When I heard that Dominica was developing the Caribbean’s first sea kayaking trail, I jumped at the chance to see it first-hand. I knew very little about Dominica but as I began researching Dominica, I quickly learned that I wasn’t unique in my unfamiliarity with the place.
I also discovered that Dominica sounded like the type of place that I would love. Dominica is called the ‘Nature Island’. This is because of its dramatic landscapes and its expansive, untouched forests. Most Caribbean islands cater to people looking for all-inclusive resorts. Dominica was a welcomed change for a sea kayaker.
The Waitukubuli Sea Trail
To explore the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, I hooked up with Wes Moses and Kerry Alleyne from the Soufriere Outdoor Centre – a kayak and snorkeling outfitter based out of the small community of Soufriere in the Southwest corner of Dominica.
Wes and Kerry spearheaded the sea trail
Wes and Kerry not only started the Outdoor Centre, but they spearheaded the development of the Waitukubuli Sea Trail in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority, and so there is no one more knowledgeable and passionate about the trail than them.
40 miles of sea kayaking in the Caribbean
The newly formed Waitukubuli Sea Trail is a 40-mile (60 km) long water trail stretching north to south along the Caribbean side of Dominica. The trail is composed of 14 segments or areas. There is everything from rugged shorelines, beaches, surf, and ocean-side communities.
While I managed to see some amazing parts of the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, I know I've just scratched the surface. What I love about this sea trail, is that it's much more than an amazing coastal/wilderness experience.
The Waitukubuli Sea Trail takes you past some spectacular and untouched coastlines. The sea trail also carries paddlers past many colourful and welcoming small communities. These communities offer authentic food and lodging opportunities.
The Waitubukuli Sea Trail is a fully interactive experience. There is limited logistical information available. The team at Soufriere Outdoor Centre are a valuable source for that type of information.
Sea kayak rentals
They also have rental sea kayaks on hand hand (including the TRAK kayak that I used) and provide guided services to make the trip possible for paddlers of any skill level. For more information, contact Soufriere Outdoor Centre on Facebook.
A want to give a special thanks to the companies who support my mission to get more people outdoors and who helped make this trip possible: NRS, Outdoorplay.com, Wiley X, Aqua Bound and TRAK.
I also want to send a special thanks to those who make visiting Dominica special:
Kayak: TRAK kayak
Paddles: Aqua-Bound Hybrid Manta Ray (220cm) & Aqua-Bound Whiskey Carbon (220cm)
PFD: NRS Zen PFD
Paddling Top: NRS Silkweight Short sleeved shirt
Paddling Shorts: NRS Benny Board Shorts
Accessories: Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod 2.0
