Dominica continues to prove itself as a top Caribbean destination. With increased interest in The Nature Island and demand for its distinctive tourism offerings, Dominica is welcoming travellers this autumn and winter with new destination experiences, seasonal hotel specials and additional airlift.
“With the World Creole Music Festival just around the corner, we’re thrilled to be able to offer visitors more robust hotel packages and activities,” said Hon. Denise Charles, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism. “It’s been an impressive year for Dominica in terms of accolades, from being named the top island in the Caribbean in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the second year in a row, to being recognised in Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places for 2023. We’re looking forward to finishing the year strong and keeping the momentum going into 2024.
DESTINATION EXPERIENCES
Although it’s known as The Nature Island, Dominica offers visitors some of the most amazing destination experiences below the water. From swimming in thermal springs to unique wall dives, the underwater landscapes around Dominica are as lush as the island itself. There are a number of operators offering diving experiences, including Dive Dominica, Nature Island Dive and Cabrits Dive Center, and now Fort Young, an oceanfront hotel in Dominica’s capital Roseau, is making it easy for visitors to stay and dive at the same location with its newly expanded dive operation.
In addition to diving, Dominica’s sperm whales are also receiving a lot of attention as the government is working on a conservation plan, 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 seen all year round, whale watching is a popular activity. Swimming with the whales is also an option, However, it has traditionally been extremely difficult to plan and book, so several of the island’s hotels are now making it easy for guests by offering hotel packages that include this exclusive experience and the necessary permits.
From 1 to 10 December, award-winning wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum will lead a whale encounter experience for a small group of guests. Guests can choose to stay for five or seven nights, and each package includes breakfast, a three-course lunch and four-course dinner on the day of arrival, transportation to and from the airport or port, transportation to and from the dive boat, daily instructor-led yoga, half-day snorkeling/kayaking in the Soufriere Marine Reserve and an on-property presentation by Amos Nachoum.
In partnership with award-winning underwater photographer Nadia Aly, the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is offering a series of Sperm Whale Swims now through 2024, with the next tour taking place from 16-27 December 2023. Tours are available for six or 10 days, allowing guests to opt for the longer option and explore the island on land.