December 8, 2024, 5:27 am | Read time: 7 minutes
“Island of nature” is what the people of Dominica say when they talk about their homeland. And they have other names for the island, which is only 46.4 kilometers long and 25.6 kilometers wide, between the Caribbean and the Atlantic: Ouaitocoubouli or Wai’tukubuli, which means “your body is high” – and anyone who has ever been to Dominica knows immediately what is meant by this: the many mighty mountains that shape the profile of the island. All information for travelers on destinations and sights, country data, climate, and more.
Dominica, located between Martinique and Guadeloupe, is part of the Lesser Antilles and one of the “Windward Islands”. And that is less romantic than it sounds: the name refers to the islands where the north-east trade winds prevail and ensure a humid climate. A little further south are the “Leeward Islands”, which have a dry climate.
Dominica benefits from the humidity, which gives the island lush vegetation, but suffers from the recurring hurricanes. However, the island’s landscape is spectacular. One of the most important natural attractions is the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997. The dormant volcano Morne Trois Pitons is the center of the park, which is home to the second-largest fumarole in the world, Boiling Lake. Dense rainforest covers the landscape in the national park, where most of the island’s 1,200 plant species grow. Reptiles such as the giant “Mountain Chickens” – which are not chickens but frogs – also live here. Dominica is also home to mammals and many birds, including the rare Sisserou parrot.
Incidentally, Dominica was discovered by European sailors on November 3, 1493, by Christopher Columbus. He named the island after the day of the week on which he discovered it, a Sunday. The island, which was part of the British and French colonies for a long time, has been independent since November 3, 1978. Gentle ecotourism has been developed in Dominica since 2002. You won’t find any large hotel complexes there. However, the island has to contend with the fact that some tourists are put off by the fact that, unlike other Caribbean islands such as Jamaica or Cuba, most of its beaches consist of black volcanic sand. However, this does not detract from its charm.
Visitors to Dominica can fly to the capital, Roseau, from many European cities with connections through Barbados, Miami, and other hubs. Travelers should also remember to bring mosquito repellent, as there is a risk of dengue fever in Dominica. The German Foreign Office also recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A and, for longer stays, against typhoid, rabies, and hepatitis B. Welcome to Dominica.
Overview
Profile
| Region | Caribbean, Central America |
| Capital city | Roseau |
| Time difference | -5 hours; UTC-4 |
| Area | 754 km² |
| Population | 73.040 |
| Language spoken | English, Antillean Creole |
| Currencies | Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Visa & entry | German nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. |
The Top 10 Travel Destinations in Dominica
Dominica has small towns and a number of fishing villages, some of which are ideal starting points for exploring the Caribbean island state and its nature. Click through our picture gallery with the top 10 travel destinations in Dominica.
The Top 10 Sights in Dominica
The Caribbean island of Dominica offers vacationers a number of sights, especially natural ones. These include various waterfalls, an old fort, lakes, reefs, and more. Click through our picture gallery with the top 10 sights in Dominica.
The Top 10 Activities in Dominica
There are many natural phenomena to discover in Dominica. Accordingly, hiking, walking, and diving are among the most popular activities. These lead through rainforests, to whales, to indigenous cultures, and to various places all over the Caribbean island. Click through our picture gallery with the top 10 activities in Dominica.
Dominica Map
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Weather and Climate
The climate in Dominica is tropical maritime, and, as one of the “Windward Islands”, the Caribbean island is influenced by the north-east trade winds. It is one of the wettest islands in the Caribbean, with most of the rain falling in the higher, mountainous areas inland. The rainy season in Dominica is between July and October. In addition to intense rainfall near the coast, hurricanes can also be expected on the island between June and November. The island is also located in a seismically active zone, which means that earthquakes can sometimes occur. Temperatures on Dominica are fairly stable all year round at around 26 degrees. It cools down slightly at night.
(Text contribution: Silke Böttcher)