Dominica
Commonly known as The Nature Island, Dominica juts up from the glistening waters of the Caribbean to serve as a beacon for world revelers and travelers seeking solace in a place that time has forgotten. One of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean, the island is a verdant tapestry of lush rainforests, towering mountains, rushing rivers, welcoming waterfalls, and volcanic wonders—everything you need to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Resting in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean archipelago between Martinique and Guadeloupe, it’s officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica. Which is about as official as things get on The Nature Island.
You can find what you are looking for in Dominica, whether it is a rugged day of hiking, a heart-stirring day of diving, or a lazy afternoon relaxing on a veranda. The sounds of birds, the wind through the leaves, and the scenes unfound anywhere else will surround you. The people of Dominica will welcome you with open arms and offer you restorative days and relaxing nights. Visit our website
Dining
Being The Nature Island, you can expect vegetables, fruits and root crops in most restaurants.
Fresh fish, conch and crab backs, a Dominican specialty, are served with an eye toward sustainability. Sweet, ripe plantains and a cornmeal we call ‘kushkush’ are mainstays, as well as yams, breadfruit and chicken prepared in countless delectable ways.
Quick Facts
Language Spoken: English is the official language of Dominica; however a large portion of the population speaks Kwéyòl, which is based primarily on French and Carib vocabularies and a syntax borrowed from a variety of West African indigenous languages. A few northern villages use a distinctive English dialect called Kokoy.
Banking & Banking Hours: International banks that operate branches in Dominica include the Bank of Nova Scotia and First Caribbean International. Most banks are open from 8am to 2pm, Monday through Thursday, and open until 4pm on Fridays.
Currency: The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Banks will offer EC$2.68 for a US$1.00 traveller’s cheque. Everywhere on the island, businesses accept United States Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros.
Climate: Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island’s annual temperature averages 27C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island’s extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.
Dress Code: Relaxed and casual; comfortable, light-weight clothing is recommended. Note: camouflage clothing is illegal to wear.
Driving: Left side of road; valid Canadian driver’s license accepted.
Electricity: Dominica’s electrical services use 220/240 volts. Canadian appliances are quite popular but require adaptors for voltage conversion. Many accommodations offer both outlets, but it would be wise to receive confirmation from the specific establishment.
Timezone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (GMT-4). Daylight Savings is not observed.
Activities
Whether you’re looking for the best diving in the Caribbean, a hiking trip through the rainforest, or simply to soak up the sun and breathe in the fresh rainforest air, Dominica welcomes you!
The Nature Island has everything from extreme sports to eco tours, from spas to whale watching, plus the Morne Trois Pitons National Park—the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean. We also feature the World’s Second Largest Boiling Lake.
Furthermore, we are the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean, as sperm whales reside with us year-round. No matter what you choose to do, Dominica offers an authentic adventure amid the unforgettable magic of nature unspoiled.
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
American Airlines flies directly from Miami International Airport to Douglas-Charles Airport in Dominica.
Flights are also connected to the island through hubs in Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI), Martinique (FDF), St. Maarten (SXM), Puerto Rico (SJU), Guadeloupe (PTP), and Trinidad (POS).
From Canada, getting here is as easy as 1, 2, 3.:
Make a one-stop connection from a major Canadian city served by American Airlines to Miami International Airport.
- Take a direct American Airlines flight from Miami International Airport to Dominica.
- American Airlines currently offers daily, non-stop flights to Dominica on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Make a one-stop connection through San Juan, Puerto Rico, into Dominica from Mondays to Sundays.
Connect through other Caribbean hubs, including Barbados (BGI), Trinidad & Tobago (POS), Antigua (ANU), St. Maarten (SXM), and several others.
Entry Requirements for Canadians
Canadians travelling to Dominica do not require a visa for stays up to six months. They do, however, require valid passports and proof of onward travel or a return ticket. It is always recommended that passports be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Dominica.
