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Purely Dominica

Purely Dominica


Image of the boiling lake in Dominica

Dominica is one of many the Caribbean islands formed on the site of volcanic activity. Its population (mostly blacks) grows bananas and nearly one-third of the labour force works in agriculture. Dominica’s mountains, rainforests, freshwater lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, and diving spots makes it an attractive Eco-tourism destination.

One of the many unique natural attractions in Dominica is the Boiling Lake, the second fumarole lake in the world (after New Zealand’s Waimangu if to speak about sizes). Though this comparison is rather relative – unfortunately for tourists the lake is used to drying from time to time, resembling a muddy pool then rather than a lake. Since 1887 there have been registered several such cases. Since then the Forestry Division and enthusiasts have been regularly monitoring the lake taking photos and trying to measure its depth and diameter at least approximately.

 Am image of valley of desolation in Dominica

Staying in the vicinity of the lake may cost you life because of sulphurous gas and steam from the empty crater. It should be noted that the temperature there is estimated at 92 ºC. Some even boil eggs in the lake as legends say. Sometimes during rains the temperature of the water goes down to 10ºC and some brave hearts dare swimming despite the fact it is strictly prohibited for the lake is unpredictable.

In its normal state (i.e. the enormous bubbling cauldron) the diameter is measured up to 200 ft (66 m) and its approximate depth exceeds 195 ft (64 m). This cauldron is surrounded by glib rock walls with the height of 60-100 ft. Sulphurous steam often conceals half the lake which has milky white surface then. When its bubbling and steaming activity is lower you can see grayish-blue waters below. The smell, it should be said, is skanky. Still many tourists from different parts of the world seeking adventures dare hiking to the Boiling Lake.

Image of breakfast river on the boiling lake in Dominica

The word “hiking” means you can reach the place only on foot. Since Dominica has become a popular place with tourists the locals offer services of hiking guides. You can find guides either in Laudat, the nearest village to the lake, or in Roseau, the capital of Dominica. Even do not keep it in your mind to go there alone. For some hotshots this trip happened to be one way. The distance between Laudat, initial stage of the trip, and the lake is about 8 miles. The two-way trail may take you 6-8 hours. You should soberly evaluate your physical abilities. If you hardly remember your last visit to the gym, you’d rather stay in the hotel.

The trail starts early in the morning. People, experienced it, advise to put on your cheapest and most comfortable clothes: shorts, sturdy sandals, hiking boots. Extra batteries for your camera, snacks, water-supply, waterproof rain gear, and some extra clothes will not be excessive. Leave all the jewelry in your hotel room.

The trail starts with Titou Gorge. There you can cool off, enjoy a soak in hot mineral spring if you are a good swimmer, of course, for you’ll have to enter the deep Gorge with few places to grip. This stage is also the muddiest one. From that point the path will lead you through the rain forest to the Breakfast River. It is the only spot where you can have a snack and provide you with clean drinking water. The run from the village to the Breakfast River is rather easy and pleasant notwithstanding the mud and sulphurous springs.

An image a natural pool on the trail to the boiling lake in Dominica

The next run from the river to the Valley of Desolation gets rather tough. First you go through the Elfin Woodlands where you can enjoy exotic plants, palms, shrubs and grasses, then you will climb, and climb, and climb along the ridge to the very top (3,168 ft) of the Morne Nicholls. At this point you may rest a bit and have a spectacular view: Morne Micotrin, Roseau, the Caribbean Sea, Morne Watt, Laudat, and Cochrane. Then you’ll have to descend from the ridge to enter the Valley.

It is a volcanic valley with hot sulphur springs and vapour columns. There you can admire the Fumarole Vegetation – the only plants that can survive there – and various colours resulting from volcanic activity. From that point the path gets vague. You will have to carefully cross and re-cross the stream, climb and descend the mountains before you get to the lake. The run from the Valley up to the lake will take you about 40 minutes or more.

An image Dominica boiling lake

At this final stage of your trail it seems that you have enough strength and will to make a way back to the village. But it just seems. The only fact making you continue your trip is absence of any means of transportation. No one will get you to your hotel room but yourself before it gets dark. Finally you return to the village, get a portion of hot meal, and have a soak in the bath.

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zandoli Inn window view

Dominica vacations offer diverse year-round activities such as festivals, hiking, biking, river-tubing, birding and whale watching among others.

There are many Bed and Breakfasts in Dominica, some of which can offer some of the most tranquil, peaceful getaway for you and your loved one.

