Dominica Travel Facts for Yachts

Fact File for Dominica

The Caribbean island of Dominica is a scenic blend of immense volcanic peaks, spouting mountain streams, lush tropical forests and impetuous geysers. A calm exotic retreat with welcoming locals, “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” still remains off the radar for a lot of tourists, which makes it a perfect region for a family-charter getaway.

COORDINATES: 15º25N, 61º20W

LANGUAGE: English (official), French Creole (widely spoken)

CAPITAL: Roseau

WEATHER: Tropical rainforest climate tempered by northeast trade winds. Daytime temperatures vary from 26C (79F) in January to 32C (90F) in June. The wet season occurs from June to October.

BEST TIME TO CHARTER: December-April

AIRPORTS: Dominica is served by two small airports, of which Melville Hall (DOM) near Marigot in the NW is the larger one.

CURRENCY: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD); major establishments accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express and there are ATMs on the island.

ELECTRICITY: 230 V, 50 Hz

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

1 Jan - New Year's Day
Feb/Mar - Carnival Monday, Carnival Tuesday
Mar/Apr - Good Friday, Easter Monday
1st Mon in May - Labor Day
May/Jun - Whit Monday
1st Mon in Aug - Emancipation Day
3 Nov - Independence Day
4 Nov - Community Service Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day

MAIN PORTS AND MARINAS: Roseau, Portsmouth

RECOMMENDED BEACHES: The shores around Portsmouth feature small coves with near-deserted stretches of sand, sun and waves.

CULTURAL: Casual dress is usual and evening clothes are also informal, although conservative. One of the most dominant social influences is the Catholic Church. Visitors should ask locals for permission before taking their photograph.