How safe is Dominica?
There is a very low crime rate and almost no murders take place on the island. General attention should be kept in Roseau. Poverty exists but is somewhat tempered by the fact that food is readily available from the land and fresh water is plentiful.

How fit do I need to be for these hikes?
There is a very low crime rate and almost no murders take place on the island. General attention should be kept in Roseau. Poverty exists but is somewhat tempered by the fact that food is readily available from the land and fresh water is plentiful.

What should I bring to Dominica?
Dominica has a humid climate with temperatures ranging from 75 ° F [24 ° C] to 86 ° F [30 ° C] year round with no variance from night to day. The mountains of the interior are only slightly cooler. Even in the dry season, it rains frequently. You will get sweaty and otherwise wet when hiking.

Clothes:
Light, lose, cotton and other breathable fiber clothing is recommended as is quick wash/dry outdoor wear available from shops like REI and Exoficio. This type of clothing can get wet and dry in 30 minutes, leaving you both comfortable in the frequent rain and river-and-waterfall hiking, and allowing you to wash your clothes each night to find them dry the next morning. You will only need long-sleeve shirts to protect yourself from mosquitoes and sun. And of course, a swimsuit. If you plan to go to town at night, you will want to bring something nicer as the locals do dress for clubs, in-town restaurants, and on Sundays. Local bars will be casual.

Shoes:
Both water sandals and hiking boots are recommended. Flip-flops and other loose sandals are not as comfortable in the steep terrain.

Hygiene:
All regular products are readily available in Roseau and Portsmouth.

Medical:
Hospitals and doctor's offices are clean and cheap, pharmacies are well stocked, and standards are on par with the West. Divers should note that the nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Barbados, a 45 minute air-lift. Bring your basic travel kit but don't worry of you forget anything, it is all available in town. Bug spray/treatment and sun block are essentials.

The hiking trails are steep, slippery, and not always perfectly maintained.

Extras:
Double AA batteries, flash light, mosquito netting, hammock, sun hat, beach cover up/sarong (doubles as a towel), Press and Seal rap (1001 uses), ziplock baggies (keep electronics, etc. dry for rain/hiking), water bottle, Ace bandage.