Dominica question

Hello Everyone,

I will be spending a day in Dominica (Roseau) in December on a cruise.
I am interested in suggestions about what to see and cost of a taxi tour
of the island, rather than taking the ship's excursion.

I appreciate your help.

Laura

Depending upon how much time you have, I would recommend you find
someone to take you down to Lydiaville with a stop on the way to swim
in "champagne." The Singing Stones, Scott's Head, and the snorkeling
there are wonderful.

If you're more jungle oriented, try Morne Trois Pitons or the Layou
River Valley.

On Thu, 18 Nov 2004 12:43:50 -0500, Laura Billmers <billmers@rcn.com>
wrote:

>Hello Everyone,
>
>I will be spending a day in Dominica (Roseau) in December on a cruise.
>I am interested in suggestions about what to see and cost of a taxi tour
>of the island, rather than taking the ship's excursion.
>
>I appreciate your help.
>
>Laura

Laura Billmers <billmers@rcn.com> wrote:

>I will be spending a day in Dominica (Roseau) in December on a cruise.
>I am interested in suggestions about what to see and cost of a taxi tour
>of the island, rather than taking the ship's excursion.

It depends a lot on how much time you have. Most of the ship and
probably others will be at Emerald Pool, which though special, isn't
so nice when it's full of people.

A paddle (by guide in small unpowered rowboat) up the Indian River
is nice and relaxing, to a little cafe up in the jungle. It's a
bit far from Roseau unfortunately. On the opposite side of the
island is the Carib territory and rugged atlantic beaches, nice
for beachcombing. The Carib area is interesting with huts and
tidy gardens, and they have very nice crafts like baskets and
carvings, worth a visit. I'm also told swimming in some rivers
(esp. en route to the carib territory side) can be very special
[the beaches aren't especially up to much]. A nice outing might
be to the carib territory, a bit of beachcombing, then a river
swim before returning to the ship. But then, I'm into things
that don't involve many people!

The gardens are also a nice walk, especially if you tie in
with a walk around the big waterfalls.

--
Ken Tough

Hi -
I've read many interesting, well-written and helpful posts on
Dominica on this group. I have a few questions. I'm going to be in
Dominica from April 1st to April 5th and plan to spend 2 nights at the
coast and 2 nights in the rain forest. I wish I had more time for the
trip but that's all I can do this trip.
One thing is I'm traveling on a budget - I was hoping to not spend
more than U.S. $60 per night including taxes on a room for one person.
Perhaps there are even decent rooms (nothing fancy!) for cheaper than
that.
For the beach part of my trip, I was hoping to stay near the ocean
in a peaceful, quiet place - no traffic noise, etc. I was hoping for a
sandy beach - it can be a small beach (the more isolated the better),
and the sand can be any color. I was hoping for good snorkeling
somewhere nearby. I was considering staying at Scott's Head near
Soufriere but perhaps someone has other suggestions. Roseau is too big
a city for what I'm looking for. Soufriere may be too big as well -
I wouldn't know. Scott's Head sounds like it might be a smaller,
more quiet town near a town with more activity (Soufriere) for when
I'm in the mood for that. Also any suggestions of a quiet place to
stay (hotel/motel/guest house/cabin etc.) and their website/contact
info would be great. A separate cabin rather than part of a bigger
building would be great but not necessary.
For the 2 nights I plan to stay in the rainforest, I'm thinking of
staying somewhere near Laudat, for example at Papillote or else at
Roxy's Mountain Lodge. I think Papillote has a small, basic room in
my price range but perhaps Roxy's would be better.
I was thinking of doing short, relaxing hikes to peaceful
waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, through the rain forest, etc. This
means I'm not planning to do a full-day hike to a place like Boiling
Lake on this short trip although that hike sounds fascinating! Just
some short hikes to places with not too many people to relax in a hot
spring, swim in a waterfall, see wildlife and rainforests, etc. Any
recommendations on this, perhaps for places in the general Laudat area,
or even another place such as in the Northern Forest Reserve?
I'm also interested in how one gets to and from the airport
to/from places like Laudat and Soufriere (if I end up staying there) on
a budget. I've heard a taxi is $60 each way but is it easy to find a
person or two people to share a cab with? Perhaps there are cheaper
shuttles connected with some of these hotels? Public buses?
Also, for this time of year (early April), how necessary is it for a
room to have air conditioning? This question might have different
answers for up at a high altitude such as near Laudat, or near the
coast. Is a fan enough? What if a room has no screens on the
windows/no mosquito nets for the bed? Are mosquitoes that much of a
problem? This question, again, might have a different answer for on
the coast and up in the rain forest at a higher altitude. I wouldn't
mind using a mosquito coil and actual prefer not to use air
conditioning unless it's truly necessary.
For early April (which seems kind of "high season"), what would
my chances be of finding a cheap, decent room near the coast and up in
the mountains around Laudat once I get there? Perhaps there are many
cheap, quiet, nice places to stay once I get there. Or would you
recommend booking all rooms in advance?
Is there anything you didn't take to Dominica that you wish you
had packed? Any recommendations for a packing list?
How would you recommend handling money for a short trip like this?
Perhaps it's easy to get US $ or EC$ out of an ATM with a US debit
card? Perhaps bring plenty of cash? Perhaps use traveler's checks?
Are traveler's checks a hassle to get cashed?

