Sailing Dominica | Episode 16
Our sail departing Martinique was a rather exciting one. WE had immediately hooked a marlin leaving the shores of Martinique en route for Dominica. It took the entire sail to filet the guy all the way into anchorage in Roseau (about 2 hours). Needless to say we had so much fish and there was no way that we were able to keep all of it, so we immediately made friends with neighboring boats and shared our catch.
Our new Aussi and Kiwi friends then later let us tag along with them to tour Dominica. We were quickly taken back with the incredible scenery and dramatic features of the islands soul. The recent hurricane of Irma impacted the shores, homes and local fishing villages of the island, where at first look is rather rough. However, the people of Dominica are still all smiles and are eager to make sure any visitors experience the place to the max. There is a reason they call this place ‘The Nature Island’. We had a muddy hike through the rainforest up to the largest free falling waterfall in the Caribbean called Middleham Falls. Here, it was a must to embrace the fresh waters and the force 5 gusts of wind coming from the falls and jump right in. We later warmed up in the natural hot springs and continued to see the heart of the island.
The following days we sailed north of the island to a small anchorage called Portsmouth. This warm welcoming community of yachty servicemen impressed us from the first hello. It was clear that the destruction of the hurricane has left the people of Dominica with very little yet they are still so inclined to give and share their home with every passerby. Here we experienced a very tranquil river tour with one of the original tour guides, a local named Albert.
Albert was one of the first to develop the Portsmouth Authority of Yachting Services (PAYS), a group of certified tour guides and local security for the area. They are sure to make everyone feel at home! Albert has a very special story (which I will later share in another post) that really impressed us both. The Indian River tour was a highlight of the whole trip and unlike anything we have seen yet.
To end the day, we were invited to celebrate the birthday of our Aussie friends with a pig roast. Another major highlight of our trip is meeting other cruisers and meeting so many incredible people from all over the world. What else could you want when you are enjoying cocktails on the beach at sunset with fantastic people in the heart of the Caribbean.
We hope you enjoy this latest episode! Click here to watch Episode 16 : Sailing Dominica
Thanks for watching!
WE
