The Nature Island

1. Agouti- Small to medium sized brownish-reddish rodents that are active during the day. They live in the rainforests and are native to Dominica. They are important for seed dispersal which helps maintain the ecosystem. Dasyprocta leporina

2. Bee Apiary- An apiary is a location where honeybees live in their beehives, and they are tended to by a beekeeper. A few bee apiaries exist in Dominica that are considered highly successful agro-processors. The apiary owners are producing things such as award-winning honey and award-winning beauty care products. There are apiaries located in villages throughout the island, such as in Salisbury, that are independently owned and operated.

3. Boiling Lake- The first recorded sighting of this lake was in 1870 by Henry Nicolls and Edmund Watt. The Boiling Lake is a flooded fumarole that is located within Morne Trois Piton National Park. A fumarole is a vent in the Earth’s surface that allows for the escape of gasses. The prominent volcanic gasses released are Sulfur Dioxide, which is a volatile gas, Carbon Dioxide and water vapor. Hydrogen Sulfide can be released in smaller quantities. The lake sits within a basin that has a fumerole that floods with water, making this lake a flooded fumarole. The temperature of the lake has been recorded at approximately 194 degrees Fahrenheit around the edges. It is impossible to measure the temperature in the middle of the lake where it boils the most. It is the second largest lake of its kind in the world and takes about 6.5 miles of hiking to get to the lake from the start of the trailhead located in Laudat. This is a beautiful but dangerous hike. This hike traverses many different types of terrain- rivers, mountain ledges, volcanic ground- It is of utmost importance to bring a certified local guide with you on this hike, It is not a question of “should” but a distinction of “must”. This hike is best started at 6 am and no later than 10am.

4. Botanical Gardens- 40-acre land dedicated to specimen trees, a special bird sanctuary, open green space and events for the enjoyment of everyone. The gardens are located in Roseau just below Morne Bruce and are about 165 feet from the Roseau River.

5. Bubble Beach- Naturally heated water at the coastline of the Caribbean Sea that is created by volcanic activity. The geothermal activity takes place beneath the seafloor and releases gasses that create bubbles and warm water. It is a unique spa-like experience to relax in the water at Bubble Beach. Location is in the southwest of Dominica in Soufriere village.

6. Bwa Nef Falls- In the northeast part of the island stands a 125 ft. cascading waterfall halfway encased by a Rockwall. It would take about 20 minutes to reach this waterfall. Located along the Northern Link Road between Pennville and Vieille Case.

7. Cabrits National Park- A protected environment for the cultural heritage of Fort Shirley and the environment surrounding it. This includes tropical forests, wetlands and coral reefs. This national park spans 1,313 acres and was established in 1986. It is currently on the list to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cabrits sits between two peaks, east Cabrits and west Cabrits, Two extinct volcanos. The land which is now called Cabrits National Park was formed over 1 million years ago and, overtime, became a connected land mass to mainland Dominica. This peninsula is located to the north of Portsmouth via Tantane rd.

8. Calibishie- A Northern village that gets its name from the Arawak language, which translates to “net of reefs”. This fishing village lies at the edge of the only barrier reef around the island and is home to many golden, silver and black sand beaches as well as Red Rocks. Location North Dominica, between Woodford Hill and Hampstead.

9. Canyoning- Descend the gorge located in Laudat by using a mixture of techniques that include climbing, rappelling, swimming and jumping (after a brief training session on a rock wall). Safety is key, so be sure to follow the instructions of the leaders at Extreme Dominica who are trained and certified by the American Canyoneering Association. They use a 3- way safety system that will keep you safe at all times. Location of Extreme Dominica is in Fond Cani, Roseau.

10. Caribs- They are the indigenous people of Dominica and are also called Kalinago. They arrived in Dominica sometime during the 14th century. They took the island from the Arawaks who inhabited the island prior to the Caribs.

11. Central Forest Reserve- Protected land that was established in 1951and spans 1,013 acres. It encompasses the parishes of Saint David, Saint Paul and Saint Joseph and makes up a portion of the Kalinago Territory.

