We did that tour too and enjoyed it. The rainforest there is very nice, lush green flora and fauna. We did walk down to Trafalga Falls and Emerald pool. I've got some pictures posted in the CLF photo gallery. Champagne Reef sounds interesting and would look into it next time I'm there. Our stay in Dominica was cut short by a medical emergency aboard the Destiny.
That's where we went. I forgot the name. Only a couple people actually walked into the water though. We all put our hands in the water, or whatever you do (I forget), because our guide told us that it takes like 10 years off you. So we were touristy and went along with it. The reason why none of us really went in the water was because we kept getting hit with downpours and that kind of took the mood away. Supposedly there was another water we could hike to, but no one did that either because we had to climb up a wall to do that and we were all afraid of falling.
What else? I remember walking by that wall with the water running down it. The crying wall is it called? Something like that. That was pretty cool. We saw a parrot in a tree, and plenty of crabs. But I imagine we could have seen a lot more wildlife had it not been raining so bad. Our bus driver, who was walking with us, pulled some really, really big leaves off some plants for us to use as umbrellas. That was cool.
I was on a ten day carribean cruise. My Dominica tour was the highlight of my whole trip. I have to say that the reason for this was my tour guide. I had read about " Fredo's" and a few others. We wanted to book through the internet, because the island has so much to see, we wanted to see as much of it as we could.
One of our concerns was that our hubby's were not interested in touring rainforests etc.
Fredo's is a gentleman. The two of us felt very safe. I wish all our tours could have been as good as this one. He should be an ambassador for his country, as he truly cares about his country. We learned a lot about life on the island, the education system,conservation, etc.
Along the way, Fredo's would stop and show us what was growing and their uses, i.e. cinnamon, lemon grass,etc, We saw grapefruits, bananas,and pineapples being grown. We learned about their growing season and how/when they are harvested.
We went to Trafalger Falls, sulpher spings,Champagne area, the top of the peaks, botanical gardens, bird aviary, rain forest, some towns etc.
Fredo's made our tour educational, interesting,and fun. We really saw his country through his eyes and with his passion.
We feel fortunate to have had Fedo's. Two other couples we knew, went with another well known guide. They paid a similar amout,however, their tour was aprox- three hrs. Ours was six hrs. We asked for some specific sites and he included them in the tour.
He can be reached at---- fredos40@hotmail.com .
At the end of the tour he let us off in town by the ship berth. We fell in love with Dominica and gained much knowledge.
The only thing that concerned us was a rumor we heard in town. There are a lot of dogs running around.We heard that they are looking to resolve this. One of the methods will be to shoot them. We hope they will find another way.
I absolutely enjoyed reading your post on your day in Dominica. I know exactly how you felt using Fredos as a guide, since I too have used him in the past and was totally and completely satisfied. I cannot find enough words to describe what a gentleman he is. We never felt like we were being rushed or in anyway wasting his time. He belonged to us for the day. Use Fredos for your tour of Dominica, and I can guarantee you that you will make a friend for life. I know I have.
I just wish there was a way to help him get more business or better recognised for the kind of exceptional service that he has been giving to visitors to the island. I referred to him as a walking encyclopedia. He has so much knowledge about his island.
Like Taylor said, he can be reached at fredos40@hotmail.com or you can visit his website at http://freddy536.tripod.com to learn more about him and the services that he provide. There are also a few reviews/testimonials in his guest book.
As for the dog issue, last i heard from him was that, they were developing a program to have these stray dogs sterilized, so that they can control the population in the long term. They are also asking people who can to take some of the younger ones in. I sure hope that this problem gets resolved soon.
I'm glad to know that you also had the same experience. I hope he reads these sites, so he knows how much better our trip was because of his kindness, knowledge and sincere love of his country, which he openly shared with us. What a great island! I'm glad to hear that they are looking at a more humane way to deal with the dog problem. Let's hope they mean it.
Was on the Constellation for a Southern Caribbean in 12/04 and went to Dominica as a substitute for a port damaged by hurricanes. At the time I was very disappointed and now I can't even remember what port it was.
