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Portsmouth |
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Portsmouth sits at the head of prince Rupert Bay. This magnificent protected bay is over 2 miles long and a mile wide. Under normal conditions, you can anchor almost anywhere off the coast, from the Coconut Beach Hotel on the south shore right around to Purple Turtle on the north. Moorings are now also available. The harbor is so good that Portsmouth was picked to be the island’s capital. However, this never came to be because of the extensive swamp below the Cabrits. In bygone days, malaria or yellow fever often afflicted people trying to settle the area, and so Roseau became the capital. Today, you can consider this area to be healthy. Elizabeth Pampo Israel, 128 years old, and the oldest person in the world, lived here till her death.
Portsmouth, the town is local and full of character. It has not been "prettied up" for tourists and feels completely authentic. When cruise ships are not in port you can get water and fuel at the cruise ship dock, though this is most suitable for large yachts. Ashore you will find restaurants serving local specialties, and one or two shops selling local art and handicrafts. Igna, a good diesel mechanic can help with any technical problems.
Attractions in the right in bay include The Indian River and the Cabrits National Park (see our exploring ashore pages) The transformation of unruly boat vendors to professional Indian River guide water-taxis has been truly remarkable achievement by the tourist board, the forestry department and the participating people. Years ago, boat vendors were the bane of visiting yachts. Today the Indian River guides provides a wonderful service that will enhance your visit. They have been well trained in the natural history of the Indian River, and they all have good boats. The Dominica experience would be far poorer without interacting with the best of these people. If you ask, most can help you get fruits, bread, ice, take your laundry, and act as a water taxi. Their primary business is river and other tours, but they will usually provide these other services for their customers.
I can recommend all those listed below: Providence Boating, (Martin Carriere), 767-445-3008, F: 787-245-2700, VHF: 16, Carrierre@hotmail.com Cobra Tours, (Andrew O'Brien), 767-445-3333, F: 767-445-3333, VHF:16, info@cobratours.dm Faustin Alexis, 767-276-7924 Early Bird, (Jefferson Benjamin), 767-254-9159/445-6987, VHF:16, earlybird_79@hotmail.com Eddison, 767-225-3626/445-6978, VHF:16 Sea Bird, (Jeffrey Grant), 767-245-0125, VHF:16 Lawrence d'Arabie, 767-445-3630, VHF:16 Spaghetti (Eric), 767-445-4729, VHF:16 Other river guides including Albert, Charlie, Big Pope (David), and James, stand by on VHF:16 It is a good idea to call one if these in advance on the VHF or cell phone and alert them of your arrival. This way you will be sure to deal with someone professional. Click here for a map of Portmsouth
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