ShoreTrips says...

On September 18, 2017, Hurricane Maria, the worst natural disaster to ever hit Dominica, made landfall, leaving massive destruction and death in her wake. See how the people of Dominica have come together to rebuild their island, while also touring some areas that have not yet recovered. Throughout this tour, your guide will share his personal stories and experiences about life during and after the monster known as Maria.

As we visit the lush, green rainforests of the Roseau Valley and see the beauty of Trafalgar Falls and Sulpher Springs, the destruction of Hurricane Maria might not be immediately apparent. But as we make our way toward the community of Goodwill, one of the major population centers in the northern portion of the city of Roseau, the massive destruction begins to reveal itself. This area felt the full brunt of Maria, and although the rebuilding process has been on-going, there are still many sites which bear the scars of this Category 5 Hurricane. Your guide will explain how rivers, Dominica’s pride and joy and source of rich living, were turned into a destructive and lethal force during this devastating storm.

We move on to the deep-south west of the island, to the communities of Soufriere and Scotts Head, where the scale of destruction from the hurricane was extremely heavy. Home to the Soufriere Scots Head Marine Reserve and beautiful scenery, this journey promises to provide a lesson or two on climate change, which scientists believe was the reason for Maria's intensified strength.

We will stop at the peninsula where the Caribbean Sea meets the wild Atlantic Ocean for photos and a refreshing drink.

From here, we head back to Roseau, making a short detour east for a quick peek of what is left of the Dominica Brewery and Beverages Factory (home to the world-renowned Kubuli Beer), now abandoned following the storm. Thanks to Maria, the gently-flowing river which ran next to the brewery, turned into a raging torrent that took everything in its path.

This tour is a testament to the resolve, hard work and resiliency of the people of Dominica.