The Island Dominica: The island Dominica is formally, the Commonwealth of Dominica. This means that Dominica is English speaking and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Dominica was originally inhabited by the Kalinago, who were for centuries called Carib Indians, a name that was first used by early European settlers on the island and then applied in modern times. This tribe of people inhabited the lands of South America before traversing the vast seas of the Caribbean to settle the small islands, including Dominica.

During the period of European exploration in the west, Christopher Columbus sighted Dominica on November 3rd, 1493, on his persistent quest for gold. However, due to the absence of gold and the defensiveness of the Kalinago, the Spanish failed to settle Dominica permanently, though they claimed ownership and had erroneously identified the Kalinago as warlike. The word 'Carib' denoted cannibal behaviour.

Soon, however, the emphasis on the Caribbean islands would change from gold to trade, and interest in Dominica would increase as a producer of sugar. Many European nations tried to claim the island, as its potential for trade ranged from sugar, coffee and timber. The Kalinago were able to resist complete European conquest of their island Dominica, especially since between 1635 and 1763 France and Britain alternately made claims of ownership. Finally, after years of battle between the Kalinago and the Europeans in Dominica, in 1763, British forces came completely under British rule. This was possible not because of the remission of the Kalinago, but because of an agreement made between the Kalinago and the British whereby a reserve segregating the Kalinago population from the general population was established in Dominica island. This 'Reserve' is formally known as the Carib Territory today in. African slavery soon followed.

In Dominica, the British, along with many European nations, planned on using the inhabitants of the land as labourers. But realizing that the Kalinago were not easily controlled, they shifted their attention to trading slaves from West Africa. During the period of African slavery, Dominica island was in control of the British Crown under which a legislative system was established representing only the white population. However, about a century following the abolition of slavery which occurred over the period of 1834-1838; eventually Dominica became liberated from England and gained independence in 1978.

Dominica developed into a democratic country and is know as the first Caribbean island to have had a female Prime Minister. Dame Mary Eugenia Charles held office for 15 years. Following the reign of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) which was led by the Dame for 15 years, a vibrant party under the name of the United Workers Party won the island's general elections in 1995. The reign of the UWP was however lasted for four and a half years, when in 2000, the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) formed the new government under the leadership of Rosie Douglas. Dominica still has administered by the Dominica Labour Party under the leadership of the Honourable Roosevelt Skerritt.

Dominica Hiking and Rainforests You should not think twice to visit Dominica, an extraordinarily unique island imbued with natural treasures that both inhabitants in Dominica and visitors to the island fall in love with dearly. Once you visit Dominica, you would see that the main attraction of the island is its unspoilt beauty. Perhaps every reason is the best reason to visit Dominica.

Visit Dominica which is the most mountainous in the Caribbean because of the island volcanic origin. With mountains ranging from 4000 feet, for eco friendly vacations Dominica is the ideal location for hiking. Dominica visits offer diverse trails and terrains, including the Waitukubuli National Trail, for challenging but relaxing hikes. On a vacation in Dominica, enjoy a hike through the Morne Trois Pitons National Park which is a renowned UNESCO Heritage Site and home to the Sisserou Parrot, which is the National Bird of Dominica and one of the few remaining species of its kind residing in the depths of the island Dominica.

Dominica Diving On your Dominica visit, you will love the breathtaking aquatic world of the island. Snorkelling at the Champagne Beach, a beach formed on a dormant underwater volcano, is a spectacular experience. Likewise, scuba diving to enjoy life beyond the surface of Dominica island is a must on your Dominica vacation. Don't miss this dive point: the Toucari Caves start 15 feet below and descends down to 90 feet in the sea. Below these, lava tube caves filled with copper sweepers and sponges nestle on the shelf. During your Dominica vacation, go to Five Finger Rock where ten varieties of shrimp can be found along with colourful elephant ear sponges.

Dominica Beaches and Baths As long as you are a nature lover, your vacation in Dominica will end with a more youthful you. Dominica's rich volcanic origin is manifested in diverse black sand beaches that occupy the coast of the island. A moon light walk on Mero Beach in Dominica leaves you to marvel at stars that squint over the sea. As much as it is about beaches, your Dominica visit takes you to life giving rivers. Dominica is home to 365 rivers that meander through every village on Dominica island. On a Dominica visit, see popular rivers like the Indian and Layou River for river tubing, water and wild life adventure. A Dominica vacation is about healing. While on your island vacation, discover the island's secret to longevity and wellness in its sulphur springs and tumbling waterfalls.

Dominica Culture, Language, and…Dominoes! Dominica has a warm culture that can be easily adapted to during a vacation. Language is centre to Dominica island culture, and on a visit learning a few French Creole phrases adds to the eco fun. For leisure, local inhabitants often play board games on the roadside, so don't ever hesitate to join in a thrilling game of dominoes while on your vacation in Dominica. You are welcomed to join in the game. The warm and friendly people of the island are always willing to share their laughs. While strolling through the country you may hear phrases like 'sa ka fet' (what's up) or 'miseh' (misery) if they are not doing so well. While here speak to the elders to learn the secrets of why they refer to the island as the Nature Island of the Caribbean some say it because the island hosts many centenarians refusing to depart from our little paradise.