Enjoy some of the finest accommodations on the nature island in many of Dominica’s best inns. Have a peek inside the top five B&B’s and Inns in Dominica base on the number customer reviews over at Tripadvisor.com.

Spot No.1: Cocoa Cottages

With 6 rooms decorated in unique themed decor, this small but unique Bed & Breakfast nestled amidst Dominica’s most beautiful rainforest.

Considering its located in the heart of Roseau Valley; home to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and a 15 minute drive from beautiful trails and lakes such as Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, Freshwater Lake, Boeri Lake, Titou Gorge, Boiling lake and some superb canyons that can only be reached by ropes and are the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Another great selling point is Cocoa Cottages Canyoning Tours – some superb canyons that can only be reached by ropes and are the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Spot No.2: Zandoli Inn

Zandoli Inn is a small, secluded hideaway surrounded by captivating views of the ocean, mountains and forest you can relax in a setting we doubt you’ll forget. Named after a small indigenous lizard, this cozy Inn near the fishing village of Fond St. Jean on the southeast coast of Dominica is the perfect quaint–but low key–excursion for an intrepid couple.

Spot No.3:Comfortel De Champ

Comfortel De Champ is a comfortable hotel in Picard, Dominica. A 3-star + hotel overlooking the Ross University campus, Prince Rupert Bay and the Cabrits National Park. At $125/night for a king size bed, modern bath, and a (shared) porch with a fantastic wide view of the Caribbean Sea is considered a steal.

Spot No.4: Calibishie Cove

Calibishie Cove is about getting lost in the unspoiled paradise that is Dominica. Located in the picturesque fishing village of Calibishie on the North East Coast of Dominica, Calibishie Cove has four rooms and suites overlooking a Dominica beach and a stretch of pristine Dominica coastline that provide a special experience combining blissful comfort, privacy, good design, Dominica’s incredible natural beauty, and environmental sensitivity.

Spot No.5: Titiwi Inn

Titiwi Inn is a small, traditional, family run boutique guest-house with a unique blend of Caribbean welcome with a touch of European style.

The Titiwi Inn can be a great place to stay while enjoying the nature island. With six rooms, all of which have access to a private pool, that are brightly lit and charmingly decorated, it is no wonder this B&B is so popular. This B&B is sure to please everyone.

Each person’s idea of a perfect Caribbean vacation is different and to cater to these varied tastes there are a wide assortment of lodging options and activities to suit every taste and every budget.

Where ever you decide to stay in a bed and breakfast in Dominica there is one thing that is for sure. Your biggest issue will be choosing out of all the options there are, as there are so many ideal places to choose from.

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emerald-pool dominica

Morne Trois Pitons National Park, located in South central part of Dominica, was the first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean in 1997.

With its precipitous slopes and deeply incised valleys, fumaroles, hot springs, freshwater lakes, a ‘boiling lake’ and five volcanoes. The park presents a rare combination of natural features of World Heritage value.

Visiting Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a wonderful adventure for many each year. A vast number of sights await around every curve and over every mountain in the park. Here are three must see attractions if you are planning to visit:

The Boiling Lake and The Vally of Desolation

Dominica’s Boiling Lake is the Second-largest of its kind in the world. It’s a flooded fumarole approximately 6m in diameter with a magma chamber beneath the surface, causing the fresh water to boil.

The Boiling Lake trail has changed considerably over the years, these days the path is much improved and far more accessible to a broader range of walkers. Nevertheless, three hours (each way) of walking can still takes it toll. Having a knowledgeable guide is high recommended.

Emerald Pool

The Emerald Pool is one of most visited attractions. This small waterfall and crystal-clear pool is perhaps on of Dominica’s most photographed natural sites. Located on the northern of the national park; the Emerald Pool is a very accessible and beautiful rainforest attraction.

Middelham Falls

A beautiful waterfall, and a nice gentle hike (one hour both ways) from the village of Laudat, in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. There is a viewing platform offering great photo opportunities and the waterfall’s pool is deep and refreshing. The Middleham Falls are well worth a visit.

No matter your fancy, Morne Trois Pitons National Park provides the visitor with views of nature like no other island in the Caribbean. It is surely a natural wonder. If and when you visit Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you will realize why 10,000-15,000 visitors go there each and every year.

Learn more about the Morne Trois Pitons National Park and all it’s attractions by getting your copy of the Dominica (Bradt Travel Guide). Filled with excellent maps and descriptions of hikes, snorkeling, places to explore and dive sites in Dominica.

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