.

Keep aside a part of your time to explore the countryside. There is such a vast variety of beautiful untouched spaces available in Dominica that spending too much time in the capital and Portsmouth may seem like a waste of time later. So pack your bags and move on to the countryside to unravel a world of unsurpassed beauty.

Dominica offers one of the prettiest waterfalls in this part of the world. Trafalgar Falls are actually an enchanting pair of waterfalls situated a short distance from the capital city of Roseau. Travel via minibus into the island's interior, from where you can take a short (approximately 15-minute) walk to view these two magnificent waterfalls. Watch the water cascading into a deep pool over slippery boulders surrounded by lush ferns and orchid blooms.

And after your walk, how about a cool drink or a hearty snack? Try the Papilotte Wilderness Retreat which is pretty high on the recommended list. This is no ordinary restaurant but 4 acres of cultivated gardens with an awe-inspiring view and excellent food.

For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe a real tropical rainforest from a staggering aerial viewpoint try the Rainforest Aerial Tram in Dominica, which is the only one of its kind outside Central America.

You must go to Laudat, which is located at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level, to board the tram. Upon arrival, you will receive a brief orientation and safety instructions before you can embark on your Aerial Tram journey into the rainforest. The trip takes a little over an hour. As you glide through the rainforest with an exhilarating sense of discovery and wonder, you will see nature at its best. The flourishing green hues of the jungle look like a lavish carpet spread at your feet, illustrating Dominica's reputation as the Nature Island of the Caribbean.  Not only will you be in the perfect position to take some breathtaking photographs, but you will also see Dominica from an entirely new perspective.

As you come over the Morne Trois Piton area, you can locate hundreds of species of birds and other wild life with a good pair of binoculars.  Further away, olive green mountains in the backdrop frame the entire vista beautifully, finally blurring into the misty blue of the ocean. You will see the Caribbean Sea and the Breakfast River Gorge. Finally, the spectacular journey ends when you glide back to base camp. Most people are speechless after having seen so much beauty in a single day. Cap the whole experience with an energizing drink which is served to all as part of the package. There are shopping arcades with shops selling interesting souvenirs and nick-knacks you can take home as a remembrance or gifts for friends and family.

Dominica is a great destination to indulge in some whale and dolphin watching. The activity is full of fun and excitement. Loyalists would even vouch for the therapeutic powers of watching adorable dolphins jump and follow your boat for hours.

If the thought excites you, head for the Anchorage Hotel or the Dive Dominica and register yourself for a whale and dolphin watching tour. Afternoon boat excursions are twice weekly and run from 2:00 p.m. till dusk, all year round. If you are with kids it is a must-have on your itinerary as the experience is a perfect combination of fun and education.

Six vegetation zones on the island include:

Elfin Woodland: This is what you see when you start the tram excursion at 3000 ft. This area is the coolest owing to the altitude and has vegetation that befits the temperature. So you can see ferns, mosses, palms and shrubs. Trees such as Lobelia Cirisifolia and Kaklin can also be seen, which are covered with lichens.

Montane Thicket: This is the intermediary stage between Elfin Woodland and Montane Forest. There are tall spindly trees which are about 12-15 m tall, such as Amanoa Caribaea and Podocarpus Coriaceus, the island's only native conifer.

Montane Forests: These grow from 2000 ft above sea level. They are characterized by trees that exist in rainforests as well, but here they have a shorter height owing to the paucity of depth for the roots to grow in. Orchids, mosses and lichens grow in abundance on these trees while on the ground you will commonly find razor grass and fern brake.

Rain Forests: This is the main attraction of the country, luxuriant, rich and verdant in its full glory. The temperature and other factors are ideal for growth and many trees grow up to 100 ft in height! The trees not only grow tall but spread in width into huge canopies, turning the forest into a dense, vast umbrella. Some species that grow here are the Chataignier and the Gommier. Also dominant are Dacryodes Excelsa, Sloanea spp., and Licania Ternatensis. Hardly any sunlight is able to escape this network of branches so ground vegetation is negligible.

Secondary rainforests: These grow in continuance with the primary rainforest but were once cultivated land. They are characterized mainly by tree ferns of which there are 4 varieties, and Bois Canon. Other widely found species include Cyathea spp., Miconia guianensis, Simarouba amara and Chimarrhis cymosa. These rainforests have discontinuous canopies unlike the dense rainforests. Because of this, shrubs and other plants also find their space under the sun.

Seasonal Formations: These happen at low altitudes closer to the plains. These are worth seeing in the dry season as wonderful blooms fill up the trees. It is common to spot orchids, aroids, Z'ailes Mouches etc and a variety of vines.

