TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
WHICH AIRPORT? First time travelers should be aware that there are two airports on Dominica. It is not unusual to arrive at one airport and leave from the second. Many travel agents will not be familiar with Dominica. Confirm with you agent about your arrival and departure locations. Your airline tickets will probably use the three-letter airport codes listed below. This information might be useful to adjust your travel plans. Travel time from airport to airport is approximately one hour due largely to the topography of the island. Canefield Airport (airport code: DCF) is located on the southwest side of the Island near the capitol city of Roseau. This is the smaller of the two airfields.
Melville Hall Airport (airport code: DOM) is the larger airport located on the northeast side of the Island, just north of Marigot.
Previously, our airline travel took the better part of the day. Arriving at San Juan and transferring to Martinique. The next leg of the trip normally takes us to Canefield. The return trip has always been from Melville Hall to Antigua, with a nice 5 hour layover - plenty of time to dine and shop in St. Johns. Then fly to San Juan for a connecting flight back to the states.
Since our previous trip, American Airlines has a direct connection between San Juan and Dominica, landing at Melville Hall, using American Eagle for the transfer.
Upon landing at the Airport, head directly towards the terminal unless you had luggage stowed in one of the holds as you boarded the aircraft. Transfer luggage will be taken directly into the terminal. Wait in line, have your passport checked and then retrieve your luggage. Then head over towards the customs checked - make sure you stand behind the line (which is probably buried beneath luggage) and wait you turn. Once your luggage is checked, an attendant in the terminal will arrange transportation for you.
DEPARTURE TAX: As with all of the Caribbean Islands, there is a departure tax if you remain on an island for more than 24 hours. The Departure Tax was $20.00 EC.
CURRENCY: The currency of the Island is Eastern Caribbean or EC. $1.00 U.S. is approximately $2.65 EC. U.S. currency is commonly (universally?) accepted but if you want the flavor of EC currency and coins, visit one of the banks in the major cities such as Roseau and Portsmouth.
CLIMATE: Average daytime temperatures range from 24 degrees C/75 degrees F to 29 degrees C/85 degrees F. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Cooler temperatures are to be found in the mountains of course. The driest season is from January to April and the rainy season is from July to October.
The prevailing winds are from the east, hence the Atlantic or eastern shore is usually moister than the Caribbean shore especially during the dry season. This will be reflected in the vegetation at sea level. As moist air rises over the eastern flanks, clouds begin to form over the center of the island, often by 10 AM and rainfall will commence soon thereafter, especially up in the higher elevations - the RAINforest. One the Caribbean shore, this creates a rainshadow and the edge of the shadow will expands and contracts throughout the day. For sunbathing, the rainshadow often arrives in mid-morning just as the sun's rays are becoming too intense for the tourist.
THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT: Fortunately, Dominica is relatively free of Things That Go Bump In The Night. Dominica is relatively free of such critters however visitors should check with their hotels or guides to learn more about such matters. There are no poisonous snakes and mosquitoes are scarce (at least in spring). There are the usual denizens of tropical waters to be watchful of such as the black, long-spined sea urchin. These are usually found in rocky areas and coral reefs. If the winds blow from the west for a prolonged period of time, expect to find small, stinging jellyfish and occasionally the man-of-war.
HIKING: Guides are highly recommended and if your THING is ecotourism, you will want to hire a local guide to ensure your support of the economy and preservation of habitat. Besides, a guide can add quite a bit of flavor to your trip and allow you to become more familiar with local traditions. On our trip to Trafalgar Falls, we were adopted by a TALL guide known as Proper, who literally hauled us up the moutainside.
SPEAKING PROTOCOL: Throughout the Caribbean Islands, and Dominica is no exception, Islanders are polite people that expect to be treated with courtesy and like to be spoken to. Visitors are expected to start the conversation. I learned this from my sister-in-law who would always start the conversation with a simple good-morning or afternoon - she was awarded with great local hospitality and great service. Her husband on the other-hand, was not so 'polite' and received (appropriately I might add) terrible service.
READ: The Division of Tourism annually produces a guide entitled "Discover Dominica" which is full of information on all aspects of Dominica. Write to this Division for your copy. A more comprehensive guide to the Island is called "Dominica - Isle of Adventure" by Lennox Honychurch, 1991 produced by MacMillan Press. Finally, I recommend "Caribbean Afoot - A walking & hiking guide to twenty nine of the most popular Islands" by M. Timothy O'Keefe produced by Menasha Ridge Press, Birmingham, Alabama.