The day spent in Dominica and the tour by Reyno Tours was by far one of the best I have ever had. Was in a small group with a great driver and guide. We got to see everything and be as active (or not) as we liked. Did Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls, black sand beach, banana plantation and a stop to see 'Mr. Nice'
This gentleman has a stall in the middle of nowhere where you can sample all the fresh fruits native to the island. He presses sugar cane to make a drink and mixes in any fruit you want. All this an a great attitude for the price of whatever tip you think is appropriate
Our guide brought snacks and homemade passion fruit wine as well as a cooler of cold drinks.
Did this one by accident, but it will forever be one of my favorites!
taylor .... Thank you for your time to post this GREAT review!
You mentioned the Champagne area. Was that the Champagne Reef? We understand that it's located over an underwater volcano with warm and bubbly water? (We were to have taken a snorkel tour there but due to problems with the dive boat we didn't get to go.) Would appreciate any information your guide may have given you on this ... in case we have the opportunity to do it again.
Thanks again!
--------------------
Dave .... Hope you find the photo with the dog! Would love to see it!
We did the Champagne snorkel. I was a bit skeptical with the write up on it in the excursion book, but it was the most awesome snorkel experience I've had!! I absolutely loved it!! I figured the bubbles would be very few--if any, but there were lots of bubbles!! I just can't say enough about this excursion!! Just incredible!! You can see fish anywhere, but to snorkel over a volcano and see and feel those warm bubbles coming up from the earth--I was in awe!!
Barbara
For those of you who have walked down to Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls, just how difficult a walk is it? We'll be there next month and the couple going with us use canes. They usually don't have a problem walking but I've read that it's a very slippery, rocky walk. What do you think?
For those of you who have walked down to Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls, just how difficult a walk is it? We'll be there next month and the couple going with us use canes. They usually don't have a problem walking but I've read that it's a very slippery, rocky walk. What do you think?
Hello Redlyn, from my experiences, the walk down to the Emerald Pool is a bit difficult especially for someone who has limited mobility (the trail can be slippery since it is in the rain forest)...however, with a good guide it can be done. I remember on our visit there we had an 82 year old woman in our group, and with Fredos (our tour guide) holding her hand and telling her where to step she was able to reach all the way down to the pool and enjoyed it just as much as everyone else.
For those whoh do not want to walk down to the pool area, there is a lookout point about half way down. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to the pool. As for the Trafalgar Falls, it is much easier to walk to than the Emerald Pool. You walk for about 5 mins and reach as far as the viewing platform. Most of the guides don't take you beyond that as it can be very risky. I have heard of people falling, and even suffering broken bones.
But, what ever you decide to do you will enjoy Dominica. It is one of the most beautiful islands that I have had the pleasure of visiting. Happy cruising.
I agree that it can get slippery. We got stuck walking when it was raining really hard, so the ground was slippery. Be sure to watch out for roots and other things that trip you. I tripped a couple times on hidden roots.
Thanks for the info on the trail... doesn't sound too bad so with a little care, I think we'll go for it. From all I've read it's beautiful and I'd hate to miss it.:
If you feel you can do it, go for it! It was the best experience of my life. I'm sure if you don't get rained on you'll be fine. Even if it does rain, just take your time and watch your step and you'll make it back in one piece. Can't wait to hear about it!
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
-
Centrum Deck
-
Cruise Places
-
Dominica
-
Best Dominica tour
#
Only a couple people actually walked into the water though. We all put our hands in the water, or whatever you do (I forget), because our guide told us that it takes like 10 years off you. So we were touristy and went along with it. 
I'm glad to know that you also had the same experience. I hope he reads these sites, so he knows how much better our trip was because of his kindness, knowledge and sincere love of his country, which he openly shared with us. What a great island! I'm glad to hear that they are looking at a more humane way to deal with the dog problem. Let's hope they mean it.
Emerald Pool Walk
:
I'm sure if you don't get rained on you'll be fine. Even if it does rain, just take your time and watch your step and you'll make it back in one piece. 
Linear Mode
