Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) stands apart from its sand-fringed neighbors as the true wild child of the region. Often confused with the Dominican Republic but worlds apart in experience, this lush volcanic island is a symphony of dramatic peaks, rushing rivers, and pristine rainforests that plunge dramatically into the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
The Dominican Republic pulses with a contagious energy that begins at sunrise with fishermen hauling their catch and continues long past sunset with merengue rhythms spilling from open-air colmados. As the Caribbean's most visited destination, this nation of 11 million offers a complex tapestry of experiences that transcend its postcard-perfect beaches.
Read more: Dominican Republic: Where Caribbean Dreams Meet Cultural Heartbeats