going to Dominica early April

[Barry Goode]

I'd appreciate any do's and don't about Dominica as this will be my first time there. I'm staying at Castle Comfort Lodge & diving with Dive Dominica. Any must sees/must avoids topside or when diving?

Is it easy to get over to Martinique to check out that island?

Thanks for your input!

 

[1erCRU]

As I'm sure you have reseached, Dominica is atypical Carib in that it has virtually no beaches and lots of mountain terrain. The upper elevations are rain forest, with nature hikes, water falls, fresh water ponds, and even a navigable river or two. All fun stuff if you want a break from diving. Diving is typical Carib. The good news is there is an excellent ferry service to the French Islands and it is possible to fly directly to the large international airports on Martinque or Guadeloupe then take the ferry to Dominica, skipping the BS at SJU. Guadeloupe and the Iles Des Saintes have some better diving so if you get motivated you can hop a ferry over for a day and dive there. Check out: Transport maritime inter-îles aux Antilles : Guadeloupe, Martinique, Sainte Lucie, Marie Galante, La Dominique, Les Saintes avec L'Express des Iles.

 

[lmorin]

Interesting place. Be careful walking the roadways at night. Little lighting and narrow roads. As soon as you can, learn the procedures for using the local bus and taxi systems. The two look very similar. Both are very inexpensive, but there are tricks for distinguishing one from the other. You can get around easily if you know how to use the options. They are recommended, especially at night. As to the diving, I loved the Castle Comfort shore dive and regret that I did not do it at night, too.

 

[diverrex]

Even though the diving is very good a trip to Dominica without some time up in the rainforest is a shame, don't miss the rainforest!

 

[Rescue Diver68]

Even though the diving is very good a trip to Dominica without some time up in the rainforest is a shame, don't miss the rainforest!

Yep, make time for the Emerald Pools, Trafalgar Falls, Screws spa, or something to take you in the rain forest. It's great!
Have fun!