Dominica

Dominica is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, with volcanic peaks, mountain streams and rivers, dense forests, quiet lakes, waterfalls, geysers and boiling volcanic pools. There are beaches of both black (volcanic) and golden sands while orchids and untamed subtropical vegetation grow in the valleys. Guadeloupe is to the north and Martinique to the south. The capital, Roseau, on the southwest coast, is the main centre for visitors. From the hotels it is possible to arrange jeep safari tours. Sports facilities include scuba diving, sailing and sport fishing. Morne Trois Pitons National Park, covering 7000 hectares (17,000 acres) in the south-central part of Dominica, was established in 1975. Places of interest in the park include the Boiling Lake, the second-largest actively boiling lake in the world, and the Emerald Pool. Creole dishes include tee-tee-ree (tiny freshly spawned fish), lambi (conch) and agouti (a rodent). Island fruit juices are excellent as is coconut rum punch. There are often folklore evenings with authentic costumes and music.