I went to Dominica last month (in the lesser antilles, not The Dominican
Republic). Here are some points to consider:
1. A good place if you are into natural history. Rain forests, coral reefs,
evidences of volcanic activity (hot springs, boiling lake, etc.) The
botanical gardens on the west side of Roseau are fun to visit if you are
interested in botany, there is a wonderful ficus tree there, and many other
indigenous, and introduced tropical tree specimens. Plus you can get a
bottle of that yummy Caribbean style coca cola that is sweetened with
sucrose rather than fructose (local entreprenuers set up little stands at
various spots around town when the cruise ships are in town, sometimes twice
a day during the high season).
2. If undecided as to accomodations, try Fort Young in Roseau. Top notch
and not too expensive.
3. Local cuisine is abs. exquisite.
4. Taxi from Melville hall airport to Roseau is $60 US, but if you take the
hotel shuttle van, it is only $20 US.
5. Easiest way to get there is fly into San Juan
PR, then take a prop plane
to Dominica via one of the smaller Caribbean based airlines (Liat, Caribbean
Sun, etc.) Make sure to get to San Juan two hours before connecting flight.
6. Bring a camera.
7. If you are physically fit, and like a good hike, get a tour guide to take
you to the boiling lake, 7 hours round trip. I walked up into the rain
forest alone, and enjoyed it but, feel like It would have been better to
shell out the $60 US for a guide. Nevertheless, the vegetation was awesome,
banana trees, coconut palms, cacao trees, mango trees, papaya trees, bamboo.
Everywhere were cute little lizards scooting around, and hummingbirds as
thick as mosquitos (an exageration, but to make a point). I think they were
antillean crested hummingbirds.
8. I found a cool rock, It looks like it has little inclusions of
tourmaline, or perhaps some feldspar related mineral.
9. Save $20 US for when you leave. There is a departure tax.
Dominica report 
