Bird Watching Dominica is home to two parrots found nowhere else. The Imperial parrot (Amazona imperialis - known locally as the Sisserou) is Dominica's national bird. The Red-necked or Jaco/Jacquot parrot is smaller than the Imperial and can be found at lower elevations. The number of known bird species to be seen in Dominica during the various seasons of the year totals 132, including 4 types of native hummingbird and also includes Thrashers, Tremblers and Flycatchers. More...

Business Hours Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm. Many businesses close for lunch 1-2pm. Some supermarkets open late. Banking hours are 8am - 2pm Mon - Thurs, 8-5pm Friday.

Cuisine Our cuisine is like our history and culture, an exciting blend which draws heavily from our Creole past. Tropical fruits and vegetables are in abundance, and not surprising for an island, our range of seafood is second to none! Particular delicacies you should try include 'mountain chicken' - a large frog (in season only); our delicious locally grown coffee; and a wide range of local fruit juices. Be sure to take home with you our hot pepper sauce!

Currency The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). The rate is set at EC$2.68 to US$1.00. Many businesses accept US Dollars, but you will get the most favourable exchange rate at the banks. Major Credit Cards are accepted in many places. Click here for the latest exchange rates.

Cycling/Mountain Biking Cycling and Mountain biking is becomming increasingly popular in Dominica. With an estimated 390km of paved roads and a extensive network of tracks and trails, cycling in Dominica is, for those visitors with the time to spare, an excellent way to see the island.

Deep Sea/Sport Fishing For the big game anglers, Dominica is an ideal location for Marlin, Wahoo and Tuna with its virgin fishing grounds, numerous banks and drop-offs and almost year-round 'good fishing' weather.

Departure Taxes The Airport departure taxe is EC$55 for visitors. Departure by sea taxes are somewhat less. Children under 12 exempt. Rates are subject to change; please check before you depart.

Diving The diving off Dominica is as rich and varied as our topside attractions, from volcanic vents spewing bubbles and hot water, to submerged volcanic craters with dramatic vertical walls, and gently sloping shelves of coral and sponge. For a full description of all Dominica's outstanding dive sites, click here

Driving We drive on the left! Visitors will need a Driving Permit which costs US$12 and is available from your car rental company.

Electricity The electricity system is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles. Power outlets are 3-prong English style. Some hotels have 110v, but you are advised to bring a small travel transformer if required.

Entry Requirements A valid passport is sufficient for a stay of up to one month. You may renew your stay for a further 3 months but you will need to show a return ticket. Visas are required for stays of over 21 days for travellers from Cuba, Haiti, Russia, The People's Republic of China and the Eastern European Countries.

Geography The island is approximately 29 miles long, and 16 miles at its widest. It is the largest and most mountainous of the group of islands known as the Windward Islands, with an area of 289.5 sq. miles. The highest point is Morne Diablotin at 4,747ft. With a rainfall that in places exceeds 300 inches a year, Dominica has some of the richest montaine rainforest in the Caribbean.

Getting Married Dominica has recently changed its laws to allow visitors to get married here after just two days on the island. You will need documentation as to your status, such as a divorce decree. For more information check with one of the many hotels or tour operators who can deal with this.

Language English is the official language, but a French-based Creole (also known as Patois) is widely spoken, especially in outlying villages.

Public Transport Mini-buses (look for the number plate that starts with an 'H') serve routes from Roseau to all of our villages and are a cheap way to get around the island. Prices are fixed by the government.

Site Passes A number (presently 11) of attractions in Dominica require visitors to pay a small fee. One can buy a Site Pass at the location for US$2, buy a Day Pass for US$5, or a weekly pass for US$10

Snorkelling You don't have to dive to enjoy the beauty of Dominica's underwater paradise! There are so many places just off the coast where you can snorkel in crystal clear waters and see so much.

Taxes There is a 5% Sales Tax on food and goods. There is a 7.5% Hotel tax on Accommodation.

Telecommunications Dominica has a fully digital telephone system, and indeed was the first country in the world to operate one in 1987.

Tipping Tipping is generally on a discretionary basis; many hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge.

Walking in Dominica There is no better way to see the island than to experience one of the many excellent walks, more often than not though our verdant rainforest. Click for more...

Weather Our dry season is usually from Jan-May, with the rainy season from July to October. Average temperatures range from 75f to 85f. Expect cooler nights in the higher elevations...and light showers at any time! Current weather

Whale Watching Whales are present off Dominica's coast all year round. Dominica has become known as the "Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean" and boasts a 90% success rate in spotting whales or dolphins during a whale watching excursion. There are resident pods of sperm whales. The peak season for seeing whales is between November to June. Visit our Whale Watching Section for more information.

Wildlife Besides our unique parrots (see Bird-watching) and our marine mammals (see Whale-watching), Dominica is famous for our Crapaud ('Mountain Chicken') - a large frog. Other wildlife of note includes lizards, 13 species of bat, 55 of butterfly, boa constrictors that grow nearly 10ft (3m) in length and four other types of snakes. There are however no poisonous snakes or spiders!

World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, who say: Luxuriant natural tropical forest blends with volcanic features of high scenic appeal and scientific interest... With its precipitous slopes and deeply-incised valleys, fifty fumaroles and hot springs, freshwater lakes, a "boiling lake" and five volcanoes...together with the richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles, Morne Trois Pitons National Park presents a rare combination of natural features of World Heritage value. "