Island Information

Rainforest Cottages are located in one of the most interesting areas of Dominica. There's lots to do here, and on our beautiful island in general!

Dominica is an island of 290 square miles, 29 miles long and 16 miles wide. We are located in the Lesser Antilles of the Windward Islands. It is a mountainous island with tropical climate and plenty of rainfall, sometimes 340 inches/year in the mountains. The average temperature is 80 degrees.

American Airlines flies direct from most east-coast cities with a stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollars. The rate is controlled at EC$2.60 = US$1.00. Rule of thumb is that however we view a twenty dollar bill, that is how they view their twenty dollar bill. (Even though to us from the USA it is only eight dollars.)

Most every home you pass in the small villages sells something: coal, coffee, ice-pops. Everyone knows who makes the best ice-cream and where she sets out her cooler on Sundays so you can get a cone.

The Language of the island is English. It was an English Colony until 1978 when it was granted independence. Over the centuries it fell into French hands many times and the French language is prevalent. The Creole/patois is spoken by most islanders. Sad to say, many of the new generation are not learning patois. There is a dictionary of Patois/English.

Carnival is one of the main highlights of the tourist season. Preparation takes months but the partying goes on for about two weeks prior to Jouvert Monday and Carnival on Tuesday (Mardi Gras = Fat Tuesday). It is a very peaceful and safe celebration, colourful and fun. It is not Hollywood like Trinidad's famous carnival but it is more accessible to everyone.

Dominica has dubbed itself "The Nature Island" because it has such an array of natural geographical and geological sites, as well as the lush rainforest spawns every kind of tropical vegetation imaginable. FYI: there are no poisonous snakes or ferocious animals on the island.

The beaches are made up of sand and volcanic ash from the mountains, so that they are mostly grey. The ocean is crystal clear and calm on the Caribbean side, rougher on the Atlantic side. The fishing and whale watching are spectacular.

As we've said before- Doshan. Come find us!

For more, visit a Virtual Dominica.com!