Another place worth visiting is the Layou River bank. The Layou River is the longest river of Dominica. It starts from Morne Diablotin and commences at Belles where it merges into the Caribbean Sea. The river is picturesque throughout but if you want to really sit by the bank and have a relaxing picnic, try the Layou River Hotel on the northern bank. This spot is like a glittering coast of golden sands, well manicured gardens, great refreshments and a swimming pool overlooking the river.

On the southern side you get to a proper river beach, the highlight of which is a hot spring. Now didn't we tell you to always expect the unexpected in Dominica?

One beautiful, but still largely unknown spot in Dominica is the Emerald Pool. It is situated in central Dominica near Castle Bruce. The approach is somewhat unnoticeable. Yet it is worth it to follow the winding jungle track and reach this lovely spot. There is a waterfall here which descends into a pool, a vivid emerald green in colour.

If you move further down along the stream generated by the fall, you reach a ridge from where the second waterfall emanates. These are known as the twin falls. You can decide just which one of these pools you want to take a refreshing dip in - the one you reach midway through your hike of the one at the end. Each one has its advantages. Of course, you could do away with the problem by simply diving into both. These spots are essentially peaceful and delightful but can get over-crowded on the days cruise passengers are visiting it as part of their island sightseeing tour.

This is a perfect amalgamation of beauty, education, art, history, archaeology all rolled into one. Here is a territory which has consciously retained its age-old heritage in such a beautiful manner.

The Carib Indians came to Dominica from South America and drove out the original Arawak Indians of the island. Later colonisation took over. The Carib Territory is an effort to restore and maintain age-old traditions by providing a place where craftsmen can create handicrafts and put them up for sale. Visitors are given a tour so they can understand this distinct culture. They can even watch baskets woven.

Many types of carved products made of wood, ivory, sea shells are worth picking up as souvenirs. In fact, there are so many things you could take home as souvenirs or gifts that you may just get lost in the shopping experience. Once you have had your fill of retail therapy, move over to the mini waterfalls in the vicinity that trickle into the Crayfish River before they finally meet the sea nearby.

As you move towards the south of Dominica, you approach two beautiful destinations that have a charm of their own - Soufriere and Scotts Head Bay. Both are blessed with pleasant weather, majestic views and rare phenomena of nature.

Soufriere boasts of a spectacular occurrence. There is a beautiful church located here right next to the shore. If you move a few feet off the shore into the sea, you can see tiny bubbles emerging from the ocean like ‘champagne' bubbles. To the layman it may seem a bit eerie but science explains the phenomenon as a volcanic activity which takes place under the sea bed. This is not surprising because the entire island of Dominica had emerged out of the ocean eons ago owing to volcanic activity. These champagne bubbles, the hot springs on the island and the boiling lake are startling evidences of that fact.

After spending some time enjoying this unique champagne, you may want to move further on to hot springs nearby, which have been converted into a bathing pool where you can have a comfortable dip to ease all your stress and strain. You can also see another natural phenomenon nearby in the form of conical sulphur deposits with steam oozing out of some cracks in between.

You can spend the next day visiting the Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is an imposing structure with cellars and massive walls made of stone, and was built hundreds of years ago.

Dominica is a great place to try out things that you've never done before. And with the vast amounts of water available, water-related sports and activities can be enjoyed at all times. How about some snorkelling or scuba diving? Both the activities are sure to give you a unique sense of achievement and an opportunity to view Dominica's abundant marine life at close quarters. Did you know that Dominica has some of the most stunning diving spots in the whole world? Most of these are located on the west coast and have been featured on various ‘best diving destinations' lists. Do venture into one of these, throw caution to the winds and just dive into the deep blue ocean.

If you move to the Eastern coast of Dominica towards the Atlantic Ocean, some stretches offer good diving options. For scuba diving and snorkelling you need slightly calm patches of the sea where the wave traffic is lighter. Certain areas around Woodford Hill and Blenheim have some sheltered coves and creaks that are ideal for diving and snorkelling.

If you do not want to be that adventurous, there are still plenty of options for you to explore. You can cool your heels at one of the best Marine parks in the region, Douglas Bay. Or gaze at the amazing phenomenon of champagne bubbles at Scotts Head Bay.

