The Nature Conservancy in Dominica

Dominica is the largest and northernmost of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Only 29 miles long and 16 miles wide, the island contains numerous mountains, waterfalls and arguably the world’s largest boiling lake, cradled in the rim of a volcano.

Nicknamed the "Nature Island," Dominica stands out from its Caribbean neighbors. Steep mountainsides rise sharply from the coast, blanketed by rain forests and criss-crossed by 365 rivers. Elevations range from sea level to nearly 5,000 feet, creating diverse habitats including swamps, montane elfin forests with numerous hot springs and tropical rain forests.

The island is home to many species found nowhere else, including several species of bats, butterflies, orchids and two endangered parrots: the Sisserou and Jacquot. Surrounding the island are clear waters and diverse coral reefs, known for whale watching and world-class diving.