12. Champagne Beach- A black sand and rocky beach that is located in the Southwest of the island. It is located in St. Luke parish in Point Michel village.

13. Champagne Reef- The reef is home to a myriad of colorful sea animals and creatures including fish, eels, octopus, lobster, crinoids, turtles, soft coral and seahorses. Champagne reef is included as part of the protected Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, and it is characterized by volcanic activity under the seafloor that disperses tiny bubbles in the ocean water through thermal vents. One of the top dive and snorkel sites in the world.

14. Chatanny Tree- A common tree in Dominica, most notably found along the trails of Middleham Falls, Syndicate Nature Preserve and Emerald Pool. It plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the ecosystem for the forests because of its stabilizing roots that help to anchor the soil.

15. Chaudiere Pool- A swimming hole carved out of natural rock that is fed by the Hampstead River. It is surrounded by a sunlight filtered rainforest and located in the village of Bense in the North of the island. It is close to Batibou Beach and Number One Beach. You will reach it before you reach Calibishie if you’re coming from the west of the island.

16. Coal Pot Soap- A company that manufactures beauty products in Dominica. They create handmade products using vegetable and plant-based oils combined with herbs and fruits grown in Dominica. These all-natural products provide therapeutic and traditional healing for various skin sensitivities while promoting healthy radiant skin. This company was developed in 2001 as a way to help the young people of Grand Bay learn new skills and create more job opportunities. The development was facilitated in collaboration with two peace corps workers through a youth skills training program with the help of the Dominica youth division. Located within the old Geneva Heritage site in Saint Patrick Parish.

17. Cocoa Cascades- A small cascading waterfall set within Newfoundland Estate. It has natural river swimming under the vibrant green rainforest canopy of the southeast. Newfoundland Estate, originally part of the Rosalie Estate, is located in Rosalie and is an hour hike from 3 Rivers Eco Lodge.

18. Colihaut Heights- An area located above the coastal village of Colihaut. This area has scenic mountain views overlooking the Caribbean sea. It is located on the west coast of the island. It is the ending point of segment 9 and the beginning point of segment 10 of the Waitukubuli Trail. Endemic birds such as the Sisserou and Jaco Parrots reside in the forests here. Colihaut is in St. Peters parish, and it is bordered by Coulibistrie to the south and Bioche & Dublanc to the north.

19. Dernier Falls- A small waterfall surrounded by grotto-like scenery that is accessible by a 30 minute off-the-beaten-path rainforest bush hike. The trailhead is located in the village of Grand Fond, 5 minutes south of Rosalie.

20. Dominica- An independent English-speaking island country called the Commonwealth of Dominica. It is situated between Guadeloupe to the North and Martinique to the South. It is the youngest island in the Caribbean as it was formed only 26 million years ago. Dominica is part of the windward islands and is part of a chain of submerged volcanoes. That means that the tectonic Caribbean plate is subducted under the North and South Atlantic plates. It has over 22 mountains within a 289 square mile land mass with 9 of those being Dormant/ active volcanos. The island is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide. The Atlantic ocean is on the east side of the island and the Caribbean sea is on the west coast. It used to be named Wai’tukubuli prior to the 15th century. Dominica gained its independence on November 3, 1978, from the British.

21. Douglas Bay- A beautiful black sand beach in the north of Dominica with very calm & warm ocean water. It is located down the road from Purple Turtle Beach and also near Cabrits National Park. It is directly in front of Bell hall beach spot restaurant and Roots Rock bar and grille.

22. Douglas Charles Airport- This is the main airport for passenger flights, and it used to be named Melville Hall airport. The name has since changed to be named after two former prime ministers- Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles. The airport code is DOM. It is located on the northern east coast between Marigot and Wesley villages. It is a small regional airport that sits well within the backdrop of the nature isle along the Kachibona River. It uses connecting flights out of other Caribbean airports that have an international airport.

