Roseau: 5 Jan 2009

Dubbed the “Nature Island,” Dominica is celebrated for its array of activities for nature enthusiasts. Hikers are drawn to the primordial rainforest in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, while divers and snorkelers will find plenty of underwater treasures just offshore. Although the beaches are not up to the usual standard of the Caribbean, there are dozens of fresh water rivers, waterfalls and hot springs in which to swim and relax. Kayaking and bird watching are among the additional alternatives.

Dominica was the last Caribbean island to be colonized by Europeans, due in equal parts to its rugged terrain and fierce resistance by its native Carib Indians. In fact, the Caribbean’s largest concentration of eponymous indigenous people live on a large reservation on the island’s northeast side.