DISCOVER DOMINICA

AMENITIES in our Village, CAlibishie

Restaurants

1. Poz’s Restaurant & Bar

• • Characteristics: The highest-rated restaurant in Calibishie, offering both local and western cuisines. Run by a Canadian chef, Poz for Positive man, who has lived in Dominica for over 15 years. It features a friendly atmosphere with a romantic, jungle-style setting.
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Reservation: Recommended to reserve by WhatsApp +1(767)612-5176
  • Distance: About 9 minutes walking from the villa. Click here to navigate
  • Recommended dishes: Chicken wings with BBQ sauce, (any) Seafood meal, Pork chop, Oxtail soup*, Pizzas* 

                    *advance order required 

2. Coral Reef Restaurant and Bar

• • Characteristics: Affordable local cuisine, the only restaurant open every day with the latest closing time (kitchen last order around 9:30 PM). It also serves as a main grocery store with a liquor section.
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Distance: About a 5-minute drive from the villa. Click here to navigate
  • Recommended dishes: Octopus meal, Pari-Pari (grilled fish) meal, Pork rib (grilled with BBQ or garlic sauce) meal, Pork chop meal

3. Calibishie SandBar

• • Characteristics: Local cuisine and seafood in a relaxed, beach-style setting with sand on the floor.
  • Meal: Dinner
  • Reservation: Recommended to reserve by WhatsApp +1(767)614-8252
  • Distance: About a 5-minute drive from the villa. Click here to navigate
  • Recommended dishes: Trust the chef (Lee)’s recommendations (don’t miss his grilled Pork chop if available)

4. Nets of Reef Restaurant and Bar

• • Characteristics: Buffet lunch and other meal options. Featuring both local and western cuisine. Karaoke night every Sunday.
  • Meal: Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance: About a 5-minute drive from the villa. Click here to navigate
  • Recommended dishes: Buffet lunch and pizzas

5. Unique Seaview Restaurant

• • Characteristics: Specializes in Jamaican cuisine.
  • Meal: Dinner
  • Distance: About a 5-minute drive from the villa. Click here to navigate
  • Recommended dish: Chicken jerk meal

• • Recommended drinks at any restaurant: Local Rum Punch and Local Roselle Juice!

Grocery Stores & ATM

• Coral Reef Restaurant and Bar – Also functions as a grocery store with a liquor section. Click here to navigate
• A&A Low Price Center – Another main grocery store with liquor section in the village, featuring an ATM. Click here to navigate
• Shopdm – Online ordering groceries and supplies to be delivered from Roseau. Click here to order

Gas Station

• Rubis Service Center: Sells both Diesel and Petro, with air for tires. Located in the village, about a 5-minute drive from the villa. Click here to navigate

Cash Exchange

Many small transactions in Dominica, such as street food or fruit stalls, markets, taxis, and tour guides, are cash-only. However, many restaurants, grocery stores, car rentals, and gas stations accept credit and debit cards.

For local currency exchange (Eastern Caribbean Dollar – EC, which is tied to USD at 2.67EC/USD) in the country:

• Best Options:

  • Over-the-counter exchange at the National Bank of Dominica. Nearest branch is located in Portsmouth. Click here to navigate
  • ATM withdrawal from NBD ATM at the airport or A&A Low Price Center in Calibishie. Click here to navigate

• Transaction Limits:

  • Bank Counter: 200 USD or Euro per day exchanging to EC
  • ATM: 1,000 EC per day withdrawing from an international debit/credit card
  • Check with the bank for the latest thresholds

*Please check Dominica Landing Card’s Customs Declaration section on threshold of currency or monetary instruments bringing into the country without declaration, by clicking here.

Car Rental

We recommend the following car rental services, all of which include insurance and offer pick-up and drop-off at DOM Airport and the Roseau ferry terminal:

• Courtesy Car Rental – Click here to visit their website
• Accessories Plus Car Rental – Click here to visit their website
• Happy Car Rentals – Click here to visit their website

Hire a Driver

We recommend the following local, registered taxi/tour drivers in our village and they are reachable by WhatsApp:

• Pascal at +1(767)245-8086
  • 20EC/return trip to the village for shopping/dining (including waiting time)
  • 100USD/day for a return trip to any attractions on the island (except boiling lake)
• Nigel at +1(767)285-3179
• Javid at +1(767)317-7328
• Wendy at +1(767)245-3089

MINIBus

To travel from [Calibishie/Our Villa] to [Roseau/Portsmouth]:

From 6 AM until the afternoon, you can wait by the main road where it intersects with our villa’s street to catch a minibus. Stand on the side of the lane that aligns with your intended direction, i.e., North for Portsmouth & South for Roseau.

