the potential to become a major eastern Caribbean tourism destination. But Dominican authorities, who adhere to strict nature conservation policies, don’t want it that way. The island’s 290 square miles are sparsely populated (the island is English-speaking with a Rasta culture). There are no signs of mega stores or chain hotels and restaurants and there are limited sandy beaches with difficult access.
Infrastructure is poor and there’s no large airport to receive international flights, so island hopping is required to get here. But Dominica’s natural wealth is the great reward for those willing to make the journey. It’s easy to see why film producers selected Dominica as a backdrop for “Pirates of the Caribbean I and II.” Two thirds of Dominica’s interior is coated in lush tropical rainforest vegetation home to 170 bird species, with nearly a dozen 5,000 foot volcanic spires puncturing the mammoth tree canopy. Within this oasis are several wilderness resorts and spa retreats, and some serve the local specialty drink, green Sea Moss.
Adventurists can try rappelling, canyoning, zip-lining and aerial tram rides. Morne Trois Pitons National Park covers 17,000 acres in the south-central region. Hike the trails to 200-foot-wide geothermal Boiling Lake, the Valley of Desolation from which fumaroles spurt, quiet crater lakes, mountain waterfalls, Sulfur Springs and the secluded freshwater rock pools at Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool and Titou Gorge.
Near Soufriere, south of the capital Roseau, jagged volcanic cliffs sharply plunge 6,000 feet into the ocean. This provides an ideal shelter for numerous whale species that can be spotted year round. Another place of interest is Carib Indian Territory, home to the 3,000 remaining pre-Columbian Carib Indians in the region.