VoomaGo Dominica

Why We Love Dominica

One can use many descriptive adjectives and words to illustrate what Dominica is all about but we truly believe that nothing can replace the feelings and emotions you experience when you go through its territory and natural beauty. We love Dominica because it is simply magic! A verdant luscious island concealing the greatest shades of green ever seen, barely 300 square miles big and about 72,000 in population, Dominica is also known as The Nature Island ideal for those seeking seclusion, adventure and immersion in nature. The geothermal volcanic activity, thousands of plant species, the unspoiled nature, 365 rivers and the culture of the Kalinago (Caribs) people, make this island a magical place. We love Dominica because we were truly honored and touched by the kindness encountered all over the island by the locals as well as by Mother Nature. Dominica is NOT about the number of impressive resorts and infinity pools but it is rather about the number of rivers, waterfalls, swimming holes and unspoiled hiking trails that will leave you speechless.

NEED TO KNOW

• Dominica is a relatively undiscovered place, nestled between the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Definitely NOT Dominican Republic.
• English is the official language, locals also speak French-Creole. Unlike other Caribbean islands, Spanish will not be much help here.
• The currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD or EC$). One USD=2.7 XCD. Keep in mind when the locals say dollars they mean XCD.
• There are few banks on the island, budget well and get your cash at the airport upon arrival, and in bigger towns as needed.
• While there is WiFi and cell connectivity, consider it a luxury when you do have it because in the rain forest your phone or tablets will just be cameras.
• Dominica is one of the safest islands for travel in the region.

• There are no direct international flights to Dominica, there are daily flights from nearby countries such as Puerto Rico.
• Of the two airports on the island Melville Hall (DOM) is the main one for far away countries. Canefield (DCF) on the West side is less often used.
• Driving is on the LEFT and can be an adventure between the narrow, winding roads, potholes, bumps, and hitchhikers.
• There are very few decent state roads, on the west side connecting Portsmouth to Roseau and on the north from Portsmouth to Marigot or Melville Hall airport.
• Tap water is safe to drink, but can have a brownish hue after a heavy rainfall, as it is drawn from the rivers. It’s better to drink bottled water available almost anywhere.
• There are no poisonous snakes or insects on Dominica.
• Departure Tax: When you leave Dominica you are required to pay $22 tax fee (No charge for children under 12).

WHEN TO GO

Perhaps the biggest question is when NOT to go. Dominica experiences very high rainfalls during the months of July to November. High season goes from end of November to end of March for the most part (when there is a higher volume of tourists), goods and services are much more expensive. It tends to slow down around mid-march and the weather stays very pleasant until the end of May with temperature in the mid-80s.

Dominica is an ideal destination during the winter months of the USA, with the ideal sweet spot being March to May. Cruise liners are not allowed to stay docked overnight and only show up once a week between March and May, so to avoid running into flocks of tourists and tour buses, it is always best to trust VoomaGo Locals who will know how to avoid them. Carnival (mid January to end of February), is a great time for experiential travel and encounter activities, parades, bands, and costumes. While not as crazy as Carnaval in Brazil, it is likely to be much more enjoyable for you.

WHERE TO STAY

A vacation in Dominica is different than your usual Caribbean travel, it is not about the white sandy beaches with back-to-back resorts. We recommend to stay in two or three places so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time traveling from your homebase.

Whether you stay in a forest cabin, a B&B, or a luxurious hotel, they have all been thoughtfully designed to fit harmoniously with the natural surroundings. If you are going to visit during the high season you will want to book your accommodations months in advance.

If you are up for the adventure it is possible to stay in very simple huts and sleep in a hammock and if you need a comfortable bed in a unique setting there are plenty of them that will blow your mind away. We have a couple of favorites, one being a modern concept of a tree house in the middle of a banana plantation.