Portsmouth Dominica

Ships dock about a mile north of Portsmouth, approximately a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk away. Taxis and shuttle services are normally available for the journey.

Dominica is unusual as one of the Caribbean's least-developed islands. Consequently, it has one of the lowest hassle factors, together with abundant unspoilt natural sites and hiking opportunities. It is also home to one of the only surviving populations of indigenous Carib people.

The Caribs, who arrived here in the 14th century, named the island Waitikubuli, meaning ‘Tall is her Body.’ Christopher Columbus called it after the weekday on which he discovered it, a Sunday (‘Doménica’ in Italian).

Dominica is frequently called "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" for its spectacular, lush and diverse flora and fauna, protected through an extensive system of natural parks. The most mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles, it has volcanic peaks formed from lava craters and includes Boiling Lake, the world's second-largest thermally active lake.

Portsmouth lies 48km (30 miles) north-west of Roseau, with a journey time of about one hour. Beyond some basic shopping, the town centre has little to offer.

A Portsmouth berth puts visitors close to several of the island's only white sandy beaches and to Cabrits National Park. The town was also the setting for a famous battle between the French and English as they competed to occupy Dominica.

Choose from a wide range of ideas according to your own level of interest, with activities available on both land and water. Walking options include hiking a section of the newly constructed Waitukubli National trail. You could visit the major Trafalgar falls or soak in one of the warm sulphur pools at scews spa. Other possibilities are river tubing, canyoning, snorkelling, whale watching, a visit to the Kalinago Territory, or simply a boat journey up the Indian River at Portsmouth.

Travelling around Dominica is straightforward. Taxis are readily available, along with small buses or vans that use the highways and collect or set down passengers on request. Official fares are displayed at the airports; remember that the quoted figures are in Eastern Caribbean dollars.

Reaching the waterfalls requires quite a lot of walking: roughly 180 steps up and 180 back to the entrance, where a $5 park-entry fee applies. There are breaks between the steps, though parts also involve slopes, bridge crossings or something similar. The effort is worthwhile because the waterfalls are breathtaking. The hot springs are another unmissable sight: boiling water is visible from a distance, and continuing upwards reveals steam rising from it.

Fort Shirley stands within Cabrits National Park. This restored 18th-century British garrison combines impressive views with historical insight; visitors can examine the ruins and learn about Dominica's colonial past.

Ride the Aerial Tram through the rainforest canopy.

Almost 300 miles of paths reveal some of Dominica's finest scenery, making the island a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Trails cross valleys and thread into gorges throughout nearly every part of the country, climbing mountains reaching 4,000 foot.

There is a suitable trail for every fitness level, each ending at a spectacular attraction.

For novice walkers, a gentle fifteen minute stroll to Trafalgar Falls opens onto photographic views of dense rainforest, twin cascades, warm pools and fast-flowing streams.

Dominica provides many options for water sports and scuba diving. Kayak on cool mountain lakes, swim in secluded rainforest river pools, ride a river tube downstream into the calm waters of the West Coast, or snorkel over pristine reefs... the island really does offer something for everyone.

Champagne Reef offers good snorkelling, a pleasing variety of coral and fish, and the delightful "champagne" bubbles rising around you.

The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is the local currency and trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Businesses throughout the island accept United States Dollars, British Pounds and Euros.

Languages are English (official) and French patois.

For the Police, Ambulance or Fire Department in an emergency, call 999.

Businesses trade from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, closing for lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Banks do not open on Saturdays, but merchants operate their businesses from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.