Hey gang its time to figure out the tours you are interested in so you can truly see the BEST OF DOMINICA both above and below!
Here are the different tours from one of the best tour operators in the area. The format is not great because of cutting and pasting errors but you'll get the idea.
We will do a MANUAL sign up for these tours meaning we want you to post that you want to join us and we'll create a list and when we get the min number needed the tour will be a 'go' and you can pay me in Dominica.
Ti Tou Gorge & Trafalgar Falls:
Drive through the capital city Roseau passing through the Botanical Gardens.
Then continue up the lush and verdant Roseau Valley.
There will be photo stops at scenic locations until we reach the village of Laudat
From Laudat we take a 15 minute walk to the Ti Tou Gorge which is one of the most unique
And "must see" marvels of the island.
The name Ti Tou Gorge is Creole and means 'Little Throat Hole
literally we will swim up the 'throat' of a mountain
To a waterfall located inside the gorge.
This gorge was formed many thousands of years ago and is fed by water coming from the Freshwater Lake.
The formation of the rock walls on either side, through which we swim are intricate
And breathtaking, this place is truly one of the wonders of Dominica.
Please note that the swim inside the gorge to the waterfall is about 60 yards but there is ledge where you can stop and rest if you get tired.
Before you start the swim your tour guide will give you a floatation devise, (wearing the device is mandatory) after you put it on please test it in the pool at the entrance and let him know if you feel comfortable with it. We recommended that you do not struggle while swimming, proceed with easy relaxed and leisurely breast strokes to conserve your energy.
If at anytime you feel afraid or discomforted please immediately bring this to the attention of your tour guide, he will know what to do.
On days when it is raining in the mountains there may be a mild current and the swim could be more challenging, your tour guide will advise you if it is safe to enter the gorge, even if you are a strong swimmer please respect his decision. After the gorge we walk back to the vehicle and proceed to the spectacular twin Trafalgar Falls.
Drive through the friendly and picturesque village of Trafalgar
To the trail leading to two of the island's most beautiful waterfalls
Cradled under the shadows of the ubiquitous and awesome mountainous landscape.
It is a 15 minute walk from where the vehicle stops, to the viewing area of the falls
Those who are able to, under the supervision of the guide can scramble over the boulders
To the base of one of the falls where there is a great pool for another rejuvenating swim.
Please cooperate with your tour guide if he decides against climbing over the boulders on a given day, his judgment call will be based on years of experience and his decisions are always in the best interest of your safety.
Be sure to have your camera ready
The majesty of this place will have you clicking away at its surroundings.
After the falls walk back to the vehicle and return to base.
Time 3-4 hours
Note. Recommended footwear-Sneakers.
Bathing suits should be worn
Shorts and T-Shirts are appropriate. (Water can be a bit chilly so a thin wetsuit is divine!)
PRICE: $40
QTY NEEDED: 6
WHO'S GOING:
1. Lori aka Diver Diva wk#1 & wk#2 (can do either week)
2. Jose aka Jesterdiver wk#1
3. Jennifer aka TabeaK wk#1
4. Traci aka sqbagal wk#1
5. Amy aka DivinDoctorMom wk#1
6. Steve aka soonerdiver wk#1
7. Cindy aka soonerdiver +1 wk#1
8. Molly aka Molly622 wk#2
9. Beth aka EagleRayLover wk#1 (if boiling lake does not go)
10. Lori aka DiverLori wk#2
11. Paula aka ScubaChick wk#2
12. Shelly aka SassyLilCuties wk#2
Middleham Falls Hike:
We begin by driving up the lush and rugged Roseau Valley, full of panoramic vistas, assiduously watched over by giant green clad mountains.
In about 25 to 30 minutes we should arrive at the parking area from which we begin our hike to the Middleham Falls , located within the rainforest of the Morne Trois Piton National Park
It will take us approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to get to the waterfall.
The trail is fairly well defined but can be rugged in certain areas as it undulates its way through the rainforest.
The Middleham Falls is approximately 280 feet high with its waters thundering down into the pool at its base.
Taking a refreshing dip is highly recommended
Time 3-4 hours
PRICE: $40
QTY NEEDED: 6
WHO'S GOING:
1.
2.
3.
