Our Highlights for Dominica
Dominica is proudly known as the "Nature Island" and is arguably the most beautiful — yet sadly one of the poorest — islands in the Caribbean. Our personal highlight was the challenging hike to the Boiling Lake.
Dominica is of volcanic origin and a true natural paradise. It is home to one of the last pristine rainforests, more than 1,000 plant species, over 300 rivers and streams, just as many waterfalls, a lake of boiling-hot water, and a breathtakingly beautiful underwater world along its coastline.
A mountain range stretches from south to north at around 900 metres, culminating in the 1,447-metre Morne Diablotin. After the active volcano Soufriere on Guadeloupe, it is the second-highest peak in the Lesser Antilles.
In 1997, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is home to many of Dominica's attractions, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climate & Best Time to Visit Dominica
Like everywhere in the Caribbean, Dominica enjoys a tropical climate. Coastal temperatures rarely drop below 29 °C, while the mountains are cooler and more humid — but still pleasantly warm. April is the driest month, with around 10 days of rainfall in Roseau. During the rainy season from July to November, Dominica also falls within hurricane season. In November 1997, Hurricane Lenny caused devastation along the west coast, and in August 2007, Hurricane Dean claimed at least two lives.
Peak tourist season runs from December to February, and the humid months between February and May are also great for a holiday, as rainfall remains moderate. Prices during peak season are only marginally higher than in the summer low season from June to August, making the winter months the best time to visit Dominica.
Dominica Hilfe e.V.
Many people in Dominica, especially young girls, lack basic necessities. The charity Dominica Hilfe e.V. supports those in need and public institutions with donations of goods and funds. Want to help out?
Entry Requirements, Vaccinations & Useful Info for Dominica
Entry:
German nationals need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates for stays of up to 90 days in Dominica. No visa is required. Air travellers should carry a return or onward ticket.
Vaccinations:
No mandatory vaccinations are required for Dominica, except for travellers arriving from yellow-fever endemic areas, who must present proof of yellow fever vaccination.
For short trips to Dominica, vaccinations against hepatitis A, tetanus, and diphtheria are recommended.
Fun facts:
- In 2009, the youngest prime minister in the world at the time took office in Dominica at the age of 35.
- The oldest person on Dominica was a woman who lived to 126 years — her secret was reportedly one coconut a day and eating only seasonal produce. The current oldest woman is 115. Dominicans who reach 100 years of age receive financial support from the state.
- China and Venezuela have invested heavily in the island's infrastructure and have played a major role in post-storm reconstruction.
- Foreign investors receive significant tax advantages compared to locals in order to attract investment.
- If a bus or taxi driver spots a child in school uniform standing by the road after 8 a.m., they are expected to pick them up and take them to school — what a service!
- Agoutis, numerous species of iguanas, and opossums are native to the island, alongside four non-venomous snake species. Agoutis and freshwater crayfish may be hunted during designated seasons.
Getting There & Transport on Dominica
There are no direct flights from Europe or the USA to Dominica. European flights connect via Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, Puerto Rico, or Martinique, from where you continue to Dominica. Regional airlines serving Dominica include American Eagle, Air Caraibes, Air Guadeloupe, LIAT, and Caribbean Star.
Dominica's international airport, Canefield Airport (DCF), is located 5 km north of Roseau. Car rentals are available at the airport. Melville Hall Airport (DOM) lies 64 km northeast of Roseau.
Dominica is a popular stop on Caribbean cruises. There are three cruise ports: the deep-water port at Woodbridge near Roseau, Bayfront in Roseau (the main cruise port), and Cabrits in Portsmouth.
A catamaran operated by L'Express des Iles runs between Dominica and Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), and St. Lucia (Castries).
Caribbean Ferries operates between Dominica and Martinique, St. Lucia, and Guadeloupe.
Brudey Freres sails daily (except Fridays) between Dominica and Guadeloupe during peak season.
All information without guarantee. Note: Ferry schedules change frequently, so always confirm departures in advance.
Public buses on Dominica do not run around the clock and there is no fixed timetable.
Dominica has left-hand traffic. Car rental agencies can be found across the island, including two international chains, though local providers tend to be cheaper (be careful with contracts — they may only be available in the local language). Before driving, you must purchase a local driving licence valid for one month. Requirements: minimum age 22, maximum 65, and a national driving licence valid for at least two more years. These local licences are available at both airports and at the Traffic Department in Roseau.
Where Is Dominica Located?
Dominica belongs to the Leeward Islands — the Windward Islands — though the exact classification is debated, as the boundary between the northern Leeward Islands and the southern Windward Islands is drawn differently depending on the source. The island measures 47 by 26 kilometres and lies between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Historically, it was a British Crown Colony.
The History of Dominica
- The earliest traces on the island date back to between 5000 and 3100 BC.
- Christopher Columbus discovered Dominica on 3 November 1493 during his second voyage but did not go ashore. He named the island after the day of discovery — Sunday (Domingo in Spanish).
- Between 1400 and 1627, the island was controlled by the Caribs. The English then took the island but lost it again to the French.
- In 1763, the island was handed back to Great Britain.
- In 1805, Dominica became a colony.
- In the 18th century, it was a major centre of the slave trade. Nearly 3,000 slaves from Africa arrived each year — so many were needed because the average slave survived only about five years due to the brutal working conditions. That meant there were roughly 13 slaves for every white person. Unsurprisingly, this led to slave revolts in the early 19th century, which eventually resulted in the ban on the slave trade. Dominica's main export during this period was coffee.
- In 1865, the island became a Crown Colony.
- In 1938, political parties were legalised.
- In 1951, property-based voting restrictions were abolished.
- In 1962, Dominica gained limited self-governance.
- On 3 November 1978, Dominica became fully independent.
- Since 8 December 1978, Dominica has been a member of the United Nations.
- In 1997, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Films like Pirates of the Caribbean have further boosted Dominica's tourism. Nevertheless, Dominica remains a poor country that is regularly struck by natural disasters.
