Dominica dive report

[Sanaeo]

Hi Burrfish/Valeris...

What was the water temperature? My husband and I have booked a dive trip with natureisland dive for 6 nights, staying at the cottage as well! I am glad to hear you had such a good experience with them. I have done a lot of research, and it seems that Nature Island Dive comes out on top with every diver for quality, reliability of boats, professionalism of the divers and kindness of staff.

Do you have any idea what the temp is in the waters in early to mid August? I am trying to figure that out!

My husband and I dove in Dominica January 2004 with http://www.natureislanddive.com. We rented their cottage on the Caribbean and dove with them everyday for almost 2 weeks. The dive sites were interesting and varied, the staff, boats and gear were all supreme. We cooked almost all our meals at the cottage and felt like we lived there. There was a rainbow every morning and a sunset every night. It was the best dive trip I've ever been on and I've travelled to about 15 different destinations in the Caribbean and Australia.
Valerie

 

[peterjmaerz]

Hi Burrfish/Valeris...

What was the water temperature? My husband and I have booked a dive trip with natureisland dive for 6 nights, staying at the cottage as well! I am glad to hear you had such a good experience with them. I have done a lot of research, and it seems that Nature Island Dive comes out on top with every diver for quality, reliability of boats, professionalism of the divers and kindness of staff.

Do you have any idea what the temp is in the waters in early to mid August? I am trying to figure that out!

I was there twice in October. The water temp at that time was right around 80 degrees F. Wouldn't expect much difference in August--perhaps a degree or two warmer.


Best,

 

[Lin]

My husband, myself and my 18yr old son want to go diving end of July beg of Aug. We were looking at curacao as it is not in the hurricane belt and it sounded good from some of the posts i read, but then i read Snturner's report on his trip with his son and it really did not sound very appealing. Anyway now I am looking at Dominica which sounds lovely. Could anyone tell me what the weather would be like there in July - Aug? Also we like to go out to dinner at night, so any recommendations as to places to stay that are within walking distance to town or short drive? Do we need to rent a car? We like to hike. Is the town safe, could my son go out on his own? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ckerl]

I, too, will sing the praises of Nature Island Dive. However, the gang you go with needs to have appropriate expectations for night life and infrastructure.

 

[Nan]

Hi! My husband and I just got back from Dominica--good, no, the GREATEST--stuff. As to hiking, many options and lots of guides (make sure they're government certified) and operations, but listen carefully to the difficulty levels and take them SERIOUSLY. Some are easy and the ones that are said to be killer are just that. If you're not in top shape and sure-footed as a mountain goat do not attempt the advanced ones.

No one is safe on foot along the roadways in Dominica. Walking into town is especially dangerous. The roads are narrow, the driving is right-hand, and the speeds are breakneck. Take a cab/taxi--it's $1.50EC/$1US per person into town and well worth every penny. It's OK to go on foot in Roseau proper, but still be careful. I wouldn't rent a car--too easy to make a mistake with nowhere to go (except into crowds of locals in town and STRAIGHT down in the mountains) if you do.

The dive staff at The Anchorage (right next to Evergreen in Castle Comfort) is the best in the Caribbean-at least the best crew we've had in eight years of diving. Top notch friendly service and Richard is one of the best divemasters we've ever encountered. Generally successful whale watching--spectacular when you find some.

Vis not the greatest, water not the warmest. Underwater volcanic vents are great snorkeling for those (like me) who can't or don't want to dive. Gunnard Point/Champagne also has some interesting vertical walls to snorkel--a chance most of us don't get very often.

Enjoy!

 

[peterjmaerz]

No one is safe on foot along the roadways in Dominica. Walking into town is especially dangerous. It's OK to go on foot in Roseau proper, but still be careful. I wouldn't rent a car--too easy to make a mistake with nowhere to go (except into crowds of locals in town and STRAIGHT down in the mountains) if you do.