23. Eco Farm- Many farms in Dominica want to share the joy of natural farming. Agro- Ecotourism farms teach sustainable farming methods and discuss how prioritizing ecological balance and avoiding chemicals are essential to growing healthier food and why it is healthier for you and for the environment. Some of the Eco farms are located in villages such as Concord, Syndicate and Marigot, to name a few.

24. Emerald Pool- A cascading 40 ft. waterfall surrounded by thick vegetation where sunlight filters down from the highest canopy of the rainforest. Located within the Morne Trois Piton National Park. The trailhead starts in Pont Casse at the welcome center. The welcome center allows you to purchase a site pass, has an onsite restaurant as well as bathrooms. There is a display room inside of the welcome center that describes the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area. Site pass required, $5 USD.

25. Endemic- means that “it” is found nowhere else on earth. There are many endemic species in Dominica that include plants, animals and insects. The diverse landscapes and untouched terrain have provided them with a unique opportunity to evolve. There is the Sisserou Parrot, the Jaco parrot, the national flower, Sibinea carinales, the Dominica Blind Snake, the Kalinago Wren (Bird) and the Tete-Chein (Dominican boa constrictor) just to name a few.

26. Fond Morgan Falls- Waterfalls in the heart of the southeastern village of Riviere Cyrique, hidden in the rainforest of Dominica. The hike is relatively short and easy to get to the falls and is close to Lucy’s Roadside bar & Grill at the entrance of Morne Jaune.

27. Fort Cachacrou- Built by the British in the 1760’s, it was where the first battle of the French invasion of Dominica took place in 1778. The Fort was taken by French forces through sabotage and deception, which played a critical role in advancing French troops in the early dawn hours on that fateful day and helped them overtake the British control over Dominica. It is located in Scotts Head and small ruins are left behind today, including an old cannon.

28. Fort Shirley- A Fort built within a volcanic crater. Construction began in 1765 by the British. It has significant historic importance, one of those battles being the Revolt of the 8th West India Regiment of 1802. It is located in the northwest of the island and can be accessed within Cabrits National Park. A site pass is required, $5 USD

29. Freshwater Lake- As an old volcano, this crater lake is about 2,500 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by montane forest, characterized by short, thin trees and open canopy. It is located near the village of Laudat and is part of the Morne Trois Piton UNESCO World Heritage Site.

30. Geneva Heritage Site- It is a historical site located in the community of Geneva in Grand Bay. It was the site of the Geneva Uprising of 1974. The uprising was led by Phillip Francis to demand social changes regarding land ownership. Located in the southeast of the island, near the Coal Pot Soap Factory.

31. Giraudel- Well known for the annual Giraudel-Eggleston Flower Show, it is a village located high up the mountains of Dominica, at approximately 1,500 feet above sea level. With a history dating back to the 18th century, it has maintained its rich cultural heritage and is known today as the Flower Garden of the Caribbean. It is accessed by the Fortune-Eggleston road in Newtown.

32. Gommier Tree- A tree that reaches nearly 120 ft. tall, it has historical and ecological importance in Dominica. This tree was used by the Kalinago to make canoes. The sap has been used for medicinal purposes and the tree also helps prevent soil erosion while providing a habitat for wildlife.

33. Grand Bay- A vibrant and traditional village located in the south of Dominica. It is in Saint Patrick Parish and is situated along the Atlantic Ocean.

34. Hodges Beach- A golden sand beach with scenic ocean views with an adjacent river that opens up into the bay. It is located in the village of Calibishie in the north of the island.

35. Indian River- Once upon a time, the Kalinago used this river as an access route to transport goods for trade along the coast. The river flows from the Morne Diablotin National Park, at the base of Morne Turner, and empties into the Caribbean Sea. It is situated between Portsmouth and Glanvillia, near the National Bank of Dominica. Indian River was featured in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Mans Chest. Site Pass $5 USD.

