The month of July is a time for festivals on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. Residents kicked off the month with a host of celebrations of island and international cuisine. And in mid-July, diving enthusiasts from all over participate in several events highlighting marine conservation and water sports.
July opened with the Nature Island Food and Drink Festival. The four-day celebration featured cook-offs with top chefs, mixology contests, and culinary arts conferences, as well as fun food activities for the kids. The festival was especially focused on using fresh local ingredients to create delicious, healthy dishes.
In mid-July, Dominica hosts the annual Dive Fest, a multi-day event that draws divers and snorkelers from all over the world to enjoy the island’s pristine marine environment. Divers of all ages and abilities can hone their skills in a variety of educational events, and non-divers can enjoy whale-watching from shore as well as the famous Kubuli Canoe Races. The festival’s grand finale is the massive Dive Fest Beach Party.
For cruisers who can’t make it to Dominica this July, there is still plenty to do any time of year on this gorgeous island paradise. Unlike many other cruise ports, Dominica isn’t hyper-commercialized and full of name-brand chain stores. Instead, it offers a slower-paced visit full of breathtaking natural beauty and rich local culture.
Adventure travel is the main draw in Dominica. Inland, dense rainforests are home to countless varieties of birds, flowers, and wildlife, which visitors can explore by 4×4 or along the numerous hiking trails. The island’s volcanic geology has also sculpted an array of truly unique attractions including several spa-quality hot springs, the bubbly waters of Champagne Beach, and the aptly named Valley of Desolation on the way to Boiling Lake.
Dominica is also internationally recognized as having one of the most spectacular marine environments in the world. As a result, the island’s beautiful beaches and superb diving spots have long attracted tourists and conservationists alike.
The lovely city of Roseau also offers a variety of fascinating sights and walking tours for history buffs and food-lovers. Farther afield, one of the last populations of native Carib people lives in the northeastern corner of the island. These people warmly welcome visitors to their territory and create many of the handicrafts and food products found in local souvenir shops.