I'd have to say that, as for the above, this depends on your level of experience/comfort in third world travel. To say that "no one is safe" on foot, I believe, is an overstatement. You do want to be alert and, yes, there are lots of speeding, careening pickup trucks and the like but with due caution, one should be OK. It is nice to come upon a lively dominoes game set up on a card table on the sidewalk into town and have some interaction with the local folks who, I found, always respond to a friendly smile and hello.

As for driving, I rented a jeep during both my visits to Dominica. Navigating can be challenging (few road signs) but there are survey maps available at a little shop in town that are incredibly detailed. With one of those and a working odometer, one can find any landmark on the island from the most obscure hiking trail to some of the gorgeous, hidden towns on the east side of the island.

There are very deep, open concrete runoff channels on the sides of the road in the towns and with the narrowness of the roads, some comfort with narrow tolerances is required.

The longest straightaway on the island is about 3/4 of a mile. The roads are incredibly twisty but certainly navigable. Do as the locals due and toot your horn before approaching a blind corner. Keep your eyes on the road (a challenge with the breathtaking views presenting themselves at many turns), take your time and you'll be fine.

I found the most difficult aspect of driving on the left to be leaving a parking lot and remembering to look to my right before pulling out.

Regards,

 

[buisonkoss]

I am hearing varying reports whether people should rent a car and drive or take taxis. We are going at XMAS with our 2 teenagers and 2 other relatives making us a group of 6. The taxi fare from the airport to Roseau is supposed to be $50US per person. By my calculations this means that it will cost us $600 US or $800Canadian just for taxi fare from the airport and back. We can rent a car for 2 weeks for about that. Does anyone know if there are group rates for the taxis?

We did drive in St. Lucia which also has the runoff channels. We saw one car's tire go into one. A bunch of townspeople ran out and lifted the car back onto the road in no time. It must happen frequently. Perhaps it is the same in Dominica.

 

[peterjmaerz]

I am hearing varying reports whether people should rent a car and drive or take taxis. We are going at XMAS with our 2 teenagers and 2 other relatives making us a group of 6. The taxi fare from the airport to Roseau is supposed to be $50US per person. By my calculations this means that it will cost us $600 US or $800Canadian just for taxi fare from the airport and back. We can rent a car for 2 weeks for about that. Does anyone know if there are group rates for the taxis?

We did drive in St. Lucia which also has the runoff channels. We saw one car's tire go into one. A bunch of townspeople ran out and lifted the car back onto the road in no time. It must happen frequently. Perhaps it is the same in Dominica.

The drive from Melville Hall (where most international flights arrive) to Roseau is long and pretty complicated. Without a good map (not the brochure kind)--almost hopeless. I wouldn't advise jumping right into a rental vehicle for that trip. However, I remember paying much less of a transfer fee for my stays at, respectively, Castle Comfort and the Papillotte. Then again, I travel alone.....

You'll find a number of relatively inexpensive rental agencies in Roseau. Rent a four-wheel drive vehicle if you go that route.

Best,

 

[rcohn]

From my Dominica experience, it is a very good destination for a group trip. Just hop on the bus and relax. Also easier to negotiate with guide when in a group and you have people to help if someone is inured on a hike.

Ralph

 

[Jersey Guy]

I'd suggest renting a car. It really opens up much more of the island to easy exploration. Besides, taxi rides are expensive.

Yes, the roads are often bumpy, twisty, narrow, steep and sometimes perched on cliffsides -- just be extra careful, take it slow and avoid a lot of rural nighttime driving (Driving around Roseau and Castel Comfort at night was no problem). I was surprised how quickly I became used to driving on the "other" side of the road. I'd also suggest avoiding some of the roads recently constructed on Dominica's southern Atlantic side. A few just peter out, leaving drivers to reverse to a spot wide enough to turn around.

As far as getting around on foot, again, my wife and I had no trouble hoofing it from Castle Comfort to Roseau. We met nice folks. Bought a few provisions here and there. Despite the grinding poverty, the folks of Dominica were almost to a person warm and respectful. We never felt threatened, by Dominicans nor the cars that can pass --admittedly -- rather closeby.