The most convenient transfers from Europe and North America are through San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). Wilderness Explorers offers a full-service air booking facility with unmatched experience arranging long-and short- haul bookings in this part of the world, so let us know how we can help you make your air arrangments.
American Airlines ceased longstanding service to Dominica in mid-2013. In its place, Seaborne Airlines (BB) has taken over daily service from Puerto Rico and offers connecting service to numerous other points across the Caribbean. Seaborne bookings are still made through the American Airlines AA.com website, however.
LIAT includes Dominica on several Caribbean circuits which cover Antigua and Barbuda (ANU), Bridgetown (BGI), Pointe-a-Pitre (PTP), St. Lucia (UVF), and St. Maarten (SXM).
Air Sunshine operates several days per week between Dominica and St. Thomas (STT), St. Maarten (SXM), St. Martin (SFG), and Tortola (EIS).
BVI Airways operates several days per week between Dominica and St. Maarten (SXM) and Tortola.
Your first introduction to the primitive and rugged nature of the Dominica may be in the form of a one of the Western Hemisphere’s more dramatic landing approaches at the short airstrip of Melville Hall Airport (IATA: DOM, ICAO: TDPD) on the island’s northeast coast. (Youtube this cockpit video of the approach – start at about 1:20). Smaller aircraft usually head towards the center of the island then descend below the ridgeline and follow a craggy valley at low altitude before making a sharp left turn just moments before touchdown. Operations here are daytime only, and obviously inclement weather can cause delays. Occasionally we book guests on chartered service or private aircraft which land at the tiny Canefield airport just outside of Roseau.
Pack light! The last thing you’ll want to worry about while relaxing in Dominica is heaps of luggage. Bring only what you need, and focus on lightweight, quick drying clothing and essentials for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Scuba divers can rent everything they need on the island, but this is an airport whose staff is quite familiar with the sight of oversized bags crammed with dive kits. Just be mindful of weight limits imposed by airlines to avoid unpleasant overage charges.
Tip: bring plenty of dry-bags to secure your electronics and delicate items: you and your bags will get wet. It rains here every day.
Your arrival is unlikely to be lengthy or eventful. Do avoid the temptation to start clicking photographs while still on the tarmac, however. The airport is one of the few areas the Dominican government maintains as a’sensitive’ location.
After completing arrival formalities, exit the building and look for a Wilderness Explorers representative holding a sign with your name on it.
You can get to Dominica on daily l’Express des Iles ferry service connecting Dominica to Point-a-Pitre Guadaloupe, Fort de France Martinique, and St. Lucia. Service is fast and surprisingly posh on the modern and high-speed craft. The two-hour journey to either Martinique or Guadaloupe will breeze by as you enjoy the on-board bar and catering services. Or, just tip your first-class-size-seat back for a good nap before heading off to your next adventure. Do note, however, that most of the ground and on-bard crew are not multilingual, so even basic French probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Melville Hall Airport is inconveniently located 60+ minutes away from Roseau by route of a very twisty, curvey road. You’ll soon acclimate to the windy roads, but its not uncommon to experience a bit of car sickness the first time. Those arriving by ferry at the cruise ship terminal in Roseau face a far shorter drive to west-side hotels.