Except on Sundays, minibuses run to Portsmouth and Roseau at multiple intervals throughout the day. Their schedules are flexible, as each bus departs once it reaches its “target” number of passengers at the starting point. From the minibus stations in Portsmouth or Roseau, you can transfer to other minibuses heading to various destinations—simply ask any driver for guidance on the right bus to take.

For the exact departure schedule from Calibishie to Roseau and Portsmouth, you can check with the minibus drivers who live in the second house (coming from the village) before the intersection of the main road and our villa’s street. Look for the road sign that says “MAV’s Laundry Service.” Click here to navigate

To travel from [Roseau] to [Calibishie/Our Villa]:

Here is the location of the minibus station for buses heading to Calibishie. When boarding, inform the driver that you are going to Blue Whale Villa in Calibishie. You can also mention that it is on the same street as Sea Cliff Cottages or one street before Poz’s. Click here to navigate

Dominica offers an extraordinary hiking experience with its extensive network of trails that cater to all interests and skill levels. At the heart of this adventure is the Waitukubuli National Trail, a breathtaking 200km journey divided into 14 segments. This trail spans from the picturesque village of Scotts Head in the South to the stunning Cabrits National Park in the North, winding its way through the island’s diverse landscapes. Hikers will be immersed in a variety of natural wonders, from lush rainforests and mystical montane thickets to enchanting elfin woodlands. The sheer scale and variety of Dominica’s trails set it apart as a premier hiking destination in the Caribbean. Click here to check out the Top 10.

Waitukubuli National Trail by Segment

*Click on # Segment for more information.

Other Trails

*Click on Trail Name for more information.

For challenging hikes, we highly recommend you to hire Nigel, a local and licensed tour guide known for his incredible stamina and expertise. Nigel has tackled the Boiling Lake hike—Dominica’s most challenging single-day trek—four times in just one week, a few times, showcasing his unmatched endurance. He also frequently completes the entire Waitukubuli National Trail, a grueling 15-day journey across the island.

For an unforgettable adventure, you can reach him at +1 (767) 285-3179

Dominica offers a range of water activities to suit every taste. Whatever your preference, Dominica’s water activities ensure unforgettable experiences and a deep connection to the island’s pristine natural beauty.

*swipe below for different activities

Canopying

Canopying in Dominica offers adventure seekers a thrilling way to explore the island’s lush rainforest from above. One of the most popular options is Titou Gorge Canopy Tour, which allows visitors to soar through the treetops near the famous Titou Gorge, an area known for its dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The canopy tour is guided by experienced professionals who ensure safety while offering insights into Dominica’s rich biodiversity. We recommend Extreme Dominica for this, click here to book.

Kayaking

Experience the island’s stunning coastlines and serene waterways with a kayaking adventure. Paddle through tranquil mangrove channels where the gentle current guides you past lush, green canopies. Feel the rhythm of the sea as you navigate along rugged coastlines. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an invigorating workout, kayaking in Dominica offers a unique and intimate way to connect with nature.

We highly recommend Soufriere Outdoor Centre for this. It has varies of packages and no experience is required. You can contact them at +1(767)616-4848 or click here to their webpage.

SnoRkeling

Champagne Reef: Dominica has nine volcanoes, and it’s not just on land that you can see (or smell) the activity. Champagne Reef is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, where geothermal activity can be observed in the bubbles that constantly rise to the surface.

Cabrits National Park: Take a boat tour out to the waters around Cabrits National Park, where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. As you navigate around land, you’ll notice that the terrain sort of dips in the middle—that’s an old crater. Get in the water and check it out from below.

Pointe Guignard: Its gently sloping reef is a quick stop, but you’re likely to see lobsters, octopus, sea horses, and turtles.