36. Jacko Falls- Waterfall named after a freedom fighter and Maroon leader, Chief Jacko. It is set within a rainforest grotto, this waterfall plunges about 70 feet into a swimming hole surrounded by dense vegetation. It is located in the Morne Trois Piton National Park in the village of Pont Casse. Entrance Fee $5 USD.

37. Jacko Flats- A place where a runaway slave, Jaco, set up his Maroon encampment for escaped slaves in the 1700’s. It is in the interior of the island and is located near the village of Belles.

38. Jaco Parrot- The red necked amazon, Amazona arausiaca, is an endemic bird. It is a bird of many colors and lives at high elevations in montane and sub montane forests. It is listed as an endangered species and local conservations efforts exist for its protection.

39. Jacko Steps- These 135 steps cut out of existing rock have important cultural and historical significance. They are named after Maroon leader Jacko, as these steps were built by Jacko and his community in the late 18th century to aid in his strategic guerilla warfare tactics against British soldiers and as an escape route. They are located at the end of Jaco Flats and lead into the river.

40. Jacks Walk- Named after a colonial prison escapee, it is said that he used this route to evade authorities. It is a short & scenic 20-minute hiking trail that leads to the overlook point on Morne Bruce where you will find amazing views overlooking Roseau.

41. Kalinago- Amerindian descendants that represent the last remaining pre-Columbian Carib Indians in the Caribbean.

42. Kalinago Barana Aute- A model cultural village designed after the Kalinago way of life. It is situated within the 3,700-acre Kalinago territory in Bataka. It is a place where visitors can learn the history and culture of the Kalinago including traditional dance, food, history and heritage.

43. Kalinago Territory- In 1903, under the Carib Territory Act (amended name in 2015 to The Kalinago Territory Act), a territory of 3,700 acres was established for the Kalinago on the east coast. This was to help preserve their culture, heritage and way of life. There is a Kalinago council and a chief that oversee land usage and allocation within the territory.

44. Kalinago Touna Heritage Village- A living village established within the Kalinago Territory by Irvince Auguiste, former Kalinago Chief, as a tourist community project. This village provides visitors with a great opportunity to learn about the Kalinago way of life while being a part of the process. A visitor can learn about things such as the traditional methods of hunting, fishing, agriculture and herbal medicine practices with a hands-on approach. Visitors also have the opportunity to rent accommodations to stay overnight in the village.

45. Kubuli- A light tasting golden beer produced in Dominica.

46. La Plaine- A village on the southeast of Dominica where Sari Sari Falls is located.

47. Larouma Reeds- From the Larouman plant, these reeds are used in traditional Kalinago weaving crafts, especially baskets. Ischnosiphon arouma

48. L’Escallier Tete Chien- The staircase of the Great Serpent. This is a geological natural rock formation that extends from land out into the Atlantic Ocean. As the Kalinago legend goes, a mystical Boa Constrictor named Bakwa traveled the Minoco River in search of a new home and chose Dominica. When the serpent chose Dominica as its new home, it left the path known as L’Escallier Tete Chien when coming ashore. Accessed from the village of Sineku in the Kalinago Territory.

49. Maccoucherie Rum Distillery- The distillery dates back to the 19th century. It was purchased by the Shillingford family in 1942. The distillery still uses traditional methods of producing rum and is known for the 4 types of rum that it produces. Three of them are produced with sugarcane that is harvested only from the Shillingford Estate, and the fourth is produced by using molasses.

50. Manicou- A.K.A. an Opossum. These nocturnal marsupials live in the dense rainforests typically in the interior of the island. They are very important and contribute towards biodiversity and ecological stability. There are ongoing conservation efforts to protect the Manicou since they have an important job to do in Dominica. Their job is imperative for seed dispersal which is important for forest rejuvenation, and they also play a key role in controlling insect pest populations.

51. Marigot- A village in the northeast, along the Atlantic Ocean. The Douglas Charles Airport (DOM) is located in Marigot, with the village of Wesley & Woodford Hill to the north and the Kalinago Territory to the south. Marigot is a part of Saint Andrews Parish.

