Dominica - Prince Rupert Harbour

[sck5]

Dominica is a great destination and the harbor is an excellent anchorage. The local boat boys have formed an association so that they take turns going to boats that come in so that there is no scrambling or competing to get your business. They also have a security patrol in the anchorage so that there is no theft or other problems whatever. They offer lots of services such as tours, shopping, etc, and none of this is cheap but neither do they harass you if you dont want any. Moorings are $10/day and there is a good rigger/glass guy right in Portsmouth. We thought they deserved a good word on the web since they have been so good to us -

[Ram]

Is a mooring really needed?

[sck5]

No, you dont really need a mooring. Plenty of space to anchor and good holding.

[cringle]

have to agree with what sck5 says.

anchor, chill, enjoy.
Hire a car, go over the other side of the island and see the Caribs, they're a nice bunch. Thank your lucky stars for where you were born.

if you see anyone cooking manioc by the side of the road, buy some ... it's *delicious*

[speciald@ocens.]

Call Martin Carriere on Providence as you approach Dominica. He is the best "boat boy". See his add in the cruising guide. He provides tours of the river and the waterfall, daily fresh flowers, rides to customs, etc.

[Hud3]

Ditto to what the Doc said.

Our first time on Dominica we spent four days with Martin, touring and hiking. He's a great teacher--we learned a lot about tropical fruits and vegetables. Every evening, we returned to our boat with a big bag of tasty local produce that he'd found along the way. Martin says, "No one on Dominica goes hungry. All you have to do is walk into the forest and pick what you need to eat."

I've been to Dominica nine times. The island is beautiful and the people are very friendly. Lovely place!

One boat boy will approach as you near the island. Tell him you're looking for Providence, and he'll back off with no hard feelings.