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Dominica Activity Descriptions
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Experience....
A photographer's paradise, there is a multitude of things to
experience on Dominica. Don’t want to wear
yourself out? That’s okay, too… it’s easy to take it easy on Dominica.
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Experience the Caribbean Sea Like You Have Never Imagined
- Experience fishing the way local Dominican fishermen do. Your guide will be a local fisherman with years of sea and fishing experience.
- Journey 3-20 miles out on the sea on a “locally” made fishing boat in search of a pin-point location marked only by a few small floating buoys indicating the location of a “fish attraction device” (FAD*). Observe firsthand and participate in the process of catching bait and setting hand-lines for yellow-fin tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi or other deep-sea fishes; there might even be the opportunity to assist in “pulling” in, by hand, one of these large fish, the way the local fishermen do.
*A FAD (fish attraction device) is a shelter created with tarpaulins placed just under the sea surface by the fisherman and secured by rope and anchor in waters 3/4 to 1 1/2 miles deep; the tarpaulins provide protection for small fish which in turn attract larger and larger fish, including tuna and marlin, into the area to feed. - Opportunity to use a rod and reel while on the FAD in trying your luck at hooking a tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, king mackerel or other fish patrolling the area is occurs as opportunity allows.
- Experience fishing Dominica’s near-shore waters (within one mile of shore); troll from a locally made boat for barracuda, king mackerel and other predator fish. As well, there could be opportunity to fish for queen snapper, grouper and other fishes dwelling at depths greater than 800 feet. You won’t be using a rod and reel, but a hand line baited with 15 hooks, set and then pulled, the line accumulating at your feet, back into the boat.
- Enjoy the calmness and depth of the Caribbean star-scape while fishing at night. From a local fishing boat anchored a few hundred yards off shore, using a rod and reel or hand line, anticipate catching anything ranging from barracuda, king mackerel, red fish, and other night feeding species.
- Journey along with a local fisherman while he hand-raises his fish pots (traps). Set near-shore in waters 50-150 feet deep, these traps range in size from 4 to 8 feet in diameter, and are designed for catching small reef fish – a favorite destined for local tables. You’ll have the opportunity to observe the process of hooking and then lifting the trap to the surface. If you’d like to see what’s going on under the water, you’ll be able to jump right in with your snorkel gear to observe the action. As a bonus, you’ll get to have a look at reef and sea bottom most others never get to see. Then, once back on shore, enjoy a sample of the catch grilled over an open fire and seasoned with sea water – cutlery will not be needed; a large leaf will work for a plate!
Experience Dominica’s Mountainous Rain Forest
- Hike to any of several waterfalls; spend a few minutes or a few hours walking through the jungle to experience cold, crystalline water cascading, in some instances several hundred feet, into pools that you can swim in. Thirsty? Cup your hands and drink the water. Chances are that you will have the environment all to yourself.
- Hike along one Dominica’s 365 rivers and streams. A local guide will take you off the beaten path; you’ll experience the rain forest in a way most others don’t. You will have the river and forest to yourself; expect to find a location that captures your spirit as crystal clear water cascades around large rocks and tall trees filter the sun.
- Hike to the boiling lake (one of only two in the world)… a large pool, a few hundred feet across, heated to a boil by underground volcanic activity; during the journey you will also get to experience the Valley of Desolation – a volcanic influenced area consisting of sulfur rich hot water pools and springs and dozens of steam vents. As a bonus, you will get to relax in a naturally heated sulfur-water steam (it’s great for your skin!) and its pools; if you want perfectly heated water poured on your back, select from a series of mini waterfalls.
Experience Other Exciting Opportunities
. . . and, there is more!
- Bring your camera! Dominica is a photographer’s dream. You’ll be taken to locations where you can take photos until all your batteries are drained. Dominica is a photo op!
- Experience a Dominica’s black sand beaches that are seldom visited by tourists – just you alone with palm trees, sand and sea. View the sea and sunset from a mountainside vantage point that few visitors ever experience. Soak in a natural volcanic hot pool; we know where those spots are, too!
- Scuba dive Dominica’s pristine underwater world with the guidance of a highly qualified dive master and instructor (a small, family owned scuba operation). Or, snorkel locations few others find.
- Take a whale watching excursion. Dominica is well-known for its local population.
- Discover Dominica's farms and orchards. See how bananas, plantains, oranges, grapefruit, dasheen and a variety of other island fruits and produce are planted and harvested, some in locations that you’ll find hard to believe. Most tourists never have this opportunity.
- Enjoy local flavor and color that most tourists never experience. We know several local “snackette” (tiny snack bar & restaurant) owners who will be glad to have you drop by to experience the local beer, rum, food and snacks. We even know a baker who still makes bread in a large wood fired, stone oven.
- Take a day tour – explore daily life, living and locations across the island including villages, the native Kalinago Indian Territory, Roseau (Dominica’s capital), Fort Shirley (a restored English and French built fort), local produce markets, scenic drives along the coast and mountain passes, waterfalls, beaches, soaks in naturally heated pools and more.
- Spend an afternoon along the shores of one of Dominica’s many rivers swimming and relaxing while enjoying the rainforest environment… we can even arrange to cook some local food in a big pot meal over an open fire!
. . . and, there is more!