52. Maroons- Enslaved Africans, Neg Mawon, that escaped into the mountains of Dominica during the colonial era. They established societies and used the dense rainforests to evade capture and fight back against the colonial governments by using guerilla warfare tactics.

53. Mero Beach- A silver sand beach on the west coast with a rocky coastal shoreline. It is accessed via Edward Oliver Leblanc highway with Salisbury village to the north. It is a part of St. Josephs Parish and has restaurants and bars on the beach.

54. Middleham Falls- A 275 ft. waterfall located in the dense rainforest of Morne Trois Piton National Park. The trail was built by the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks department after the area was donated to the government by John D. Archbold. This is an intermediate level hike and should be done with a local certified guide. You will see trees such as the Gommier and Chatannye which contribute to the biodiversity of the rainforest. During this 1 hour or so hike, you will also pass the stinking hole, a collapsed lava tube that emits gases. Access the Middleham Falls trailhead via Providence Estate near Laudat Road. Site Pass $5 USD.

55. Milton Falls- A 100-foot-tall waterfall near Syndicate Estate, also known as Syndicate Falls. There is diverse flora and fauna in this area, most notably the endemic Sisserou Parot, and it is accessed via a short 15-minute hike through dense rainforest. It is close to the village of Dublanc on the west coast, off of the Edward Oliver LeBlanc Highway. There is a $2 USD entrance fee for the usage of the privately owned trail access to get to the falls.

56. Morne Bruce- Named after Captain James Bruce, this was once an 18th century military garrison that helped to protect Roseau against French invasion. It has spectacular panoramic views over Roseau and out to the Caribbean sea. Morne Bruce lookout is accessed via a road or hiking a trail from the botanical gardens called “Jack’s Walk”.

57. Morne Diablotins- The tallest mountain peak in Dominica standing at 4,747 Ft. It is a volcanic mountain that last erupted around 30,000 years ago and today it is part of the Morne Diablotin National Park. It is named after the endangered black-capped petrel, which is a seabird also known as the diablotin, and native to the West Indies. Pterodroma hasitata

58. Morne Diablotins National Park- An area consisting of 8,242 acres of land that was established as a protection site in 2000. Part of this area was once part of the Northern Forest Reserve, but over time, there was a call for the installation of a national park. At that point 6,637 acres of the Northern Forest Reserve and 204 acres of Syndicate Parrot Preserve were allocated and combined with the purchase of about 1300 acres of land to produce the current day Morne Diablotin National Park which is currently one of three National Parks on the island. The land was purchased by the government with the help of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation. Site Pass Required $5 USD.

59. Morne Trois Piton- The mountain of three peaks, translated from French. It lies within the Morne Trois Piton National Park with a trailhead that starts between Pont Casse and Castle Bruce, near Imperial Road. It rises to 4672 Ft. It is a dormant volcano that formed 30,000 years ago after the Roseau Ignimbrite eruption.

60. Morne Trois Piton National Park- Designated in 1975 as a National Park and later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It includes 6,857 hectares (16,944 acres) of protected land. This is an area of microclimatic variability which is separated into five vegetation zones. Each of these zones represent and produce different growth types of plants, trees, shrubs & mosses. The zones, from upper to lower, are made up of elfin/ cloud forest, montane thicket, montane rainforest, mature rainforest and secondary rainforest.

61. Number One Beach- A black sand beach that used to be part of the Hampstead Estate. It is located on the north coast in Saint Andrew Parish, Hampstead near Calibishie village. Number One Beach was one of the locations on Dominica that was used for filming The Pirates of the Caribbean and it is situated on a river that empties out into the wild Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible via the Melville Hall- Portsmouth Rd and it is not suitable for swimming in the ocean.

