Last Updated on October 20, 2023
Dominica welcomes travelers this winter with new experiences, seasonal hotel specials, and additional air access. Dominica was named to “Travel + Leisure’s” “World’s Best Awards” as the top island in the Caribbean for the second year in a row, and “Time” magazine placed it on its “World’s Greatest Places” for 2023.
Diving and Whale Watching in Dominica
Although it’s known as The Nature Island, Dominica offers visitors amazing destination experiences below the water. From swimming in thermal springs to unique wall dives, underwater landscapes around Dominica are just as lush as the island itself. There are a number of operators who offer diving experiences including Dive Dominica, Nature Island Dive, and Cabrits Dive Center, and now, Fort Young, an oceanfront hotel located in Dominica’s capital of Roseau, makes it easy for visitors to stay and dive right from one site with their newly expanded dive operation.
As part of a larger upgrade (more information below), Fort Young has expanded its dive operation with the addition of two new dive boats and added a new one-of-a-kind shore dive, which is the only one offered in Dominica, to its long list of dive experiences.
In addition to diving, Dominica’s sperm whales have been receiving attention as the government is working on a conservation plan, which will be the first of its kind, to ensure that these majestic mammals continue to thrive while allowing visitors to safely and respectfully encounter these popular residents. As the only island in the Caribbean where these whales can be spotted year-round, whale watching tours are a popular excursion. Swimming with the whales is also an option, but it has traditionally been extremely difficult to plan and book, which is why several of the island’s hotels are now making it easy for guests by offering hotel packages that feature this exclusive experience and include the necessary permits.
From December 1st to December 10th, award-winning wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum will lead a whale encounter experience for a small group of guests at Coulibri Ridge resort. Guests can choose from a five- or seven-night stay, and each package includes breakfast, a three-course lunch and four-course dinner on arrival day, transportation to and from the airport or port, transportation to and from the dive boat, daily instructor-led yoga, half-day of snorkeling/kayaking in Soufriere Marine Reserve and an on-property presentation by Amos Nachoum.
For more information, visit www.coulibriridge.com or contact dominique@coulibriwridge.com.
In partnership with award winning underwater photographer Nadia Aly, InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is offering a series of sperm whale swims now through 2024 with the next tour coming up December 16-27, 2023. Tours are bookable for six or 10 days to allow the guest to opt for the longer option and explore the island on land as well.
For more information visit the resort’s website here.
Dominica Hotel Upgrades
Fort Young, a landmark waterfront “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” resort in Dominica’s capital, Roseau, is set to unveil a historic $18 million reimagination in November of 2023. The enhancements include 60 new rooms and several new amenities, as well as the modernization of the main hotel, which dates back to 1699 when it was built as a military fort.
The upgrades architecturally preserve elements of the 17th century fort and showcase iconic features from the original structure.
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa has recently launched two new resort packages for travelers, including, The Island Adventure, which includes daily breakfast for two, airport/port transfers and the opportunity to select from several tours showcasing local attractions. The Romance Package includes daily breakfast for two, airport/port transfers, a welcome amenity, a rejuvenating couples massage, a romantic Cabana dinner and an enchanting Indian riverboat ride.
Jungle Bay, an eco-resort known for having more than 100 varieties of edible plants throughout its lush grounds, is now inviting its guests the opportunity to harvest bananas from the property’s garden. Additionally, the resort has a new Adventure Wellness Package that allows guests to participate in unlimited activities, offered during their stay, at no additional cost. The package includes transfer service to and from the airport/port, accommodations in a private eco villa, organic meals inclusive of tropical juices, unlimited access to the resort’s activity schedule, half-hour spa treatments daily and yoga.
Flying to Dominica
In honor of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival and independence season, American Airlines has added additional flights from Miami to Dominica. Daily, non-stop flights will begin on October 24th and continue through November 15th. The American Airlines flight departing from Miami connects with flights from up to 42 cities in North America, making the island more accessible for travelers throughout the region.
For travelers using San Juan as a connecting point, Silver Airways offers a codeshare agreement with American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta and United when booking. Silver Airways will depart daily, except for Sundays, from San Juan through August 2024.
interCaribbean Airlines has added daily service from Barbados to Dominica ahead of the island’s World Creole Music festival and will maintain this schedule through the winter travel season. For travelers from St. Lucia or using St. Lucia as a connecting point, interCaribbean offers a daily service in a combination of nonstop and one-stop flights from St. Lucia to Dominica.
About Dominica
Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is the youngest Caribbean Island and the last to be colonized, ultimately earning its independence on November 3, 1978. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean.
If traveling by sea, travelers may connect to Dominica on L’Express des Iles ferry service from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia, and on Val’Ferry from Guadeloupe and Martinique.