Thanks in advance for all the help! In addition to answering this
post you can also email me directly at cbaxter@informars.com

--Chris Baxter

On 28 Feb 2006 18:03:50 -0800, "Payaso" <cbaxter@informars.com> wrote:

>Hi -
> I've read many interesting, well-written and helpful posts on
>Dominica on this group. I have a few questions. I'm going to be in
>Dominica from April 1st to April 5th and plan to spend 2 nights at the
>coast and 2 nights in the rain forest. I wish I had more time for the
>trip but that's all I can do this trip.
> One thing is I'm traveling on a budget - I was hoping to not spend
>more than U.S. $60 per night including taxes on a room for one person.
>Perhaps there are even decent rooms (nothing fancy!) for cheaper than
>that.
> For the beach part of my trip, I was hoping to stay near the ocean
>in a peaceful, quiet place - no traffic noise, etc. I was hoping for a
>sandy beach - it can be a small beach (the more isolated the better),
>and the sand can be any color.

Only true sandy beach in Dominica is up north in Portsmouth.
Everything else is pretty much rocks, unless you count the Atlantic
side where the currents make it extremely unsafe to swim not to
mention it's so rough, you'll be tired out in no time.

>I was hoping for good snorkeling
>somewhere nearby. I was considering staying at Scott's Head near
>Soufriere but perhaps someone has other suggestions. Roseau is too big
>a city for what I'm looking for. Soufriere may be too big as well -
>I wouldn't know. Scott's Head sounds like it might be a smaller,
>more quiet town near a town with more activity (Soufriere) for when
>I'm in the mood for that. Also any suggestions of a quiet place to
>stay (hotel/motel/guest house/cabin etc.) and their website/contact
>info would be great. A separate cabin rather than part of a bigger
>building would be great but not necessary.

Rouseau is not too big for anyone. I stayed in Castle Comfort (a mile
south of Rouseau) twice at the Evergreen. Very nice. For Scott's Head,
you'd be in Lydiaville; not sure what accommodations are available
there, but the singing stones are not to be missed as is the
snorkeling at Scott's Head. As long as you're in the area, go swim in
the champagne (gas bubbles coming up through the sea
floor--unforgettable). Midway between Castle Comfort and Scott's Head.

