Lush Dominica In The Eastern Caribbean Offers Festivals, Fun, In (Very) Merry …

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a beautiful destination for adventure travelers seeking hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning. Sometimes called the “nature island,” it features a lush rain forest, soaring cliffs and black-sand beaches.

This volcanic island lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. There’s no commercial direct flight, and so it remains unspoiled. I found it just what people think of as a “tropical getaway.” You feel like you’re far from everywhere, transported to a natural haven — filled with flowers, clear waters teeming with colorful fish, and jagged peaks offering views from above and stunning backdrops.

A fine time to go, off-season and away from crowds, is during May, when DOMFESTA showcases the island’s varied arts and culture as playwrights, poets, artists, singers and musicians offer their interpretations of Dominica’s artistic heritage. Artists across the island present village feasts, theatrical plays, art expositions, poetry and drumming festivals, as well as creole competitions and concerts.

Dominica’s hiking trails are the star of the annual Hike Fest held during Saturdays in May. Visitors can join other hiking enthusiasts to discover Dominica’s interior, exploring the island’s many hiking trails.

A hiker on the Wavine Cyrique cliff trail in Dominica. The vertical trail of tangled mangrove roots and improvised rope ladders takes hikers down the face of the cliff to a black-sand beach. (AP Photo/Kavitha Surana)

Hike Fest offers treks through Dominica’s pristine, untouched natural trails that follow routes ranging from easy to moderate to difficult, offering one of the best ways to discover the island. Hidden beaches, cozy bays, waterfalls and fascinating rock formations jut out into the sea.

Victoria Falls on the Caribbean island of Dominica.  (AP Photo/Kavitha Surana)

In late May, Jazz ‘n Creole includes a fusion of jazz and creole music, food and a celebration of local culture. Main stage performers for 2015 include Ronald Tulle, described as one of the greatest pianists from Martinique. Also from Martinique, Ralph Thamar is best known as the lead singer for the group Malavoi.  Michele Henderson, Dominica’s Princess of Song, will return to the Jazz ‘n Creole main stage. Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin, described as a cross between Teddy Pendergrass and Kenny G, Tappin, is considered the smoothest, ‘saxiest’ horn man in the Caribbean.