Come See Dominica Architecture. Architecture in Dominica has been directly influenced by the Europeans, Africans and Kalinago people who settled Dominica throughout its history. At the 'Carib Territory', some of the indigenous people still live in 'cabets'; houses that are dome shaped and built of logs in a circular fashion. Restored ruins of British forts can also be seen at the Cabrits National Park, where a trail leads to Fort Shirley, a garrison used in colonial times. These garrisons form part of architecture in Dominica and depict Dominica's history. The Fort Young which was originally built by the French in 1720 was a wooden fort that was eventually occupied by the British. Today, Fort Young is known as the Fort Young Hotel and is one of Dominica's top hotels.

Come for Dominica Hospitality, Weddings or Honeymoons. Dominica landscape is one that naturally exudes a unique warm welcome that is given by the blanket of the green dense mountains and blue skies found only in Dominica. Hotels and guests house are peaceful, private, and romantic and at the same time offer a personalised 'home sweet home' vacation.

Where else to plan a wedding, other than in Dominica, in nature's bosom with cascading waterfalls in the backgrounds while exotic birds flutter around chirping songs of love.

Places of Interest in Roseau Dominica. Dominica is a small island in the Caribbean; but Dominica offers endless things to see and do while visiting Dominica. While in Roseau, Dominica's capital, visit the Cathedral with its stone floors and medieval appearance, as well as the Roseau Old Market which has a rich history of being a major location where slaves were sold to their masters during African slavery in Dominica. A visit to the Museum is sure to be helpful in depicting the history and cultural heritage of Dominica. Take a relaxing break in the Botanical Gardens which is filled with fresh air, vitality and some of the oldest trees found in Dominica. At the Gardens, look out for birds like the Yellow Warbler, and American Kestrel of the Caribbean and some of Dominica's diverse flora and fauna. The Yellow Allamanda, Frangipani, Cannonball and the Ginger Lily which are all known for their medicinal properties and are central to traditional medicine and culture in Dominica.

Champagne Beach Dominica Following a visit to the Botanical Gardens, a true eco and budget friendly trip can be enjoyed by hiring a taxi or stopping a public bus that goes to the south of Dominica. For a day of underwater fun, a trip to Champagne Beach or to one of Dominica's Dive Centers will make an underwater experience a reality in Dominica. The island is home to various types of whales which have made Dominica their homes, and have grown accustomed to human presence in water.

Swimming with the whales of Dominica has been the highlight of many international travel and vacation magazines worldwide. Besides Champagne Beach, where bubbles rise from an underwater crater, a dive trip further south at Tombolo in Scotts Head is sure to offer another unique dive Dominica experience. Tambolo is a piece of land that jots into the sea, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. Dominica is called the 'Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean'.

Trafalgar, Laudat, Emerald Pool and More! Absorbing Dominica's beauty is possible at almost any location on the island. Dominica interior is filled with green lush forests, mountains of cascading waterfalls, refreshing rivers and pools. The Trafalgar Falls, a twin brother and sister fall, descends from about 25 feet high. The Trafalgar Falls in Dominica is located in the pleasant village of Trafalgar just 15 minutes from the city. In the not too far away village of Laudat is the second largest boiling lake in the world. On a trip to Dominica make sure the visit the Fresh Water Lake where it is possible canoe over one's of nature's rare wonders. Further toward the interior of Dominica, The Emerald Pool and the Kalinago village are other amazing natural and cultural gems of Dominica.

North of Dominica is the second town of Portsmouth. This town is famous for its many beaches and hosts the Cabrits National Park and fort Shirley in Dominica. Prince Rupert Bay offers amazing vistas of other bays and beaches along the coast and nearby French islands of Les Saintes and Guadeloupe.

A Green Vacation Dominica is classified as a complete eco- tourism destination. Dominica got this ranking from many international organisations, and this is because the island incorporates nature in nearly every aspect of daily life. While in Dominica tourists are also encouraged to share and enjoy Mother Nature, local cuisine, natural wellness and natural cures. Visitors to Dominica island are welcome to enjoy a truly quiet way of living, away from pollution and hustle. The newly founded Waitukubuli Trail offers the opportunity to trek, hike and camp in the rainforests, while savouring natural foods and fruits and enjoying the views given by rising mountain ranges and communities that the trail goes through.

Meandering rivers found all throughout Dominica offer cool refreshing baths and soaks, in the same way possible at sulphur baths at private getaways in the Roseau Valley and the Soufriere region. Such eco tourist activities in Dominica help promote wellness of the body and mind. Dominica has also earned the name 'The Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean'. Dominica has become the home of different types of whales and dolphins, to include Sperm Whales, Pilot whales, Atlantic Spinner Dolphin, Pygmy Whales and Spotted Dolphin.

Getting there Dominica currently does not have an international airport but can be easily accessed. Dominica has two airports, the Canefield Airport and the Melville Hall Airport. Although the Canefield Airport is conveniently located near the capital of Dominica, it is only served by small aircraft. All major carriers enter the island through the Melville Hall Airport at which night landing can be made. Several islands serve as hubs from which connecting flights can be taken to get to Dominica. LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport), WINAIR and American Eagle, among other private flights that come into Dominica daily. Travel agent services are readily available and booking a flight into or out of Dominica is never a problem. Private yachters and cruise ship visitors form a large number of the curious visitors that make it a duty to get to Dominica, even if for a day or two.