General Questions about Dominica

[BobArnold8265]

Hi,

My wife and I are travelling to Dominica in a few weeks and have a couple of general questions fo anyone who has been there.

1. We would like to do some hiking while we are there. Any recommended trails ? Also, how is the terrain ? Do we need hiking shoes or will regular tennis shoes do ???

2. How are the insects ? Do we need to pack extra bug repellant ? When in the forest, should we plan on wearing long pants or is it too hot ???

3. Any recommend dive sites ????

I would really appreciate everyone's advice.

Thank you.

Bob

[Puck]

Bob,

I wish I had first hand knowledge, but I am in the process of planning my first trip long after you return. I did find that this site had helpful info. I would certainly pack my hiking boots and treking poles if you have room. A bottle of Northwoods off or cutter with DEET of 90+% (be very careful not to get it on your dive gear or your watch) should do the trick:

http://www.avirtualdominica.com/hiking.cfm

I hope that you will provide a full report on your return. Have a great time.

[isles16]

I went to Dominica in Jan. and had a fantastic time diving and hiking. I'd bring boots; many places you go walking could be muddy. Chances are it will rain at least a little bit each day.

Wearing pants on the trail is always a good idea (bugs and mud), and the higher up you go, the cooler it will be. I don't think you will melt from the heat in pants, but the bugs were not that bad, so you'd be OK in shorts too. Just bring raingear (also, always a good idea).

I did the hike to Boiling Lake, which is not as tough as all the guidebooks say. As long as you're reasonably fit, I highly recommend it. It is an all-day hike, though (6-7 hours round trip). If you're not reasonably fit, you can still do some nice walking around Cabrits natl. park.

For diving, you really can't go wrong with any of the southern dive sites. Unfortunately, I only had one day of diving up north and none on the mid-island sites. (Something to check out next time.) Awesome healthy reef life, but not much in the way of big critters.

Sorry I was too lazy to post a trip report, but you can PM me with any questions, and check out my topside pics (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/b_rosenkrantz/album?.dir=1682&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos)(cheapo UW camera didn't work that well).

[MarkUK]

I would take your boots, and lightweight trousers will be fine. Bug life isn't too bad at all in the rainforest.

Boiling Lake is definitely worth it, and less energetic hikes include Middleham Falls. Titou Gorge is worth a visit – you swim up a deep gully with moss and vines growing all around you until you reach a waterfall. Very cool.

The dives around the Soufriere crater and Scott's Head are all good, plenty of marine life and healthy coral, but try and get round the Head to the Atlantic side. Totally different topography and bigger fish – barracuda, jack, trevally, etc.

Dominica is a great, unspoilt island.

Mark