Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, as one of the country’s tourist brochures rightly and amusingly states, Dominica is part of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. It is located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique and is unlike any of its neighbors. While most tourists and sailors frequent the Caribbean for its pretty beaches and sunny climate, sand and sun are not the reasons to come to Dominica.
Dominica's interior © Liesbet Collaert
Dominica’s highlight is its nature. Some of the attractions can be found near the water, but most interesting sights are located in the lush interior and renting a car or taking local busses are your best bets to see what this little gem of an island has to offer. Good bases to do so are Prince Rupert Bay, where the town of Portsmouth is situated and Roseau, the country’s capital. Prince Rupert Bay is big, well protected and geared towards cruisers. They have nightly security patrols in the harbor and the boat boys are courteous and not too pushy. There is always room to anchor and the bay is easy to approach, even at dark. The town offers small stores, car rental places and customs and immigration on the waterfront.
Liesbet