Local Attractions and Adventures
Indian River
The Indian River was made famous in the Pirates of the Caribbean films when it was used as the location for the witch's house.
Named after the Indigenous Indians who originally settled along the river, it can now be enjoyed with a boat trip from a Dominican registered guide. This is a leisurely trip in a rowing boat (no motors allowed) along the mangrove-lined river to the rustic bar at the farthest navigable point. The buttress roots of the trees are fascinating, you can see herons and kingfishers, crabs and iguana along the way, and then refresh yourself with a cocktail at the end.
Fort Shirley and Cabrits National Park
The Indian River was made famous in the Pirates of the Caribbean films when it was used as the location for the witch's house.
Named after the Indigenous Indians who originally settled along the river, it can now be enjoyed with a boat trip from a Dominican registered guide. This is a leisurely trip in a rowing boat (no motors allowed) along the mangrove-lined river to the rustic bar at the farthest navigable point. The buttress roots of the trees are fascinating, you can see herons and kingfishers, crabs and iguana along the way, and then refresh yourself with a cocktail at the end.
Toucari Reef
The reef that runs the full width of Toucari bay is one of the island's top scuba diving sites. It is also shallow enough to enjoy with just a snorkel and mask.
The beautiful corals, fans and sponges plus a huge variety of exotic fish are easily accessed from the beach at either end of the bay. You can walk down from Coconut Cottage in just a few minutes.
On the left of the bay is a shallow reef leading to a rock wall and round to a huge bat cave. In the centre are constant streams of volcanic bubbles rising up from the sand as if you are swimming in champagne. And on the right are large rocks and corals rising up from the bottom populated with thousands of tropical fish.
Toucari Village
Toucari Bay is a perfect little Caribbean cove. From the sea there is a small beach and then the coconut palm lined coast road. Behind the road are the 40 or so dwellings of the village and right on the road are the 4 brightly painted 'Rum Shops'. These act as both convenience stores for life's essentials, bars serving local rums and the national beer - Kubuli - and, at the weekend, the village focus for music and food.
Here is where you can meet the real people of Dominica, hang out like a local and try some barbeque fish right on the beach.
A Gentle Boat Trip Around Toucari Bay
For a different way to see Toucari bay and village, take a trip in a traditional hand constructed local wooden boat. Carso will row you to the boat wreck just north of the bay and to the impressive cave just to the south. He will also fish with you if you like and show you great snorkelling spots. This trip is a highlight with most of our guests.
Purple Turtle Beach
A perfect west facing beach, edged with shallow crystal water and nearly always empty. To your left is the expanse of Prince Rupert Bay, in front are dozens of anchored yachts from all over the world and to your right are the rounded hills of Cabrits national park.
The beach is wide and flat and backed by the coast road where it is easy to park. You are also just a few steps from the Purple Turtle bar and restaurant where you can get a local creole lunch or good old fish and chips (but the fish is mahi-mahi of course). And then relax away the afternoon with a rum punch!
Portsmouth
Dominica's second largest town, Portsmouth is the economic and social hub of the north. Here you can pick up your supplies - local produce from the market, imported goods from the supermarket and fresh tuna or mahi-mahi straight from the fishermen on the beach. You will also find plenty of places for a meal out from a traditional take-away roti or a local creole chicken lunch plate, to an authentic Chinese or home-style burger. If that isn't enough, you can catch Sunday brunch with live jazz or a sunset beach barbeque with the sailing fraternity.
Here you will also find the bank, police station, hospital, cell phone shops, courier services, travel agent and car hire.
Waitukubuli National Trail
Segment 14 of this 150 mile long hike passes through Toucari and on to Cabrits National Park. This is a relatively gentle segment and passes through the fascinating Cabrits swamp (pictured).
For the more energetic and adventurous there are segments which take you high into the mountains to exotic waterfalls and through hidden historic sites.
For information go to the official trail website at http://www.waitukubulitrail.com/
Syndicate Trail
Syndicate Nature Trail is an easy marked walk through pristine oceanic rainforest. It is located 20 minutes south of Portsmouth at the foot of Morne Diablotin, Dominica's tallest mountain. Syndicate is home to Dominica’s two endemic Parrots, the Sisserou which is the national Bird and the Jacko. The nature trail is a looped trail which can be completed in 55 minutes however you might want to spend an hour or more enjoying the lovely forest
La Chaudiere Pool
At the end of a 30 minute walk through the forest and a quick stream-crossing, you find "La Chaudière" - the boiling pot. Don't be fooled, this is not warm water but named for the turbulent bubbling motion created by the fast flowing waterfall.
Take a picnic and have a cool dip before heading back the way you came.
For more details and guadance, it is recommended that you buy the guidebook to Dominica by Paul Crask - Amazon have it here