 There are several dive centres scattered along this stretch - from north to south these are:

- Cabrits Dive Centre, close to Picard Beach Cottages
- Anse-A-Liane Lodge, near to Colihaut,
- The East Carib Dive Club at Salisbury beach,
- Dive Castaways at Mero,
- Dive Dominica and the Anchorage Hotel, side by side at Castle Comfort, just south of Roseau
- Nature Island Dive at Soufriere

Dive Sites

- Cabrits
- Pinard
- Cottage Point
- Douglas Point
- Pointe Ronde and the Craters
- Toucari Bay
- Point Break
- Five Finger Rock
- Soufriere Pinnacles
- L'Abym (La Sourcier)
- Pointe Guignard
- Champagne Reef
- Scott's Head Pinnacle
- Dangleben's Pinnacles
- Coral Gardens
- Condo
- Scott's Head Drop off
- Craters Edge
- The Suburbs
- Mountain Top
- The Village
- Coral Gardens and Batali Pinnacle
- Nose Reef and Whaleshark Reef
- Rina's Hole
- Rodney's Rock

One picturesque spot worth visiting is the New Lake situated at Carholm. This lake was formed as recently as 1997 when the Layou River flooded, and led to two of its dams bursting. The accumulated water formed a huge lake. This is no less than a miracle of nature and therefore this area is also known as Miracle Valley. The best way to reach this scenic lake is via Cuba Road from Mero or Salisbury.

This island country holds a wealth of surprises for the visitor, so don't let the small size of this land fool you into keeping just a few days aside for exploring this place. Plan a trip that will give you plenty of time to venture out and see all that this island has to offer. Let the magic of Dominica take over and stimulate all your senses.

If you enjoy a climb and are game to tackle trails that are seldom used and in need of maintenance, you could scale the highest mountain peaks of Dominica - Morne Trois Pitons (4,672ft) and Morne Diablotin (4,747ft). You will need to be fit and active, of course.

Caution!
Watch out for Razorgrass, which is sedge that can climb and grow very long - the dark green blades stick like Velcro to your skin and scratch if you pull away!

You can climb to the summit of Morne Trois Pitons following a trail that starts at Rosalie Road, which is close to the Pond Casse roundabout in the centre of the island.

The Morne Diablotin trail begins close to Syndicate Forest, and can be reached via road from the west coast highway, where the junction has a signpost for Morne Diablotin.

Caution!
Give yourself a minimum of 3 hours each way for either trail and remember it usually gets dark by about 7.00 p.m.

Trails to hike in Morne Trois Pitons National Park:

It takes approximately 1 hour to reach the impressive, 300ft high Middleham Falls from either Providence, near Laudat, beyond Cochrane via Tou Santi or from Sylvania.

About an hour's hike from Laudat is Freshwater Lake. You may choose to be driven to this lake in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. A 45-minute hiking trail takes you to Boeri Lake from here. You can also reach these places via a trail from Grand Fond, a village that can be reached from the east coast at Rosalie.

If you want to attempt any of the less used trails around the peaks of Morne Trois Pitons, the summits of Morne Micotrin (4,006ft.) or Morne Watt (4,017ft.), please take a qualified guide with you, as it is easy to lose the trail. Most hikes start from or near Laudat, which is a village at 2,000ft in the northern heights above the Roseau Valley. 

Short trails to,geysers hot springs and fumaroles such as the Dragon's Mouth start at the village of Woten Waven in the southern heights.

On the western slopes of Morne Diablotin are the Colihaut Heights and Syndicate Forest, from where you can observe Dominica's two native parrot species and other species such as the Grey Kingbird, Blue-hooded Euphonia, Mangrove Cuckoo and four varieties of Hummingbird.  A short hike away is the river pool on the Dublanc River, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and take a refreshing dip in the river. You could throw in a visit to Cabrits or a boat ride up the Indian River on an all day outing.

For panoramic views and a hike up well tended nature trails, visit Cabrits National Park just north of Portsmouth. Near the park entrance and visitor centre are remains of Fort Shirley, which are well preserved.

The mouth of the Indian River is on the south side of Portsmouth. From here, you could hire a guide to row you up the river to a bush bar in the forest, where you can stop for refreshments before you return. There is unique vegetation to be seen along this calm stretch of river and you might even spot the giant Ringed Kingfisher.

The diverse flora of Dominica, with innumerable types of colourful heliconia, anthurium, orchids, crepers, bromeliads, ferns and mosses is uniquely beautiful. Beautiful pink anthuriums and deep red ginger lilies can be observed growing under the forest canopy.

In the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a World Heritage Site, is the Boiling Lake. You could take an all-day guided hike through forested highlands, past Titou Gorge, Breakfast River, Panorama viewpoint and the Valley of Desolation. Here you will see steam emitted and boiling water trickling from fumaroles and small wells into a grey water stream.

Caution!

The hike to the Boiling Lake is the only one in Dominica on which you MUST be accompanied by a qualified guide.