62. Pagua River- This is an important river for the communities on the east coast. It helps support many local businesses and it runs through the Kalinago territory. This river helps to support agricultural systems and provides a hydrological balance that is critical for the habitats of many species. It originates in the Central Forest Reserve and ends in Pagua Bay as it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

63. Picard- A community of Portsmouth in the northwest of the island. It is near Glanvillia in Saint John Parish. Picard is north of Syndiate and close to coconut beach, the American Canadian School of Medicine and the Picard River.

64. Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory- The chocolate factory sits on a 25-acre plot of land that is owned and operated by Alan Napier. The property was purchased by Mr. Napier’s family in the 1930’s. It is located in Calibishie and specializes in producing bean-bar chocolate by using locally sourced cacao.

65. Pont Casse- A village in the interior of the island. It is a central location where the Pont Casse roundabout junction links major roads. It is in Saint Paul Parish, and it is near Morne Trois Piton trailhead entrance.

66. Portsmouth- One of the largest towns in Dominica, it is located in the northwest of the island just before Cabrits National Park. It sits on the edge of Prince Rupert Bay with beautiful golden sand beaches. Portsmouth was at one time the capital of Dominica, but the capital was moved to Roseau in 1760 by colonial administrative personnel.

67. Prince Rupert Bay- A tranquil bay located in the northwest of the island just outside of Portsmouth village and right before getting to Cabrits National Park, which separates Prince Rupert Bay from Douglas Bay. This is currently the main body of water for yachties to anchor their boats.

68. Purple Turtle- A golden sand beach nestled around the calm and tranquil Prince Rupert Bay. It is located in the north on the west coast before you reach Cabrits National Park. There is also a Purple Turtle bar and restaurant located on the beach.

69. Red Rocks- With crevices below this towering red cliff, it looks more like you have stepped out onto the planet Mars instead of a tropical rainforest. As volcanos of the past were shaping the island that we see today, one such lava flow jetted out into the Atlantic ocean, leaving behind volcanic material from the pyroclastic flow. The material left behind was comprised mainly of basalt (which is the rock that is primarily found on Mars) Over time, the conditions of the Atlantic north coast shaped the land of this area that is present day Pointe Baptiste Estate. As thousands of years passed after the eruption, the basalt oxidized, which caused the once grey rock material to turn red. As more years passed by, the winds blew, and the waters gushed causing the cooled lava flow to smooth out its rough edges while helping small, stunted trees find a place to grow.

70. Rosalie- A village situated in Saint David Parish that also consists of Rosalie Bay and Rosalie Beach. It is an important area for turtle conservation efforts and programs as the Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green Turtles use this beach as nesting grounds. Located on the east coast.

71. Roseau- The capitol city of Dominica located on the west cost of the island. Roseau is built on top of pyroclastic flow from Morne Micotrin. Many wars have been fought here over control of the island during the 16th and 17th centuries. In different times of control, forts were built by the French and the British in order to retain control of the island, an example being present day Fort Young Hotel. The Roseau River flows through Roseau and Morne Bruce overlooks Roseau. The village of Canefield is to the north and Castle Comfort is to the South of the capitol city Roseau.

72. Roseau Valley- As you leave Roseau and head up the mountain, the communities of Copthall, Morne Prosper, Wotton Waven, Trafalgar, Shawford, Fond Cani, and Laudat are considered part of the Roseau Valley. Some of the main hikes and sites are found here such as Freshwater Lake, TiTou Gorge, Middleham Falls and the sulfur pools.

73. Salisbury- A village along the west coast of the island that is also called Baroui. During the height of the Banana trade, this village became the optimal port for shipment of export bananas because the feeder roads from the interior of the island were easily accessible at this location.

74. Sari Sari Falls- At approximately 250 feet in height, this waterfall is fed by the Sari Sari River. It is located on the east coast of the island in the remote southern village of LaPlaine. To get to this waterfall you must traverse the river a few times. It is in an area known for flash flooding and therefore it is very important to take a certified tour guide with you on this hike.

