Dominica: Day Trips

The most common day trips here are to islands in the proximity of Dominica, all with their own sets of hotels, restaurants, shops, and dive spots. While yachting from place to place is fairly common, ferry service is quite efficient as well. Although it is possible to skip over to another island for the day, many people choose to spend a few days at a time exploring these neighboring islets.

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Guadeloupe Guadeloupe is made up of two main islands separated by a narrow channel: the hilly Grande-Terre with its many sugar plantations to the east and the mountainous Basse-Terre to the west. Highlights include fine Creole cooking, women who still wear brightly colored traditional dresses and elaborate hats, a strong literary history, turquoise waters, and fine beaches. 2 hours 15 minutes by high-speed ferry to Pointe-à-Pitre (65 miles north of Dominica); www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
beach | culinary | historic | outdoors | traditional

Martinique Exploring the most French island in all of the West Indies is as easy as hopping on the the L'Express des Isles high speed catamaran ferry from Roseau. Make the trip for Martinique’s crystalline white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, fine dining, and, of course, to see the famous Mount Pelée volcano. 1 hour 15 minutes by high speed ferry to Fort de France (50 miles south of Dominica); www.martinique.org
beach | culture | romantic | outdoors

Whale Watching Sign up with Anchorage Dive Center for a 3.5-hour trip out to see sperm whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, and dolphins (the coast of Dominica is one of the best places in the Caribbean to encounter them). With no laws regulating distance from the creatures, boats sometimes get within mere feet from the friendly finned creatures. Anchorage Dive Centre; 767-448-2639; www.anchoragehotel.dm
family | wildlife | smart splurge | outdoors