6 independent reviews for Walking and sightseeing holiday in Dominica
Reviews for Walking and sightseeing holiday in Dominica
Janet Mitchell review 20 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Multiple very exciting adventures that were meticulously organised by Michael Eugene. Our 12 day itinerary was custom made for us and was very flexible. Hard to choose the most memorable as each day was so different including challenging walking (Boiling Lake hike), local cooking ( Carribean Cooking with Daria) and experiencing leatherback turtles nesting. We experienced 3 local guides who were very engaging and professional.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Need to trust the local guides who will always make things work and often provide delightful surprises. Go with the flow which may include managing challenging weather. Accept accommodation that is good but quirky. Locals are very friendly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely as the local operator is very inclusive and uses the services of local guides. No need for special infrastructure. We drank from local streams and ate local homegrown food. The turtle conservation program is impressive as managed by passionate local communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Jeremy Webb review 26 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's difficult to pick one memorable event, there were so many. We were four 60-somethings on a walking holiday, laid on by Michael E. of the tour operator. Along the paths we picked fragrant lemongrass, bay and cinnamon leaves; we saw cashews, coffee beans and cocoa pods growing wild, and even a boa constrictor sunning itself after a heavy meal. We swam up a canyon, showered under a waterfall, led on a beach fed by hot volcanic gases, kayaked and flew down zip wires into and out of Banana Lama (a hidden gem of a hotel). We enjoyed a rum-fuelled cooking lesson with Michael’s wife Daria, spent time with a subsistence farmer and members of the indigenous Kalinago people. On our last day, after a wonderful taxing hike, Michael organised for us to have lunch at the home of a local woman. Rarely have I experienced such warmth and hospitality. On reflection, it is the people we met that will stay longest in my memory, learning of their lives and the country’s economic and political struggles.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Before we arrived, Michael warned us that “there are only two directions in Dominica – up and down”. Walking even parts of the Waitukubuli National Trail, as we did, can be taxing. Our guides sported soft trainers and even sandals, but boy was I glad I wore walking boots. The trails can be steep, narrow, slippery and crumbly. On one day we scheduled two hikes. That was too much; it was a holiday after all. Thankfully the island is not over-commercialised. It’s still largely unspoilt. It’s also friendly – robbery is not a problem. There are still some places that don’t accept cards so don’t forget to take some East Caribbean Dollars.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guides throughout the holiday were Dominicans, so hopefully we boosted the local economy by supporting them. Hurricane Maria in 2017 devasted parts of the Waitukubuli Trail, which Michael helped to develop into a popular route, and it could really benefit from some TLC. I hope that more people will take the chance to walk it; it is a rare but neglected resource.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I hope you can tell that we loved the place. The island is laid back, friendly and a bit ramshackle. It certainly has a charm we haven’t come across before. I feel we got to know the island through the people we met. If you want an active holiday in a warm climate, this is a great place to come.kathy krause review 16 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to choose just one, as there were so many fabulous experiences. We loved the amazing scenery, the hikes which were just right for us, and the wonderful people we got to meet and get to know.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Michael does an amazing job adapting the trip to your interests and abilities, so do tell him what you think interests you, how much physical effort you want to do, etc.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely supported many local people as well as contributing to conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Just fabulous!Nina Ozaki review 18 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We have two. Our guide, Simon, and his wife, Judy, invited us into their home, shared fruit with us from their garden, and treated us like old family friends. They also took us on a tour of their turtle conservation building and trail they built to the beach. If that weren’t already a treat, they proceeded to go out of their way to find us a private mud bath at Wotten Waven, provided towels from their home, prepared and shared homemade juice with us, and then Simon played his ukulele while we relaxed in the spa! It was an amazing experience that will last in our hearts forever. The second memory that jumps out, is our hike to Boiling Lake. Our guide, Michael, was absolutely lovely to hike with, and we felt that safety and seclusion were top priority for him. He ensured we would go at a time that would avoid most people so we could enjoy the place all by ourselves. Michael was humble about his fervent focus on making everything as perfect as possible for our holiday.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Expect the level of difficulty of the hikes to be a notch higher than you’re used to, and be honest with yourself of your level of fitness to ensure the best holiday possible. Also, bring your own TP and a bag to pack it out with. Please leave no trace! Plan to have wet feet, regardless of how waterproof your shoes are.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Michael arranged to share the business with other local guides so that it’s a win/win for all. This is how we ended up with Simon and Judy (turtle conservationists) for a couple days. All our guides were locals who were passionate about the island, nature, and respecting the land.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was so amazing that we are considering buying property there since we loved it so much.Dorothea "Lorell" Erwin review 12 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of Dominica! All of our activities were incredible. Our favorite was watching baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get ready for adventure!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we felt that the environment and locals were taken into account and included in the planning of our vacation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best experience possible.Caroline Brawner review 16 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I loved all the hiking and activities but The people are actually the most memorable part of my trip--I learned so much and everyone was super friendly.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will be well taken care of; everyone has been very accommodating.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I got to know several important people involved in small scale forestry, sustainable agriculture and indigenous rights. Lots of driving but that is the only way to get around Dominica.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!Holiday Reviews
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