Dominica, or officially – the Commonwealth of Dominica, is a part of Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.
It is an incredible island where you can watch the dolphins, enjoy the landscape and go on a boat tour down so many rivers on the island.
Movie lovers will be thrilled knowing that some parts of Pirates from the Caribbean were filmed there.
Apart from the amazing beaches, sunny weather and clear water, one of the landmarks of the island is the boiling lake.
It is amazing and there are tours for tourists who wish to find out more about it.
The trip is long, but it is worth the trouble.
Warnings & Dangers in Dominica
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Dominica is a pretty safe island, but a certain level of caution is still advised. Make sure you don't let your guard down and leave your valuables in plain sight. Avoid walking alone in the remote areas of the island.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is pretty reliable. Tourists can choose from going by minibus or a local taxi. If you choose to go by taxi, make sure you agree on the price with the driver before starting the ride because they do not use the meter.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing occurs and it is important to protect yourself as much as possible by keeping your money and passport safe at all times. Leave all the important things in the safety deposit box when you plan to go to the beach.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Dominica is very susceptible to hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, slope instability, intense rainfall, tsunamis, and seismic activities. Being in the hurricane region, it is very vulnerable and was hit by hurricane David in 1979 that had enormous consequences on the economy and society.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
A popular tourist spot L'escalier Tete Chien is especially risky since there have been cases of mugging. It is very important to keep your windows closed and your car door locked. It is highly recommended to even avoid this area.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
There is no history of terrorist attacks in Dominica, but the risk cannot be completely excluded. It is necessary to stay vigilant at all times during your stay. In case you notice anything suspicious, make sure you follow the recommended security protocol.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Common scam refers to not providing enough information on the prices given. There is usually one price, but then when you need to pay, it's more. Be careful and ask about the final price in advance, especially for a taxi ride.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Female travelers should be careful when traveling to Dominica alone because they may be subjected to some forms of harassment. Make sure you avoid walking alone at night and don't let your guard down. Keep an eye on your personal belongings.
How Safe Is Dominica for Tourists?
Dominica is a pretty safe island, but there is a certain level of personal precautions that tourists must maintain to remain safe and enjoy their vacation.
Make sure you don’t go to the remote parts of the island especially at night.
When you need a taxi, choose only the licensed one and be particularly careful when there is a festival season on the island.
Petty crimes usually occur in crowded areas and when the tourists are distracted.
Stay alert at all times and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
Keep in mind that drivers drive on the left side of the road, so if you want to drive while on the island, make sure you pay close attention to the regulations.
Pedestrians cross the street even on some unmarked parts, so be very careful about that.
Also, taxies aren’t metered, so negotiating a price is necessary.
Tourists that are not very good swimmers should be very careful because currents can be very strong.
If there are signs of danger, do not go into the water.
Some local tour guides act too aggressively, so if you do not their services, the best advice is to simply ignore them and go your way.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Dominica?
Most citizens do not need a visa for going to Dominica, but it is highly recommended to check your visa status before making any arrangements.
The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the planned vacation.
Which Currency Is Used in Dominica?
The official currency in Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean dollar.
The symbol is $.
One U.S. dollar equals 2,70 East Caribbean Dollars.
Besides the official currency, tourists can also use euros, British pounds, and American dollars.
How's the Weather like in Dominica?
The climate in Dominica is tropical.
The weather is hot and humid during the entire year.
The rainy season lasts from June to November.
The best months to visit Dominica are February, March, and April.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Dominica?
There are two airports in total in Dominica.
The main one is Douglas–Charles Airport.
It is located 3km away from Marigot.
It is the main choice of tourists coming to Dominica.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Travel insurance is recommended for all tourists.
Unpredicted things happen and it is better to have coverage to protect yourself as much as possible.
Basic travel insurance includes coverage for medical expenses, theft, and cancelation.
What Are Some Things to Do in Dominica?
Dominica is an incredible island and there are plenty of things to see.
If you like diving, Dominica is a place for you.
Snorkeling is the chance to see plenty of species underwater.
Is the Water in Dominica Safe to Drink?
Tap water is safe for drinking.
It is nice and fresh, so there is no risk of stomach issues.
Tourists can use refillable bottles or buy bottled ones according to preferences.
Is Uber Safe in Dominica?
Uber is not available in Dominica.
There are local taxies available that you can choose from.
Negotiate a price before you start the ride because even though the prices are regulated, it still can be too high.
