DOMINICA, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is situated in the Lessser Antilles, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, with the Atalntic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. (The Dominican Republic is the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, near Cuba.)
    Dominica, the water island, is a true "Nature Island" with 165 species of birds, iguanas, geckoes, beautiful butterflies and a multitude of colourful tropical flowers - heliconia and anthurium lilies litter the forest floor.
    A very lush rain forest covers Dominica's rather mountainous terrain, which has several peaks in the order of 5,000 ft. (1,500m). Nature hiking is wonderful – there are over 350 rivers and streams winding their way through ravines and gorges to cascade over countless waterfalls. Take the opportunity for a refreshing bathe in crystal clear waters. And, locals are naturally proud of the largest boiling lake in the world! All this in a relatively uncrowded island, even in the middle of the tourist season!
    Diving here is fantastic, too! There are dramatic walls that plunge 1,000 feet (300m), and pristine coral reefs. Orange and yellow sponges abound, as well as prolific schools of fish.
    Wall diving, pinnacle diving, reef exploration, wrecks, and even two hot water springs dives, where you can observe, firsthand, Dominica's volcanic origins. On these dives, you actually see thousands of tiny bubbles rising to the surface from subterranean volcanic activity and feel the water temperature increase dramatically!
    Experts rate Dominica as a ‘must-see’ experience for divers of all levels.
    One of the notable dive locations in Dominica is Scott's Head, on the southern tip of the island – a good spot for scuba and snorkeling. There are 25 dive and snorkel sites in this area.
    Also noted for night-diving, Scott's Head offers lamp diving packed with a wide variety of marine life and wonderful colors. Crustaceans are plentiful, including lobsters and big crabs, with claws 6 - 8 inches (15cm - 20cm) wide, and many eels can be seen, including the uncommon blue conga eel.
    Many other water sports are available, plus kayaking, biking, hiking, land and water tours.
    Courtesy Barbara & Greg Herche, Dominica.

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