In 2005, rugged, jungle-filled Dominica became the first nation to be certified by Green Globe 21 for sustainable development. Nature-oriented visitors appreciate Dominica’s rich culture and history, and this locale has a great deal to offer travelers with a quest for adventure.

Located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica’s mountains soar to nearly 5,000 feet, yielding a thriving rainforest, hundreds of rivers and waterfalls, rare orchids and colorful birds. Geothermal activity results in colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pools, small geysers and Boiling Lake, the second largest lake of its kind in the world. The sites are found in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pirates, Pirates, Pirates!

Did you know that Dominica was the location for the CBS reality TV show Pirate Master, and one of the locations used in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3!

Hikers can trek to Victoria Falls, and Middleham Falls, a narrow plume of water falling 200 feet from a cliff notch. A strenuous excursion to Morne Diablotin (Devil’s Mountain) reaps glimpses of two endemic parrots, the jaco and the sisserou. Non hikers can ride the Rainforest Aerial Tram, which offers a 70-minute journey through the treetop canopy. Mountain biking, horseback riding, river tubing and jeep safaris are other ways of enjoying Dominica’s natural gifts.

The offshore marine environment is equally fascinating, as healthy reefs, extraordinary formations and 100-foot visibility draw scuba divers. Dominica’s waters host 22 species of whales and dolphins, making it a prime whale-watching destination throughout the winter. Beaches are mostly black sand, with a few golden strands in the northeast.

Great For History Lovers!

For history lovers, the capital, Roseau and Fort Shirley are fun to explore. At the Kalingo Barana Aute, visitors can watch as Kalinago Indians carve the trunk of a Gommier tree into a canoe. Cultural performances, storytelling and “spiritual cleansings” are part of the outing. Tours of a rum distillery and the Rosalie slave plantation estate are also popular.

Local Cuisine:

Local restaurants serve predominantly native Creole cuisine; mountain chicken (frog legs) is the national dish. The World Creole Music Festival takes place in October, and Mas Dominik, the island’s carnival, features calypso and steel pan competitions, a soca music festival, jump-ups and a costume parade.

AIRPORTS/FERRIES/GATEWAYS/FLYING TIMES:

Airports: - Melville Hall Airport (DOM), 36 miles from Roseau. Canefield Airport (DCF), 3 miles from Roseau. Ferry Services: L’Express Des Iles. Caribbean Ferries.

Gateways/Flying Times: Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Trinidad are all within a 2 hr flying distance. London: 8 hours. Miami: 3.5 hours. New York: 4.5 hours. Toronto: 5 hours. (Plus short connecting flights for all). There are no direct flights however, Liat connect from Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and St Lucia.

AIRPORT/GATEWAYS:

Canadian Gateways: TBA
US Gateways:TBA
Other Gateways:TBA

CLIMATE:
Daytime temperatures vary between 75 & 90 degrees F. Coolest months are December to March.

DINING:
Restaurants available-Local. Gourmet. Image courtesy Discover Dominica Authority International. Fast food. Tipping is at the discretion of clients. Dress code is casual.

LANGUAGE:
English is the official language. Creole or French based patois is spoken by many.

NIGHTLIFE:
Entertainment includes - Discos. Occasional Dinner/Dances. Occasional Theater. Cinemas. Occasional Live Music.

TOURS/EVENTS:
ATV Safari Tours, Highride Nature Adventures, Bird Watching, Canyoning, Diving in Dominica, Scenic Flights around Dominica, Hiking in Dominica, The Botanical Gardens, Horseback Riding, Jeep Safari Tours, River Kayaking & Tubing, Sailing & Yachting in Dominica, Sea Turtle Watching, and Sports Fishing.

**** WEDDING REQUIREMENTS IN DOMINICA ****

• At least one member of the party must be in Dominica for a minimum of two (2) days prior to the ceremony.
• Birth Certificates and passports are required.
• Completed application form 'G' must be signed by both parties and witnessed by a magistrate.
• Each party must sign a completed declaration form before a Commissioner of Oaths. $5.00 postage stamp must be affixed to each form and marital status form.
• If married before, decree of divorce or death certificate of former spouse must be produced.
• A license fee of $300.00 must be paid on submission of above-listed documents.
• Prospective spouses are advised to seek the advice of suitable counsellors.
• Application form is obtainable from Ministry of Community Development & Women Affairs (see below):
• The form must be returned to the same Ministry duly signed, witnessed and accompanied by the requested proof of identity and marital status. After processing the application a marriage license is issued by the Ministry of Community Development.

This license must be presented to the Registrar at the time of the marriage ceremony.

Costs:
• Cost of Marriage License EC$300.00 to be paid to the Ministry of Community Development.
• Marriages with the Registrar's Office – EC $30.00
• Marriages celebrated outside the Registrar's Offices will cost EC $100.00 plus a reasonable transportation fee.
• Lawyers fee for statuary declaration on marital status (inclusive of Affidavit) – EC $500.00

Church Weddings:

**Roman Catholic
• Must fulfil Government's requirements:
• Must have documentation from respective Parish Priest indicating that appropriate preparation courses have been followed
• Must visit the Parish Priest in Dominica who may offer counselling.
• Cost of church wedding - EC $150.00

**Methodist
• Must seek permission from the Government.
• Must publish bans and purchase marriage license.
• Must attend counselling sessions, normally three sessions.

Registrars Offices:
The registrar's office should be contacted for specific rules regarding planning your destination or beach wedding in Dominica. They will also provide information regarding marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

Ministry of Community Development & Women Affairs
Government Headquarter
Roseau
Dominica
Tel: 767 448 2401

Please Note: Wedding requirements above are for information purposes only and may be out of date as of this print. Only use this information on this page as a guideline, and for more current and up to date information, please contact the countries Consular Affairs, Embassy, or the countries Tourism Bureau.