Some Caribbean islands are incredibly well connected, with 1,000s of American travelers flying in and out every day.  

Others fly under the radar thanks to their less efficient transport links and limited international connectivity.  

For one island, change is coming.  

Dominica has a relatively small airport that, historically, isn’t the easiest to visit from the U.S. But brand-new flights will make this Caribbean paradise easier to visit this winter:  

United Launches New Nonstop Route  

From February 15 United Airlines will launch a new nonstop flight route between Newark and the newly expanding Douglas Charles airport in Dominica.  

This will be a once weekly service operating every Saturday. Tickets are already on sale, for travelers planning their winter vacations.  

Departing on February 22 and returning on March 22 in basic economy class (the cheapest and most restrictive flight class available) is $709. If you would prefer a fully refundable economy class ticket then this price increases to $893.   

This flight has a 4 hour 29 minute flight time. The outbound flight departs at 9.10 am and lands at 2.39 pm. The return flight departs at 3.45 pm and lands back in Newark  at 7.51pm. 

If Newark isn’t a convenient airport for you then American Airlines also operates regular non-stop flights from Miami to Dominica, which was the first non-stop flight from the US to the island and launched in 2021.  

With 2 different flight options to choose from, this means that Dominica is now more connected to the U.S. than it has ever been before.  

Why Visit Dominica  

Dominica is an island with outstanding natural beauty, and that is by far the biggest attraction of a visit here. 

As well as beautiful beaches (which let’s be honest, you find in all Caribbean destinations) Dominica also boasts 365 rivers, epic waterfalls, and the 2nd biggest boiling lake in the world.  

The boiling lake is found in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. You can’t swim in it because the water is too hot (as the name suggests, it’s boiling!) but it’s a pretty cool site to see.  

The Morne Trois Pitons National Park site has an entry fee of $5 per person per day or $12 for a week pass.  

Here, you’ll also find some of the most impressive waterfalls on the island, including the Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pools nature trail. The waters here are wonderfully cold and the perfect place to cool off after a hot and sweaty hike.  

And if you’re interested in nature extends to wildlife, then Dominica has a pretty extensive offering.  

You can see 3 different species of turtles on protected sites on the island.

The coral reefs attract an abundance of fish, and dolphins are found here, too. And at the right time of year you can even spot sperm whales off the coast.  

Culture In Dominica  

Because it is one of the lesser-visited Caribbean islands, Dominica has an authentic, off-the-beaten-path feel.

Things are a little rough around the edges, but I think that only makes the island more appealing.  

Some of the last indigenous Caribs (the tribes that lived on the Caribbean islands before they were colonized) still call Dominica home.

Many of these people now act as guides and protectors, ensuring that the national parks on the island are maintained sustainably.  

Visit the Carib Cultural Village by the Sea (Kalinago Barana Aute) to learn more about Carib culture and participate in traditional activities.

Waitukubuli Tours offers a four-hour tour to the village for $70 per person.  

You’ll find that here and across the island there is a real focus on ecotourism.

The use of many different types of plastics is also banned on the island – which may feel mildly inconvenient at times, but will ensure the island remains as beautiful as it is now for generations to come.

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