> For the 2 nights I plan to stay in the rainforest, I'm thinking of
>staying somewhere near Laudat, for example at Papillote or else at
>Roxy's Mountain Lodge. I think Papillote has a small, basic room in
>my price range but perhaps Roxy's would be better.
> I was thinking of doing short, relaxing hikes to peaceful
>waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, through the rain forest, etc. This
>means I'm not planning to do a full-day hike to a place like Boiling
>Lake on this short trip although that hike sounds fascinating! Just
>some short hikes to places with not too many people to relax in a hot
>spring, swim in a waterfall, see wildlife and rainforests, etc. Any
>recommendations on this, perhaps for places in the general Laudat area,
>or even another place such as in the Northern Forest Reserve?

Try the Layou River. Some enterprising local built the equivalent of a
hot tub (complete with plug) over a spot where warm water comes up.
Swim in the river while the tub fills, then enjoy! However, be aware
that you will be dealing with walking through lots and lots of thick,
heavy mud. Bring appropriate footwear. Or buy there.

> I'm also interested in how one gets to and from the airport
>to/from places like Laudat and Soufriere (if I end up staying there) on
>a budget. I've heard a taxi is $60 each way but is it easy to find a
>person or two people to share a cab with? Perhaps there are cheaper
>shuttles connected with some of these hotels? Public buses?

Depends. You flying in to Canefield or Melville? Canefield is much
more convenient. Melville is way out to hell and gone; hence the high
fares. Yes, you can easily pool with others. Driving in Dominica can
be an adventure in itself.

> Also, for this time of year (early April), how necessary is it for a
>room to have air conditioning? This question might have different
>answers for up at a high altitude such as near Laudat, or near the
>coast. Is a fan enough? What if a room has no screens on the
>windows/no mosquito nets for the bed? Are mosquitoes that much of a
>problem? This question, again, might have a different answer for on
>the coast and up in the rain forest at a higher altitude. I wouldn't
>mind using a mosquito coil and actual prefer not to use air
>conditioning unless it's truly necessary.

If you're on the coast, you'll be quite comfortable with the sea
breezes. At some altitude, you might be too cold.

> For early April (which seems kind of "high season"), what would
>my chances be of finding a cheap, decent room near the coast and up in
>the mountains around Laudat once I get there? Perhaps there are many
>cheap, quiet, nice places to stay once I get there. Or would you
>recommend booking all rooms in advance?

Personally, I'd have my rez in advance. OTOH, you might be fine
without.

> Is there anything you didn't take to Dominica that you wish you
>had packed? Any recommendations for a packing list?

Pack light. Once you're there, anything you might need is easily
obtained.

> How would you recommend handling money for a short trip like this?
>Perhaps it's easy to get US $ or EC$ out of an ATM with a US debit
>card? Perhaps bring plenty of cash? Perhaps use traveler's checks?
>Are traveler's checks a hassle to get cashed?

TCs are not a hassle. The US$ is accepted just about everywhere.
>
> Thanks in advance for all the help! In addition to answering this
>post you can also email me directly at cbaxter@informars.com
>
>--Chris Baxter

Try not to miss the Carib Territory, Calibishie, Morne Trois Pitons,
the bay rum plantations. See the pythons. Eat mountain chicken.
Dominicans are probably second only in friendliness to Montserratians.

Enjoy your trip!

wester@laway.net wrote:

>Try not to miss the Carib Territory, Calibishie, Morne Trois Pitons,
>the bay rum plantations. See the pythons. Eat mountain chicken.

Don't eat the mountain chickens. The widespread fungus infection
is killing them off at a great rate, and they will probably be
extinct within a decade or two.


>Dominicans are probably second only in friendliness to Montserratians.

Hmm

--
Ken Tough

On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 22:50:34 GMT, Ken Tough <ken@objectech.co.uk>
wrote:

>wester@laway.net wrote:
>
>>Try not to miss the Carib Territory, Calibishie, Morne Trois Pitons,
>>the bay rum plantations. See the pythons. Eat mountain chicken.
>
>Don't eat the mountain chickens. The widespread fungus infection
>is killing them off at a great rate, and they will probably be
>extinct within a decade or two.
>

Huh? Source?

>
>>Dominicans are probably second only in friendliness to Montserratians.
>
>Hmm

My opinion. YMMV.