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Cultural Activities in Dominica

A Trip to the Caribbean's Living Past

In a remote valley on Dominica's eastern shore, descendants of a pre-Columbian culture continue a way of life that dates back more than a thousand years. Visitors to the island who make the journey to Carib Territory see the real thing, not a theme park reenactment staged for the masses. Small villages and farms that could only be reached by torturous mountain trails well into the latter 20th century are now accessible by road and a short hike. Here, the old ways are shared through stories and demonstrations of artisanal skills and celebrated in song and dance.

Highlights

  • Best for: Everyone, watersports and spa enthusiasts & adventurers from soft to rugged
  • Best season to visit: Year round, drier January - April
  • Weather: Trade winds and forests keep temperatures mild throughout the year. Wintertime lows run in the mid 70s, while summer rarely sees daytime temperatures above the mid 80s

Dominica Information

Cultural Activities in Dominica Overview

The Carib Territory is a 3,700-acre special district established for the indigenous Carib people known as the Kalinago. The land is communally owned by the group, who continue a traditional way of life based on artisanal farming, fishing and the manufacture of traditional handicrafts. Visitors are welcomed and immersed in the group's daily life.

Cultural Activities in Dominica Tips

Items offered for sale aren't souvenirs, they are authentic cultural icons. Kalinago baskets hand-woven from arouma reed represent a thousand-year tradition that originated in South America. Also prized by collectors are ceremonial pottery and carvings made from calabash gourds. And don't forget the cassava bread, a savory treat flavored with coconut and ginger.

Best Places for Cultural Activities in Dominica

An oceanside trail leads to a traditional village where visitors are welcomed and immersed in the Kalinago culture. A visit to an indigenous farmer's groves showcases crops cultivated long before Europeans arrived. The Salybia Church is a gathering place to hear stories of history and culture. At the Kalinago Experience visitors can watch weavers and carvers at work, and purchase their handicrafts.

What to Pack for Cultural Activities in Dominica

You could make the trek in sandals, but walking shoes are better. Bring a tote bag to hold purchased handicrafts, and wear comfortable but respectfully conservative clothing. Cameras are OK but don't be obtrusive.

Specials

Snorkeling

Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

DOMINICA SWIM & SNORKEL WITH THE WHALES - 7 nights’ accommodations, 5 days swim with the whales inclusive of guides, lecture on resident whales,1 land excursion-Trafalgar Falls + Titou Gorge, shore diving for certified divers (based on mandatory shore diving protocols) daily breakfast & lunch, airport transfers, national park, marine and entrance fees, hotel taxes and service charges.

Trip 1: 6/7/24-6/14/24 (swim/snorkel with the whales June 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th)
Trip 2: 6/12/24-6/19/24 (SOLD OUT)
Trip 3: 6/30/24-7/7/24 (swim/snorkel with the whales July 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th)
Trip 4: 7/5/24-7/12/24 (swim/snorkel with the whales July 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th)
Trip 5: 12/15/24-12/22/24 (SOLD OUT)
Book on-line or email sales@caradonna.com.
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From $2,431 per person double

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Spa and Wellness
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Rosalie Bay Resort

DOMINICA TURTLE SEASON SPECIAL MARCH TO AUGUST! Every year the magic happens at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa. It’s turtle season and this resort is built on a turtle nesting beach in Dominica! See these magnificent creatures come ashore and lay their eggs (the hawksbill, green turtle, and the majestic leatherback). Volunteer to patrol the beach at night. Learn how the turtles are protected from extinction!
Package Includes 5 Nights Room accommodations, healthy start breakfast, 2-course lunch & dinner daily, hike & swim combo (Victoria Falls & Emerald Pool or Spanny Falls), 1 spa treatment, free WiFi, roundtrip transfer to and from the airport, all taxes and service charges.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $2,110 per person double occupancy

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Dive

Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

DOMINICA FREE NIGHT-FREE DIVES- $100 RESORT CREDIT PER PERSON!

Package Includes 7 nights Fort Mountain accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank boat dives, free shore diving, full breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and marine park fees.

VALUE ADD: EXCHANGE 1 day 2-tank boat diving for 1 Waterfall Combo Adventure!

Upgrade room category to Fort Ocean, Oceanfront, or Deluxe Oceanfront in the shopping cart on the next screen!

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Shop offers Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year – Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
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From $1,759 per person double diver

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Dive
Spa and Wellness
Mind and Spirit
Cultural Activities
Snorkeling
Paddle Sports
Hiking
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa Dominica

DOMINICA JUNGLE ADVENTURE PACKAGE 7-night accommodations, all meals (full board, fresh fruit juices & snacks), 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay and 6 days of scheduled excursions/activities (these excursions/activities can be exchanged for half-hour spa treatments), round trip airport transfers, dive shop transfers, taxes, and service charges.

