Traveling by car is the most convenient way to explore Dominica, but it can be quite stressful to even the most confident drivers because of the terrain, poor road conditions and local driving practices. Though the island is relatively small, attractions are spread out, and the winding, narrow roads make for difficult and nauseating drives. Proceed with caution through the mountains and over the many potholed streets, and remember to drive on the left.

You will need to buy a driving permit, which costs about $12 and is available at all rental agencies, the airport and the Traffic Department office in downtown Roseau.

Several international agencies plus a few reputable local ones have offices in a separate building right outside the airport terminal. Because of poor road conditions, it’s well worth investing in a high-clearance vehicle, preferably a (small) 4WD, especially if you’re going to be exploring the mountains. Some agencies have offices in Roseau, the capital city. Daily rates start at about $25 per day for sedans and about $50 for 4WDs, plus 15% VAT; many of the local agencies give discounts for rentals longer than two days. All companies offer free pickups and drop-offs, unlimited mileage and cell-phone rentals.

We recommend traveling by taxi because even the island’s residents are sometimes too scared to navigate its tricky roads. Taxis are also a lot more comfortable than the buses. You can hire a taxi at both airports or at most hotels and guesthouses. Prices are regulated but rather expensive. If you want a sightseeing tour around the island, drivers usually charge anywhere from about $70 to $90, but you can negotiate a special price if you ride with other passengers. If you’re looking to hire a taxi in the evening, your best bet is to call ahead as taxis can be hard to find at night. Taxis are identified by their license plates; H, HA or HB usually precede the registration numbers on the number plates. Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber, do not operate in Dominica.

The public transportation system, which mainly consists of minibus operators, can be an affordable way to get around. Government-licensed private minivans with number plates starting with ‘H’ serve communities on an erratic schedule along the main roads. All routes originate at various stops in downtown Roseau. Fares range between $0.50 and $4, but the expensive taxis are significantly more reliable. Buses will stop anywhere on the main street as long as you can flag it down. Buses are not reliable for night travel.

The `Nature Isle of the Caribbean` is Dominica known for its verdant natural landscapes featuring dramatic volcanoes and the highest mountains in the Eastern Caribbean. The island is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity and is famed for the second-largest hot spring in the world Boiling Lake, nestled in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. This primordial rainforest is the island’s crown jewel filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Victoria Waterfall, Boeri Lake, Titou Gorge, and the steaming Valley of Desolation. Lush verdant rainforests cover the interior of the island and lead to hidden majestic waterfalls like the impressive Victoria Falls formed by the White River cascading over the cliffs into a stunning warm pool, gushing rivers, calm lakes, and steamy hot springs. This island oasis has a rocky coastline with sheltered black sand beaches where diving and snorkeling are popular offshore activities.

Roseau is the colorful capital decorated by West Indian cottages, and modern buildings, a Romanesque church, the bustling Old Market, and a waterfront seaside promenade and vibrant breathtaking Botanic Gardens and the interesting Dominica Museum. Authentic shopping opportunities, and local restaurants specializing in fresh flavorful dishes await. Attend Dominica`s lively festivals and celebrate the nation`s music, heritage and food, Carnival, DOMFESTA, Dive Fest and The World Music Creole Festival are among a few of the famed island celebrations. Champagne Reef is the island’s famous dive and snorkel site with thousands of underwater bubbles caused by the geothermal activity beneath the rocks.

Domnica Island also known as the `The Nature Island of the Caribbean`, is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean with 365 Rivers, 9 Volcanos, and 70,000 people. Dominica is wild, it feels untouched, with its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna. It is not a Caribbean Island you visit to relax on a beach (although there are plenty of opportunities to do so) it is an island for adventure for nature and for some very friendly locals! It is a must-visit Caribbean island!

The climate in Dominica is subtropical and hot with daily average temperatures that range from the low 80s in the winter to the high 80s during the summer months. The weather is always cooled off by the sea breezes and rainfall can be heavy in the mountainous regions. The best time to visit is October to January with lower hotel prices, low humidity, and outside of the rainy season. June to November is hurricane season and the islands peak hurricane season is between late August and early September.

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