L’Abyme: L’Abyme, or the Abyss, is just what it sounds like. It’s incredibly deep, but even a surface snorkel will expose its grandeur. Sea creatures get both bigger here—like tuna—and smaller—like tiny bay shrimp.

Indian River Tour

Embark on a captivating journey along the Indian River, a scenic waterway that weaves through Dominica’s heart. It is also where a scene of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. This tranquil boat tour transports you into a lush, tropical paradise, where you’ll be surrounded by dense rainforest and the melodious calls of exotic birds. Your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the area, enriching your experience with a deeper understanding of Dominica’s natural heritage.

We recommend Waitukubuli Tours for this. You can book the tour on the webpage by clicking here.

DIVING / Free Diving

Dominica is a diver’s paradise, boasting some of the Caribbean’s most remarkable dive sites. From dramatic underwater landscapes and volcanic formations to vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, every dive offers something new and spectacular. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you plunge into crystal-clear waters, where you’ll encounter schools of fish, intriguing underwater formations, and perhaps even the majestic sight of a passing dolphin or whale.

We highly recommend Nature Island Dive for this. You can book the tour on the webpage by clicking here.

river tubing

Immerse yourself in Dominica’s lush rainforest on a tubing tour. This exhilarating adventure provides a unique perspective on the island’s rich biodiversity and allows you to experience the thrill of “flying” through one of nature’s most beautiful and untamed environments.

We recommend Hibiscus Valley for this. You can book the tour on the webpage by clicking here.

Dominica is becoming a pioneering destination for sustainable and ethical marine tourism, offering travelers a chance to swim alongside sperm whales in their natural habitat. The island’s commitment to marine conservation has taken a major step forward with the creation of the world’s first sperm whale reserve. This protected marine area, designed to safeguard the resident population of sperm whales, allows visitors to interact with these majestic creatures in a way that prioritizes their well-being and encourages ecological research.

Limited permits for swimming with the whales ensure that encounters remain intimate, respectful, and minimally disruptive to the animals. This approach not only gives visitors a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur of these cetaceans up close, but also fosters a sustainable model of eco-tourism. The initiative benefits both the whales and the local community: it supports scientific research and enhances local economies through carefully managed, eco-friendly tourism that doesn’t exploit the natural environment. For tour details, click here: Sperm Whale Swims .

Dominica Carnival is a vibrant celebration that takes over the streets of Roseau each year, embodying the island’s rich cultural heritage and resilience. From the pre-dawn revelry of J’ouvert to the grand parade filled with elaborate costumes and pulsating rhythms of soca, calypso, and bouyon, Carnival is a powerful expression of unity and triumph for Dominicans. The festival’s mix of African and indigenous influences creates a unique atmosphere where the island’s history and creativity shine, making it a time for Dominicans at home and abroad to come together and celebrate their enduring spirit.

The Dominica World Creole Music Festival, held every October, is a three-day celebration of Creole culture that brings together a diverse array of musical genres from across the Caribbean and beyond. Established in 1997 to preserve and promote Creole heritage, the festival has grown into a major event, attracting top artists and thousands of attendees. With genres like zouk, kompa, reggae, and cadence-lypso filling the air, the festival is a sensory journey into the heart of Creole identity, showcasing Dominica’s deep cultural connections to Africa and the wider Creole-speaking world.

The Kalinago Territory on Dominica’s northeastern coast is home to the island’s indigenous people, who have preserved their culture and traditions for centuries. The Kalinago, once formidable warriors, now serve as guardians of their ancient heritage, maintaining a deep connection to the land through practices like basket weaving, canoe building, and herbal medicine. Visitors to the territory can experience this rich culture firsthand in traditional thatched huts and through community initiatives like the Kalinago Barana Aute, which offers a glimpse into their enduring way of life. The Kalinago people continue to play a vital role in Dominica’s cultural landscape, embodying the island’s indigenous roots and spiritual ties to the land.

Discover Dominica, a government agency, is your ultimate guide to experiencing the unspoiled beauty of the Nature Isle. It crafts personalized itineraries that allow you to explore Dominica’s stunning landscapes. Click here for more adventures.