Indian River and Cabrits National Park:
The Indian River and Cabrits National Park Tour attempts to encapsulate
under one umbrella Village life, history and wildlife.
The route is along the islands west coast, passing through several coastal villages
on the way to Portsmouth in the north of Dominica to visit the Cabrits National Park.
The Cabrits National Park is an eighteenth century garrison built
to protect the island from enemy invasion and attacks, both the British
and the French during their various stages of occupation made their
contributions to the development and enhancement of this garrison.
Located on a headland between Douglas Bay to the north and Prince Rupert Bay
to the south
The Cabrits Garrison stood watch over these bays, until it was abandoned
as a military fort in the 1850s.The forest took over and this great garrison succumbed
to the ravages of the years.Partial restorations began in the 1980s and The Cabrits
became a national park.Recent restorations under the supervision of local historian
Dr. Lennox Honychurch, has given a new look to the Cabrits National park.
Several new trails have also been opened for more exploration of the park.
After the Cabrits we proceed to the Indian River
The Indian River which flows into Prince Ruperts Bay is the widest
river on the island.
We take a guided row boat trip up Indian River which is so called because
before the coming of
European Colonizers to Dominica, the Carib Indian people lived along the banks
of this river and used it as an access route to the Caribbean Sea.
PRICE: $50
QTY NEEDED: 6
WHO'S GOING:
1.
2.
3.
Boiling Lake Hike:
The Boiling Lake hike is one the most popular activities in Dominica.
It is a 7 - 8 hour arduous round-trip adventure, which begins in the village of Laudat,
passing through a wide range of vegetation and terrain, including the Valley of desolation
with its many unique streams of gray, white and black.
This hike offers some of the most spectacular views into the heart of Dominica's rugged interior.
The climb up Morne Nichols is the first real challenge, when this assent begins
you must without fail follow the instructions of your guide
The trail is sometimes very narrow with deep ravines on both sides.
On the crest of Morne Nichols you will be on the highest point of the trail, which
is approximately 3,006 feet. If it is a clear day one can see both sides of the island
The Caribbean coast to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east.
If you are facing east, the grandiose Morne Watt, the island's third highest mountain, to the right
Like a giant green god, stands guard over the Valley of Desolation below.
From the highest point, steam can be seen rising from the Boiling Lake in a distance.
The dramatic descent into the Valley of Desolation now begins.
In the Valley caution must at all times be exercised
There are hot fumaroles, which can burn you severely.
There will also be some streams with water about 94 degrees F.
in these you can sit and enjoy the warmth.
The minerals which the water contains, are said to be good for your skin.
Leaving the Valley of Desolation, the trail will continuously rise and fall
As it snakes its way up and down dramatic ridges, crossing unusual streams then
finally cresting the last ridge, form which the final five minutes of the hike
To the Boiling Lake
Can in relative terms be described as easy!!
A strong gust of wind, could just push you over.
The temperature in the lake is over 200 degrees F. need I say more!
This is usually where lunch is eaten so that you can be rejuvenated for the long trek back.
On the way back the greatest challenge is the climb out of the Valley of Desolation
The climb out of the valley up Morne Nicholls is called "the gut buster".
One consolation you can use as motivation to help you endure, is the thought of
Bathing in the incredible and exotic Ti Tou Gorge at the end of the trail.
This bounty at the end of a tough hike makes the whole thing seem like a pleasant dream.
What to wear:
shorts, Tee Shirt, Hiking Boots or sturdy sneakers.
What to take:
Sandwiches, juice or water, a knapsack.
Time 6 - 8 hours
PRICE: $60
QTY NEEDED: 6
WHO'S GOING:
1. Jim aka Diver_Jim wk#1
2. Holly aka CommanderH wk#1
3. Beth aka EagleRayLover wk#1 (first choice but will do TiTou if not enough going)
Turtle Watching (leatherback turtles laying eggs):
This is special tour we set up last year. It allows us to go and watch endanged leatherback turtles hatching eggs. It is a sight to behold and quite magical. The driver will wait for you and the amt of time this will take is variable. The more people going the cheaper it is. Below see one picture by a member from last year. You can't take pictures until they are in the zone which the guides will tell you. Many enjoyed dinner on the other side of the island before it got dark and then waited for the yells from the beach that they had come ashore and were laying eggs.
