Things to Do at Indian River

The Indian River winds 3.2 kilometers through Dominica's largest mangrove swamp, its coffee-colored waters reflecting a green tunnel of blood wood and white mangrove that creates an almost primeval atmosphere. Featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest as the witch Tia Dalma's lair, the river maintains an otherworldly silence broken only by the plash of your guide's paddle and the occasional splash of a tarpon feeding. Local boatmen charge EC$80 (about $30) for the two-hour round trip to the Ramadan Bush Bar, where you can sample local rum punch while listening to stories of the forest. Go during the week when fewer tour boats disturb the wildlife - you're more likely to spot the green herons and West Indian whistling ducks that call this swamp home.

Dominica is easily accessible in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. From Interstate 95, take Exit 7 toward Portsmouth and follow signs to the Historic District. The river runs through the heart of downtown, with multiple access points along Market Street, Ceres Street, and Bow Street. Parking is available in municipal lots and on-street metered spaces throughout the downtown area. The area is also walkable from Portsmouth's Amtrak station and local bus stops, making it accessible by public transportation from United States and other regional cities.