75. Scotts Head- The southern village of Scotts Head is attached to the Scotts Head peninsula, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. The pinnacle of Scotts Head provides 360-degree views of the surrounding land and seascapes. There is a relic fort built by British troops in the 18th century called Fort Cachacrou. Located at the southern tip on the west coast of the island.

76. Segment 5- Covering approximately 7.7 miles of the 114-mile long Wai’tukubuli National Trail, this segment starts in Pont Casse and ends in Castle Bruce. This 7-hour trail includes landmarks such as the old Carib trace, Emerald Pool, Jaco Cave, Creole Gardens, Neg Mawon Headquarters and Castle Bruce village. Trail starts near the Pont Casse roundabout. There is a site pass to use the Waitukubuli Trail. You can get a day pass for $12 USD, or a two week pass for $40 USD.

77. Segment 10- Through the foothills of Morne Diablotin, the area of this segment is well known for spotting the Sisserou and Jaco Parrots. This easy, 4.3-mile hike takes about 4 hours to complete and consists of secondary forest and agricultural land. Segment 10 connects Colihaut Heights to Syndicate Estate. There is a site pass to use the Waitukubuli Trail. You can get a day pass for $12 USD, or a two week pass for $40 USD.

78. Sisserou Parrot- The Imperial Amazon, Amazona imperialis, is endemic to Dominica and is listed as a critically endangered bird. It is Dominica’s national bird, and it is displayed on the flag. The bird is about 19 inches long and is purple and green in color. These parrots mate for life and are extremely loyal to their partner. They lay 2 eggs but only one usually survives by the time they are ready to leave the nest. The Sisserou only lay eggs once every two years. There are many reasons leading to their critically endangered status including deforestation, severe weather conditions and illegal trade.

79. Soufriere- On the southwest coast of the island, it is a village that includes the geo-thermal Bubble Beach, an 18th century church made of volcanic rock and has Sulfur Springs in the rainforest. It lies within St. Mark Parish, is adjacent to Soufriere Bay and located near the village of Gallion.

80. Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve- Established under the Fisheries Act of 1987, the marine reserve spans the villages between Scotts Head to Point Michel. The reserve is separated into four zones, a fish nursery (no fishing), fishing priority area (strictly local fishery), recreational area and scuba diving area. The bay is over an extinct volcano going into a lava chute of an unidentified depth. Located near the southwestern tip of the island.

81. Spanny Falls- A waterfall located between Pont Casse and Belles Village, also called Penrice Falls. Spanny waterfall number one is an easy 15-minute walk down a maintained path that is located on private property. It is easily accessed with a small $5 USD fee. After reaching Spanny one, another 10 minute slightly more difficult hike will get you to Spanny waterfall number two. The waterfall is fed by the Pagayer river set within Saint Paul Parish and reaches a height of around 70 feet. Access via Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway.

82. Sperm Whales- These whales live off of the shores of Dominica all year round. It is the only place in the world where this occurs. Approximately 200 resident sperm whales live in the Caribbean sea off of coastal shores of Dominica. Only the male Sperm whales migrate, not the female Sperm whales or juvenile Sperm Whales. These whales reach up to 70 feet long and weigh around 60 tons. They can deep dive more than 6,000 feet to eat and then return to the surface to breathe and recuperate. The government has decided to establish a 788 square kilometer Sperm Whale reserve for their protection, to help promote tourism and to sequester Carbon. A Sperm whale can sequester as much as 4200 metric tons of carbon per year.

83. Sulphur Springs- Naturally produced by the geothermal activity that lies under the surface. Aside from the relaxation benefits the springs offer, they relieve chronic pain and alleviate muscle soreness. The geologic volcanism contributes to the high mineral content of the Sulphur pools. The mineral rich water also helps to promote a healthy cardiovascular system and reduce inflammation. Some of the minerals that can be found in the Sulphur springs are Sulphur, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Magnesium and Calcium. There are hot, warm and cold Sulphur springs found throughout the island. The most notable hot and warm springs are found in Wotton Waven, Soufriere, along the trail to the Boiling Lake and even in the Sea. The most notable cold Sulphur spring is found in the north of the island in Savanne Paille, Saint John Parish, along the Northern Link Road. Remember, Cold Soufriere is not for bathing, and it is important to note that every Sulphur spring/pool that you come across while out in the wild is not meant to bathe in, some can be extremely hot, and some can be very deep.

