Explore: Dominica
Facts
- Resting in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean archipelago between Martinique and Guadeloupe, it’s known officially as Commonwealth of Dominica. Nicknamed “the nature island,” Roseau is the capital and the largest city in Dominica.
- France ceded possession of the island to Great Britain in 1763. It became an independent state in 1978.
- English is the official language, however, much of the population speaks Kwéyòl, which is based primarily on French and Carib vocabularies and a syntax borrowed from a variety of West African indigenous languages. A few northern villages use a distinctive English dialect called Kokoy.
- Dominica’s current population is over 72,000.
- The local currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). See money for details.
- Dominica Time is GMT-4.
- The Island enjoys plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall with average temperatures of 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island’s extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.
- One of the most mountainous of the Windward Islands, it is Dominica’s wild interior that is her main attraction and many come here for the great hiking.
- There are no marinas here, but most services and supplies can be found at Portsmouth or Roseau.
Security
Dominica has made huge improvements to improve yacht security and its yacht services training that locals have been given in Dominica to encourage cruising sailors to visit the island.
Dominica is now the model for the other Caribbean islands when it comes to safety for yachts and its occupants.
A group called P.A.Y.S. (Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services) based in Portsmouth, Dominica has been established. The group is made up of trained certified guides and local businesses that also patrol Prince Rupert Bay 24/7 during the winter sailing season (November to the end of May). They help “yachties” with numerous services and monitor VHF Ch.16 to assist yachties on arrival. Both Portsmouth and Roseau provide on-the-water security patrols.
The Dominica Marine Association and the Dominica Marine Center has been providing security in the Roseau bay area and is happy to report a 99% perfect record over the 10 years of providing such security.
Latest Incidents:
- Martinique to Guadeloupe: Attempted Piracy off the NE Coast of Dominica – December 2020
- Dominica, Prince Rupert Bay: Dinghy Vandalised at PAYS Dock – August 2019
- Dominica, Soufriere: Yacht Burgled – February 2019
Based on reports to Noonsite from cruisers, petty theft from yachts is on the rise in the Caribbean in general. Cruisers should take basic safety precautions and use common sense when leaving the boat or going ashore at night. Dinghy thieves operate throughout the Caribbean and the best advice is to place your dinghy on deck and chain it overnight.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net ([email protected]) provides information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behavior and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have suffered a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the “Report an Incident” icon. The associated form is quick and simple to complete and ensures that all the necessary details are reported. The CSSN is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors. Remember, it is every cruiser’s responsibility to ensure that incidents are reported. Also, cruisers can subscribe to e-mail alerts, follow on facebook and twitter and listen to the SSB Voice Service.
Be sure to check related security reports for Dominica.
Last updated: April 2021
Weather
Dominica is a rainy island, especially June to October, while the hurricane season from June to November should be avoided.
Dominica Meteorological Service
See the Caribbean National, Regional and Island Weather Websites report for more.
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page
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- Ports of Entry: Portsmouth, Roseau
- Other Ports: Marigot, Mero