All travellers to Dominica are required to complete and submit an Immigration/Customs Passenger Declaration Form. The form is now available online and is required for entry to the island. Visitors can access the form at https://edcard.dominica.gov.dm/
For additional information, consult your Travel Advisor or The Government of Canada’s Entry and Exit Requirements: English / French
Long Stays
Coming Soon
Getting Married
Say “I do” with a backdrop of nature! The Nature Island of Dominica is one of the most exotic and romantic escapes in the Caribbean. Wedding locations range from the top of one of our lush green mountains, alongside the crystal clear waters of a towering waterfall, or one of our fresh water lakes or the stunning Botanical Gardens.
Book your Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon package through a hotel of your choice or enlist the assistance of a wedding consultant to ensure your wedding & honeymoon is hassle-free. Dominica has an abundance of indoor and outdoor venues to host your dream wedding!
Applying for a marriage license in Dominica is easy and further details can be found at Learn more
Cultural/Annual Events
Dominica features a number of exciting events, including Dominica’s Carnival in February, also known as “The Real Mas”; Dive Fest in July; and World Creole Musical Festival in October, dubbed “The Festival That Never Sleeps”.
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
The Government of Dominica observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Monday + Tuesday, February 16 + 17, 2026 – Carnival Monday and Tuesday
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, May 4, 2026 – May Day / Labour Day
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Pentecost Monday / Whit Monday
Monday, August 3, 2026 – Emancipation Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – Independence Day
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 – National Day of Community Service
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
Medical Information
Dominica has a public hospital, government health centres and private medical centres. More information is available on their website. Learn more
Hospitals
Dominica China Friendship Hospital (formerly Princess Margaret Hospital)
Roseau, Dominica
Open 24 hours
Phone: 767-448-2231
Portsmouth Hospital
Portsmouth, Dominica
Open 24 hours
Phone: 767-445-5360; 767-266-5606
Justin Fadipe Hospital
Cuba Rd., Mero, Dominica
Phone: 767-449-6711
Marigot Hospital
Marigot
Phone: 767-266-2800
Grand Bay Hospital
Grand Bay
Phone: 767-446-3706
Government Health Centres (all open 8am to 4pm)
Newtown Health Center
18 Victoria St., Roseau
Hours: 8am – 6pm daily, closed on Sundays
Ph: 767-266-4727
Mahaut Health Centres
Mahaut
Hours: M-F 8am – 2pm, closed on weekends
Ph: 767-266-4051
Triage Health Ltd.
Corner Great George St. and Hillsborough St.
Roseau, Dominica
M-F: 7am to 5pm, S: 8am – 1pm, Su-closed (on call service only)
Ph: 767-616-2273
Email: health@triage.ltd
Website: https://www.triage.ltd
FOR EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES (located in Roseau):
The Family Dental Practice
Phone: 767-449-9550
St. Georges Dental Clinic Inc.
Phone: 767-295-3148
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is no hyperbaric chamber in Dominica. If you require treatment for decompression illness, you will have to go to either Guadeloupe or Martinique.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from Canada.
Airport Services
Dominica / Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) offers the following:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps
Learn more | Link to Executive Lounge
Roseau Cruise Ship Berth (Roseau)
If you are arriving by ship, any services required will be arranged by your cruise line. Services available at the port include:
- Accessible Washrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
- Wheelchair Assistance: available from your cruise line representatives
- Elevators and ramps are available
Transportation and Activities
Accessibility
At Secret Bay, the award-winning property has partnered with Open Doors Organization (ODO), a renowned non-profit dedicated to improving access for people with disabilities in travel and tourism. Through comprehensive upgrades and customised offerings, Secret Bay is committed to redefining accessible luxury on the Nature Island.
Dominica’s efforts to accommodate all travelers include making taxis wheelchair accessible. While standard taxis can fit foldable wheelchairs, specialized services are recommended for those who must remain in their wheelchairs during transit.
Activities
From transportation to eco-trips to private snorkel tours and more, Dominica features a list of guides and tour operators that offer a wealth of local knowledge. Visit https://discoverdominica.com/en/tour-operators
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Dominica, please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