84. Syndicate- Syndicate Estate and Syndicate Nature Preserve are ecological hot spots and home to a wide array of flora & fauna and part of the Morne Diablotin National Park. It is also a part of the agricultural sector and is a protected area of the island. Milton Falls is located within this area and parts of the Waitukubuli Trail pass through here as well.

85. Three Basins- A set of three natural river pools with cascading waterfalls near the village of Riviere Cyrique on the southeast side of the island.

86. Three River Falls- Set within the 10-acre property of 3 Rivers Eco Lodge, the 3 Rivers Falls is a 100-foot waterfall accessed by an easy 45-minute walking trail.

87. TiTou Gorge- A volcanic tunnel left behind by an ancient eruption. This cave, full of refreshing river water, leads to a waterfall after a short 10-minute swim. The entrance is located next to the start of the Boiling Lake Hike Trailhead. TiTou Gorge means Little Throat in the creole language, and it is located within the Morne Trois Piton National Park. There is a $5 USD site fee.

88. Toucari- A village with a scenic & serene bay that has 4 freshwater river features flowing into the bay that contributes to the biodiverse marine ecosystems near the shore. The local fishermen depart from this location each morning to find their catch- of -the -day that will be offered for dinner at the local restaurants. There is a coral reef approximately 40 feet off the shoreline. It is located between the communities of Cottage and Savanne Paille in the north of the island.

89. Trafalgar Falls- Also called the mama and papa falls, they stand at 125 feet and 75 feet, with the mama falls being the shorter of the two. A scenic 15-minute walk on a pathway leads to the viewing platform. A tributary carries the water to mama falls via the breakfast river and the papa falls receives the water via Freshwater Lake & TiTou Gorge. The falls are located in Roseau Valley after the village of Trafalgar and have a welcome center where you can purchase the required site pass for $5 USD.

90. Valley of Desolation- Situated within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, there is an isolated area of land made up of geothermal activity with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and sulfur springs. This area is characteristically comprised of steam emitting fumaroles and volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide. The valley is surrounded by mountains such as Morne Watt and Morne Nicholls. The valley of desolation is accessed via Boiling Lake Trail starting in Laudat near TiTou Gorge.

91. Victoria Falls- A 165-foot waterfall in the village of Delices on the southeast side of the island. This hike follows a river and therefore caution must be followed by utilizing a certified tour guide for this hike due to the instances of flash flooding in the area. The waterfall is fed by the White River which is sourced from the Boiling Lake.

92. Zion Valley- Within the village of Delices, on the southeast side of the island in Saint Patrick Parish, lies Zion Valley. A place to learn about traditional medicine and remedies. It is situated next to the White River. There is a restaurant on site that caters to an Ital menu.

93. Wai’tukubuli- The name of the island that was given by the indigenous people before Christopher Columbus started calling it Dominica in 1493. Wai’tukubuli translates to “Tall is her body” in the language of the Kalinago.

94. Wai’tukubuli National Trail- A 115-mile-long trail with 14 individual segments. The segments start at Scotts Head in the south and end at Cabrits National Park in the north. Each segment was developed with a way to showcase the history of Dominica, the people, the culture, and the nature of the past. The idea for the trail was conceived by Bernard Wiltshire and together with the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation, it officially opened in 2013 after it was developed through the Government. There is a site user fee to hike this trail, $12 USD for the day or $40 USD for 15 days.

95. Wotton Waven- A village in Morne Trois Piton National Park, in the Roseau Valley. This village has high amounts of geothermal activity and is known for its abundance of geothermal features including large amounts of mineral rich thermal sulfur spring pools. It is surrounded by mountains and is located within Saint George Parish.