Example Activities: Boiling Lake Hike/Snorkeling at Scotts Head/ Perdu Temps Hike/ Fresh Water Lake & Titou Gorge/Middleham Falls Hike/ World Famous Champagne Snorkel//Sunset Yoga/Kayak & Snorkeling/ Herbal Experience/Caribbean Cooking Class

Valid 1/5/24-4/30/24. Rates from $2,695 per person double.
Valid 5/1/24-12/18/24. Rates from $2,590 per person double.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $2,590 per person double

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Dive

Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

DOMINICA $50 RESORT CREDIT PER ROOM - DIVERS DREAM & DOMINICA TOUR PACKAGE - 7 nights’ accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, free shore diving, 1-afternoon tour to Titou Gorge & Trafalgar Falls, full breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and marine park fees.

Fort Mountain room accommodations rate from $1,662 per person/double diver.
Fort Ocean room accommodations rate from $1,698 per person/double diver.
Ocean Front room accommodations rate from $1,723 per person/double diver.
Deluxe Ocean Front room accommodations rate from $1,824 per person/double diver.

Valid through 3/31/25. Book by 4/7/24.

Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $1,662 per person double diver

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Dive
Spa and Wellness
Mind and Spirit
Cultural Activities
Snorkeling
Paddle Sports
Hiking
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa Dominica

DOMINICA DIVE & ADVENTURE PACKAGE – 7 night accommodations, 5 days 2-tank boat dives with Nature Island Dive, marine park fees, all meals (full board, fresh fruit juices & snacks), round trip airport transfers, dive shop transfers, taxes, and service charges.

Divers receive 1 scheduled off-site excursion/activity per stay and 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay.
Non-Divers receive 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay and 6 days of scheduled excursions/activities (these excursions/activities can be exchanged for half-hour spa treatments).

Valid 1/5/24-4/30/24. Rates from $2,695 per person double.
Valid 5/1/24-12/18/24. Rates from $2,590 per person double.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $2,590 per person double

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Packages

Spa and Wellness
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Rosalie Bay Resort

DOMINICA ECO-RESORT & SPA REJUVENATURE PACKAGE!

Package Includes 5 Nights Room accommodations, including a healthy start breakfast & 2-course dinner w/ a drink (glass of wine/local cocktail/mocktail) daily, welcome drink, 1 hour wellness consult, 1 Glo Signature Massage, hike & swim excursion to Victoria Falls, Emerald Pool, or Spanny Falls, access to the resort's amenities and complimentary Rejuvenature Activities, transfers, free WiFi, all taxes & service charges.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Book Now
Dive
Spa and Wellness
Mind and Spirit
Cultural Activities
Snorkeling
Paddle Sports
Hiking
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa Dominica

DOMINICA DIVE & ADVENTURE PACKAGE – 7 night accommodations, 5 days 2-tank boat dives with Nature Island Dive, marine park fees, all meals (full board, fresh fruit juices & snacks), 1 scheduled excursion/activity per stay, 1 half-hour spa treatment, round trip airport transfers, dive shop transfers, taxes, and service charges.

Divers receive 1 scheduled off-site excursion/activity per stay and 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay.
Non-Divers receive 1 half-hour spa treatment per stay and 6 days of scheduled excursions/activities (these excursions/activities can be exchanged for half-hour spa treatments).
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Book Now
Dive

Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

DOMINICA Includes 7 nights’ in your choice of Mountain, Ocean View or Ocean Front accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, free shore diving, 1-afternoon tour to Titou Gorge & Trafalgar Falls, full breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and marine park fees.

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Shop offers Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year – Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
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Resorts

Cultural Activities
Spa and Wellness
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Rosalie Bay Resort

Amid the wilds of the Nature Island of the Caribbean, find peace strolling through our intimate, hand-built sanctuary, your stresses fade away. Time slows down, allowing you to reconnect with nature, yourself and loved ones. Experience the awe of watching endangered sea turtles nest on a black sand beach. Immerse your senses in unsurpassed natural beauty. Renew your well-being with organic cuisine and nurturing spa treatments. It is a vacation that is simply magical. Escape to Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, an eco-boutique resort on Dominica inspired by nature.
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Dive
Spa and Wellness
Mind and Spirit
Cultural Activities
Snorkeling
Paddle Sports
Hiking
Animal Interactions

Dominica

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa Dominica

Jungle Bay is a unique oasis for divers, nature lovers, individuals, active and adventurous travelers, as well as for those who seek tranquility, relaxation, yoga, and wellbeing. A place to wind down, to rejuvenate your mind and body in a natural environment. Jungle Bay’s accommodations are in 60 island-inspired villas (suites & rooms), nestled within tropical trees, banana plants and flowers. “Nature Island Dive” in Soufriere is located 5 minutes from the hotel; right offshore lays the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. You can explore nearly 20 dive sites in the Marine Reserve and some of them – according to experienced divers – are among the top sites in the entire Caribbean! All the dive sites are less than 15 boat minutes from the dive shop. The hotel offers transfers, guided hikes, excursions & activities, spa treatments & massages, yoga, delicious and fresh island meals.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional info.
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Dive
Mind and Spirit
Hiking
Cultural Activities

Dominica

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

Take an adventurous vacation to the Nature Island of Dominica while staying at Fort Young Resort, a full-service hotel nestled at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and cradled in the beauty of Dominica’s mountainous landscape.