PRICE: (per person)
@2 $70@4 $50 @ 6 $37 @10 $30 @ 12 $26
QTY NEEDED: (see above)
WHO'S GOING:
1. Jim aka Diver_Jim wk#1
2. Holly aka CommanderH wk#1
3. Susan aka Resqdew wk#1
4. Traci aka sqbagal wk#1
5. Amy aka DivinDoctorMom wk#1
6. Beth aka EagleRayLover wk#1
7. Paula aka ScubaChick wk#2
The Kalinago Experience:
Spend a day in the company of the descendants of the legendary Kalinago people who ruled supreme on the island of Dominica before the coming of European Explorers. This activity is an attempt to encapsulate the quintessence of the cultural and historic journey of the lives of the Kalinago People. It is about their social and cultural evolution from the time their ancestors arrived on what they called Waitukubuli, to the present time in which we call the island Dominica.
When we arrive in the village, the tour begins with welcome remarks and a demonstration of the art of craft making. Handy Craft making is a tradition that the Kalinago People have maintained and have kept very much alive in the village, in this photo a master craftsman demonstrates his art to students of Arcadia University.
After the craft demonstration, we proceed on foot along what was once a trail used by the Kalinago people to get to the ocean, this trail is now part of Segment 6 of the Waitukubuli National Trail. Your guide will tell you about the area and the plants as you walk along, We later arrive at the home of a Kalinago farmer who will show and tell you about the things he grows both for feeding his family and to sell to make a living. He will talk about some medicinal plants growing in his yard, here you will sample local fruits (what is in season at the time of your visit) jelly and mature coconuts. 
A farmer and his wife explaining about a medicinal plant which he grows in his yard
This plant is supposed to be great for reducing high blood pressure.
The farmer will also demonstrate the making of Cassava Bread, you can interact with him and his family, ask them questions, share your opinions or stories with them. 
Tour participants drinking jelly coconuts provided by the Kalinago Farmer
Later continue along the trail to the rugged and picturesque Salybia Bay where its shore is constantly pounded by the restless Atlantic Ocean, the trail passes by a small monument which is symbolic of the last Kalinago uprising in the 1930s, your tour guide will elaborate on this. 
The turbulent Atlantic Ocean viewed form the Salybia Bay
The Kalinago People who once traversed the seas back and forth to the neighbouring
islands still go fishing from this bay.
Kalinago canoes used for fishing in the rough Atlantic Ocean, stored by the bay.
The canoe features very prominently in Kalinago history, they came to the islands using canoes
The canoes were also used to travel between the island and they got most of their food from the sea using their canoes.
From the Salybia Bay proceed by vehicle to the Kalinago Barana Autê, this description is taken directly from their website The Kalinago Barana Autê offers a unique experience, sharing the history and traditions of the Kalinago people. This unique Caribbean facility is intended to contribute in several ways to the socio-economic development of the Kalinago people of Dominica. Firstly, it is expected that the facility will provide both direct and indirect economic gains to the residents of the community. These include employment opportunities as well as a ready market for the authentic Kalinago art and craft which will only be sold at the facility, agricultural produce and other services normally required by the hospitality industry". 
The Kalinago Barana Autê offers a unique experience, sharing the history and traditions of the Kalinago people
"A greater awareness of the Kalinago culture is another major expected benefit of the facility. Already, nationals as well as non-nationals are showering much praises to those who had the idea, developed the concept and implemented the vision of such a unique tourist facility. As a result of this, one can expect much more attention to be devoted not only to the architectural styles of the Kalinago people, but also to the food, music, art and craft, history, beliefs, legends and the list goes on" 
Kalinago Barana Autê is located along the banks of the Crayfish-River near the Isukulati Falls.
It consists of an interpretation center, snack bar, and gift shop.
You may also see local women weaving handicraft pieces form reeds collected in the mountains.
A Kalinago tour guide will give a visual presentation followed by a tour of the area, this may be before or after lunch in a traditional setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
There will be time to patronize handicraft makers with their products on display right there at the Barana Autê.
Time 6-7 hours.
Minimum 10 persons US 65.00 per person
PRICE: $65
QTY NEEDED: 10 (working on a lower number)
WHO'S GOING:
1.
2.
3.
Edited by WreckWench, 02 June 2017 - 08:12 PM.
