Dominica, Dominica - Travel Guide

Dominica, "The Nature Isle of the Caribbean," offers stunning volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and numerous waterfalls. It's an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, diving, and exploring pristine natural beauty.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

DominicaCaribbeanLesser AntillesWindward IslandsRoseauMorne Trois Pitons National Park

🇩🇲 Country Information: Dominica

CapitalRoseau

CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , French Patois, Antillean Creole

Phone Code+1

Electricity230V (Type D, G)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected in restaurants (10
15%)
For taxis, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (10
15%)
Hotel staff and tour guides can be tipped at your discretion

Money & Payments

ATMs are available, especially in larger towns and cities, but cash is often preferred for smaller transactions and in rural areas
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants/shops, but less common elsewhere
It is advisable to bring some USD cash, which is widely accepted
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or in public areas
Greet people with a friendly "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good evening"
It is considered rude to take photos of people without their permission
Punctuality is generally relaxed, but it's polite to be on time for appointments

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for males under the Offences Against the Person Act, but laws are generally not enforced against tourists. No legal recognition for same-sex unions.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, possession of marijuana can lead to fines and imprisonment

Special Laws

It is illegal to wear camouflage print clothing unless you are military personnel
Public nudity is not permitted
Be aware of local customs regarding dress, especially when visiting religious sites

Common Phrases

HelloSa ou ye? (sah oh yay?)

PleaseSouplé (soo-play)

Thank youMèsi (meh-see)

Climate

Dominica is a volcanic island in the Caribbean, largely covered by rainforest with a tropical climate.

Climate Zone: Equatorial Rainforest

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

Fly into Douglas
Charles Airport (DOM) from regional hubs like San Juan (SJU) or Antigua (ANU)
Ferries available from neighboring islands like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St
Lucia

Getting Around

Taxis and private vans are primary local transport
Public mini
buses operate on main routes
No major ride
sharing apps like Uber/Lyft
Car rental is an option for exploring the island

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTaP, Polio)
Hepatitis A & B recommended
Typhoid recommended
Rabies recommended for high
risk activities
No altitude sickness concerns
Malaria risk is low; consult doctor
Motion sickness remedies for boat tours

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available
Local providers like FLOW and Digicel offer eSIM services
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are likely to work well

Local Cuisine

Callaloo Soup must_try

Callaloo is the national dish of Dominica. This thick, flavorful soup is made from the green leaves of the dasheen plant, often combined with various

Saltfish and Bakes breakfast

A traditional Dominican breakfast, this dish features dried and salted codfish, which is rehydrated and cooked. It is typically served with 'bakes,' w

Stewed Agouti and Manicou regional_speciality

These are considered Dominican delicacies. Agouti and Manicou (opossum) are prepared stewed, offering a unique taste of the island's local fauna.

Bouyon regional_speciality

A hearty, traditional stew from Dominica. Bouyon is a flexible dish that usually includes meat, dumplings, ground provisions, and various vegetables s

Johnny Cakes snack

These small, fried or baked flatbreads are popular across the Caribbean and in Dominica. They are slightly sweet and often served as a side or snack t

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Popular Accommodation (Boutique Hotels/Eco-Lodges) Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

Dominica is known for smaller, unique eco-lodges and boutique accommodations which have limited rooms. They often book out far in advance, particularly during the winter high season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour tour_or_activity

Book 1-2 months in advance

Whale and dolphin sightings are a major draw, and reputable tours, especially during peak migration seasons (Nov-March), can fill up quickly, limiting availability.

Waitukubuli National Trail Segment Permits permit_or_pass

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

While permits may be available locally, securing your required Forest Reserve or site passes ahead of time, especially for multi-day hikes on the WNT, ensures readiness and smooth access.

Fun Facts

1. Dominica's national flag is one of only two national flags in the world to incorporate the color purple, featuring a Sisserou Parrot with purple feathers.
2. Locally, the Giant Ditch Frog is known as "mountain chicken" because of its size and the fact that it tastes like chicken.
3. Dominica has the highest concentration of volcanoes in the world, with nine active volcanoes, though major eruptions are very rare.
4. The country's motto is “Apres Bondie, C'est La Ter,” which translates to “After God, the Earth,” emphasizing the nation's deep commitment to biodiversity.

Ready to explore Dominica?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip