Dominica
The Caribbean is known for its white sandy beaches, and diving and snorkeling in the warm waters of this diverse sea. However, this represents only a minuscule fragment of what this magical place really has to offer.
Today the Sea Cloud II stopped at a beautiful island called Dominica. As we sailed early this morning, we could see the island’s lush vegetation in the distance and knew that today we would have a chance to see some of the rarest creatures on our planet. We disembarked at Cabrits National Park, where local guides greeted us. The tropical rainforest was our destination. It is home to a number of endemic birds, including one of the world’s rarest, Amazon parrots. Arriving in the highlands of Dominica, our first sighing was of one of the most beautiful birds; the blue headed hummingbird.
Our guides took us for a walk in the tropical rainforest, sharing their local knowledge of plants and animals. Majestic trees grew alongside orchids and native palms. During our walk, we saw bullfinches, house wrens and tremblers. Some of us were even lucky enough to spot the legendary Dominica parrot; also known as the jacquot or red-necked parrot.
The afternoon was full of historical and natural highlights. Snorkeling for the first time in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea revealed a colorful variety of fish, sponges and corals. Colorful damselfish, trumpet fish, eel and even an octopus was seen. Many of us also visited Fort Shirley, a historic site that is now under restoration. Our ship’s historian, along with a local historian, shared with us their vast knowledge of Fort Shirley. It covers an area of 1300 acres on Cabritz Point. Despite a considerable garrison and its costly building expense, it never fired a shot in anger.
Cocktail hour and recap took place on the lido deck as the sun disappeared, sinking into the horizon. Surrounded by a landscape of jungle and crystal-clear waters, the second day of our journey concluded on a high note.
The Caribbean is known for its white sandy beaches, and diving and snorkeling in the warm waters of this diverse sea. However, this represents only a minuscule fragment of what this magical place really has to offer.
Today the Sea Cloud II stopped at a beautiful island called Dominica. As we sailed early this morning, we could see the island’s lush vegetation in the distance and knew that today we would have a chance to see some of the rarest creatures on our planet. We disembarked at Cabrits National Park, where local guides greeted us. The tropical rainforest was our destination. It is home to a number of endemic birds, including one of the world’s rarest, Amazon parrots. Arriving in the highlands of Dominica, our first sighing was of one of the most beautiful birds; the blue headed hummingbird.
Our guides took us for a walk in the tropical rainforest, sharing their local knowledge of plants and animals. Majestic trees grew alongside orchids and native palms. During our walk, we saw bullfinches, house wrens and tremblers. Some of us were even lucky enough to spot the legendary Dominica parrot; also known as the jacquot or red-necked parrot.
The afternoon was full of historical and natural highlights. Snorkeling for the first time in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea revealed a colorful variety of fish, sponges and corals. Colorful damselfish, trumpet fish, eel and even an octopus was seen. Many of us also visited Fort Shirley, a historic site that is now under restoration. Our ship’s historian, along with a local historian, shared with us their vast knowledge of Fort Shirley. It covers an area of 1300 acres on Cabritz Point. Despite a considerable garrison and its costly building expense, it never fired a shot in anger.
Cocktail hour and recap took place on the lido deck as the sun disappeared, sinking into the horizon. Surrounded by a landscape of jungle and crystal-clear waters, the second day of our journey concluded on a high note.