Modern, boutique style air-conditioned rooms, seaside dining, entertainment, and duty-free shopping on the resort’s waterfront, to neighboring Saturday markets and unfathomable adventures at your doorstep — waterfall hikes, hot spring soaks, rainforest walks and world-class scuba diving — Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is your gateway to experiencing Dominica by both land and sea.
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Dive
Animal Interactions
Cultural Activities
Spa and Wellness
Hiking

Dominica

Hotel The Champs

Small 5-room comfortable hotel, situated on the hillside in the Picard, Portsmouth area, close to the sea. Attentive and personalized service for all guests. Home away from home ambience.
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Dive
Ziplining
Paddle Sports
Hiking
Cultural Activities

Dominica

Secret Bay Dominica

Secret Bay Resort is located on the northwest coast of Dominica on a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the Caribbean. Each of the eco-luxury villas and bungalows have a fully-equipped kitchen and comes with a replenished daily pre-stocked organic breakfast basket (farm eggs, fruit, granola, yogurt, bread, jam, local beverages). Positioned for privacy and seclusion while offering ocean and mountain views. Use of mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkeling and swimming gear. High-speed WiFi access, audiovisual system with Apple TV, iPod dock, cable television, books and games and daily international newspapers on your "Villa Kindle". Stays of 7-nights or more include roundtrip airport transfers and welcome dinner complimentary.
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Passport and/or Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required with at least 1 blank page for entry stamp. No visa is required for stays of less than 6 months with proof of onward or return ticket. 

Immunizations

Vaccinations are not required for entering the Caribbean if you’re coming from the U.S. Before traveling check the CDC.

 

Culture and Customs

Dominica is known as "the Nature Island" for good reason. It is a land of unspoiled rainforests, volcanic hot springs, wild rivers and waterfalls. More than 60 percent of the island is covered in lush tropical vegetation and protected within three national parks, including the Morne Trois Piton National Park, which has been named a World Heritage Site. The mountainous landscape rises to almost 5,000 feet above sea level to harvest moisture from passing trade winds. Water is one of the island's most abundant natural resources, and more than 350 rivers gush out of the mountains to create dramatic gorges and spectacular waterfalls that spill into emerald pools. Among the most popular are Middleham, Victoria, Trafalgar and Sari Sari Falls. This landscape creates a mecca for the adventure traveler. Tours and activities range from kayaking, bird watching and hiking to jeep/ATV safaris and mountain bike treks. For the rugged hiker, there is the cross-island Waitukubuli Trail, or the climb to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest volcanically-active bodies of fresh water. With a glimpse of pre-Colombian culture, a visit to Carib Indian Territory provides a chance to interact with the largest remaining population of indigenous people in the Caribbean. For a take on the island's current culture, plan a visit during Carnival season, when calypso crooners and dance troops take to the streets. Dominica has earned a reputation as the whale watching capital of the Caribbean. Sperm whales can be seen in the waters of Dominica through the year, but prime viewing months are between November to March, when mothers arrive to nurse their calves. Other marine mammals often seen in the same area include pilot, pygmy, and false killer whales, plus spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphin.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

The island operates on 220/240 volts - 50 cycles, so both adapters and transformers are necessary for U.S. made appliances. However, many hotels have dual 220/110 voltage, with 110V US style outlets in the room, along with 110 outlets available in the dive shops for camera equipment. Approximately 70% of Dominica’s electric power supply is hydro generated. Diesel generators provide the remainder.

The island area code for Dominica is 767. There are 3 mobile service providers on the island, check with your local provider to see what plans are available or roaming charges will apply. Many hotels offer WiFi.

Water Quality

Tap water is safe to drink, if you prefer bottled water, it is available for purchase.

Language & Currency

English is the official language though much of the local population speaks Creole (French based Patois). The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD) is the currency used locally. Check the current exchange rate here. United States Dollars, British Pounds and the Euro are accepted. ATMs are available and dispense EC Dollars. Most vendors will accept foreign currency and give your change in local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Time

Dominica is on Atlantic Standard Time and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Dominica is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).

Location, Size and Population

Dominica is a sovereign island country that is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. It is located SSE of Guadeloupe Islands and Northwest of Martinique. Dominica is 289 square miles, roughly 29 miles long and 16 miles wide at it's widest point.

Dominica's population is 73,016 (2016).

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