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Portsmouth Dominica Cruise Port Guide
Location:
You will be docked about half a mile north of Portsmouth.
It's unique in being one of the least developed Caribbean islands. As a result, it has one of the lowest hassle factors, and lots of beautiful unspoiled nature spots and hiking. Also one of the only surviving populations of Carib indigenous people.
The Caribs, who settled here in the 14th century, called the island Waitikubuli, which means ‘Tall is her Body.’ Christopher Columbus named the island after the day of the week on which he discovered it – a Sunday (‘Doménica’ in Italian)
Printable map to take along.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Portsmouth Dominica Dominica
Sightseeing:
Dominica It is often known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system. The most mountainous island of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world.
Portsmouth is located 48km (30 miles) Northwest of Roseau -- travel time is roughly one hour. The town center doesn’t have much to offer other than some basic shopping.
Docking in Portsmouth provides proximity to some of the only white sandy beaches on the island, as well as Cabrits National Park. Portsmouth was the site of a famous battle between the French and English vying for occupation of the island.
Here are some ideas you may wish to choose from.There are so many things to do, however it depends on your level of interest. Also there are both land and water activities.
The activities involve hiking where you may wish to hike a segment of the newly constructed Waitukubli National trail.
Visit one of the major waterfalls the Trafalgar falls.
Take a soak in one of the warm sulphur pools at scews spa.
River tubing, Canyoning,Snorkeling,Whale whatching.
Visit the Kalinago Territory or simply take a boat ride up the Indian River at Portsmouth.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
It is easy to get around Dominica. Taxi service is readily available, as are small buses or vans that travel the highways, picking up and dropping off passengers on request. Official taxi fares are posted at the airports; keep in mind that figures are listed in Eastern Caribbean dollars.
If you decide to go to the waterfalls you will have to do quite a bit of hiking! It is roughly 180 steps up and 180 back to the entrance (you have to pay a $5 entrance fee to the park). There are breaks between the steps, but sometimes you have to go up inclines or cross a bridge or something to that extent. It is well worth it though, as the waterfalls are breath taking! The hot springs are another site you cannot miss! You can see the water boiling from far away, but if you continue upwards, you can see the steam rising from the water as well.
It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.
Nearby Places:
Aerial Tram Take a ride through the rain forest canopy.
Nearly 300 miles of footpaths open up to some of Dominica's most spectacular sceneries and make this island a haven for hikers and nature-lovers. In almost every part of the country, trails weave their way into gorges and across valleys, climbing up to 4,000 foot mountains.
Whatever your level of fitness there is a trail just right for you, each with a spectacular attraction at its conclusion.
Novice hikers will discover that a relaxing fifteen minute stroll to the Trafalgar Falls reveals photographic vistas of a dense rain forest, twin cascades, warm pools, and rushing streams.
Dominica offers many choices when it comes to water sports and scuba diving. Kayak on cool mountain lakes, swim in secluded river pools in the rain forest, river-tube down the river into the calm waters on the West Coast, or snorkel on pristine reefs... there really is something for everyone in Dominica.
Champagne Reef. Good snorkeling, with a nice variety of fish and coral and the lovely bubbles, the "champagne", rising around you.
Shopping and Food
Currency:
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Everywhere on the island businesses accept United States Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros.
Communication:
Language English (official), French patois
The emergency contact for the Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department is 999.
Opening Hours and Holidays:
Businesses open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday with a lunch break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Saturdays, the banks are closed but merchants open their enterprises from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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