Although Dominica’s diving warrants a visit on its merits alone, it is hard to contemplate traveling to Dominica without considering the amazing and diverse options topside.
The island’s volcanic nature means dramatic walls, pinnacles and reefs underwater and a visually diverse topside environment with unique activities for everyone. Dominica is one of the geologically young islands in the Caribbean, which means it stands tall with chains of mountains, lush rainforest and plunging rivers that lead to thundering waterfalls as well as gentle cascades.
For the avid hiker, Dominica has the only long-distance hiking trail in the Eastern Caribbean, with 14 segments that span 115 miles. Some hikes are easy, while others are all-day adventures over ridges and rivers and through farms and villages. The most iconic hike is to Boiling Lake; it’s a rite of passage for all who love Dominica and are up for the challenge. The journey takes at least three hours each way and leads hikers along high windy ridges, through various stages of forest and into a spewing, sulfurous caldron called the Valley of Desolation. Finally the trail emerges at a viewpoint overlooking the world’s second-largest boiling lake. This hike requires a full day and should be done only after waiting the recommended 18 hours following diving (assuming multiple dives or multiple days of diving). It begins at 1,600 feet and crosses the peak of Morne Nicholls at 3,000 feet. For those interested in shorter walks, there are numerous waterfalls and river pools with hikes that take only 10 to 60 minutes each way, and these can done in the afternoon after morning dives.
One of the best excursions is a trip to Titou Gorge, a narrow gorge that leads to a thundering waterfall. You will swim up the gorge with tall cliffs overhead and sunlight filtering down through the jungle vegetation. After passing through a large cavern, you can swim up to the base of the waterfall and feel its power.
No matter which of these activities you choose, you can follow it up with a long soak in an all-natural volcanic hot spring with a cold local beer. Friendly people, great cultural events, pristine diving, unique topside attractions and beautiful views at every turn of the road define the Dominica experience.
| © Alert Diver — Q2 2017 |