RachelleButternut

Would someone be able to compare and contrast these two islands, in terms of hotel options, activities options, rainforest, scenery, cost, etc?

Thank you.

schmerl

I've never been to Saba, but Dominica does not have much to do other than hike through the rain forest and enjoy exploring the eco-system. It's a beautiful,luch island, but does NOT have much in the way of beaches or activities.

schmerl

I wish there was a way to edit your posts on this forum. That should be LUSH island, not luch.

faithie

First off I will say I have never been to either , but have researched both because I WANT to visit them . From what I understand out of the 2 places Dominica has a bit more in the way of beaches , a bit more lodging , a bit more hiking , more waterfalls for sure ( Saba has none ) etc. Both look super , Saba has a fair amt. of history , as done Dominica in its own sense . If I had to choose between the 2 I would probably go with Dominica , although ...... I am NO help !!! lol , Faith .

Statia

I can see Saba out my kitchen window so I have been there often, but have not yet been to Dominica. Therefore, I'd be happy to answer any specific questions about Saba, but can't compare the two.

Gosh, I'm of no help either.

doug_stallings

As many people have noted, it's hard to compare the two. Saba is very small and has basically 2 activities: hiking and diving. The hotels are small and a couple of have pools. But everything nice and neat. One fancy hotel (Willards), but everyone is friendly and nice. No beach whatsoever. It's great for a few days but I think there won't be enough to do for an entire week unless you dive, then you could spend a month.

Dominica isn't big, but it's very wild. Decent diving, whale-watching, calm-water rafting, excellent hiking, no fancy resorts but lots to do unless all you want to do is lie on the beach, and then you wouldn't choose either island. It's a good destination if you like adventurous, jungly trips. You can also hop on a ferry for some other islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe, for example) but not really for day-trips. Some beaches, but not soft, silky sand. I'd say there is a lot to keep you busy there; interesting retreats and some cool hotels if you can deal with having things a bit rustic.

Hope this helps.

RobertoB

It seems that not many people travel to Dominica or if they do, they don’t write about their experiences. Like some of the other posters I’ve researched both of these islands but never traveled there. As Doug said Saba is small, beautiful, and great for diving. I recently showed my wife a photo of Saba from Cruising World ( sailboats ) magazine and she loved the looks of it. Would she love it for a week…I don’t know.

Dominica looks intriguing. Like Faithie it’s somewhere I’d like to go, there’s just islands ahead of it, and some to return to. It does appear that you’d have to base yourself in two different areas to see the entire island. The following would be a good place to start for accommodations on Dominica:

http://www.dominica-cottages.com/

http://www.avirtualdominica.com/cres...ins/index.html

http://www.zandoli.com/default.htm

Judging from your post, you’ve traveled to other islands. You know what features you enjoyed and those that you didn’t think much of.

faithie

I would love to know more about Dominica . I love things a little on the wilder side , love the exotic jungly aspect , and appreciate a remote cove beach before a long stretch of white sand , can also handle hotels a little rustic , we prefer smaller lodging .... We adore Costa Rica , and loved Port Antonio Jamaica . Perhaps this could be the place for us to explore ?? I did see some photos that showed some nice looking beaches ? I wonder if these would be calm enough for my kids to swim ? p.s. Statia , Saba looks very interesting as well , some incredible looking foilage !

RachelleButternut

This is the original poster here:

Thanks for the great responses. I guess what I really want to know is which island could best support a new boutique-sized rainforest-based eco-resort?

Any thoughts?

faithie

Dominica , or Tobago !!

Statia

I'd say Dominica, too. Saba has it's fill of lodging at the moment.