by Linda Baudoin | Apr 30, 2020 | Hiking, Nature, Syndicate, Waterfall
Nestled on the foothills of Dominica’s tallest mountain, Morne Diablotin, and close to the Picard River Gorge is the Syndicate Nature Trail. From hotel the Champs it is just a 10 minutes drive on the main road before you take the turnoff just before Dublanc into the mountains for another half an hour. The easy loop trail through the rainforest on the western slopes of Morne Diablotin is beloved by birders for the good chance of spotting Dominica’s endangered national bird, the Sisserou parrot, and its cousin, the Jaco parrot. The best spotting time is in the early morning and late afternoon. Also watch for hummingbirds and several dozen other feathered species. If you are a bird lover, we can also arrange special guided bird watching for you in this area.
Syndicate also has a diverse array of flora. It is a key location for research and educational purposes and has lovely view points along the walking path. Once on this trail there are incredible high, prehistoric-looking trees, beautiful varieties of textures and patterns. There are areas with large clearings and nice lookouts where you can experience how beautiful this ecosystem is.
After you hiked this nature trail, you start your way down again by car. On the way down you stop for the second hike to Milton Falls. The other name is Syndicate Falls, named after the area.
The trail to the fall starts where the Milton Falls signpost and a large mango tree are. At the beginning of the walk you wander through farm land. In them you can spot peppers, coffee, passionfruit, grapefruit, papayas etc.
Before the next part of the path you finally see a ‘gate’ and a little house which takes your $5 or $10EC donation for entering private land. After passing the final bit of farm land the path take you into thicker bush, high grasses, citrus trees dripping with moss and vines with mystery green fruit. You find yourself in a green valley surrounded by high peaks and flowing rivers. You make your way up rocky banks, crisscrossing the river, finally spotting the waterfall through the trees. It is absolutely stunning and a nice spot to take a swim and have lunch!
After some relaxing it is time to move forward. Another nice stop on your way down the main road is the Free up farm. Free Up Farm is a 7-acre farm where they have over 300 trees planted, an assortment of unique fruit and medicinals including Cacao, Mangosteen, Soursop, Moringa and Neem. The farm will serve as a demonstration site for the sustainability and profitability of permaculture and organic farming methods. The owners Aubrey and Lulu are more than willing to welcome you (www.freeupfarm.com)
After this food and veggie experience it’s time to go back; your cocktail at Hotel the Champs is waiting for you…..
by Monique Jacob | Feb 25, 2020 | Diving, Hiking, Syndicate, Tour Operators, Travel Tips, Waterfall
A Sample “Playlist” to Discovering Dominica
From North to South, East to West, Dominica has so much to explore. At The Champs, taking the traditional bucket list up a notch, presenting a playlist guide to the best of Dominica, with options from easy to extreme.
- Drift down a “River of Dreams”
A river for every day of the year, so why not take a ride. For the easy-going traveler, an Indian River boat ride is the most relaxing choice and it’s only five minutes away flowing through the town of Portsmouth. For the more adventurous, let’s go tubing down the Layou or Pagua Rivers.
- Take a “Misty Mountain” hop (hike)
A must-do on the Caribbean’s most mountainous island is a hike. The Champs is close to Dominica’s tallest peak, Morne Diablotins. The 4 to 6-hour return trek isn’tfor the faint at heart but if that’s your speed we will arrange with certified guides.
- Go chasing “Waterfalls”
Across the length and breadth of Dominica are multiple waterfalls for a very Nature Island experience. Three of our easy favorite choices are Milton (Syndicate) Falls, Chaudière Pool, and Emerald Pool.
- Look out for the “Three Little Birds”
Syndicate Nature Trail within the Morne Diablotins National Park is by far one of the best places to go birdwatching and see Dominica’s indigenous parrots and many of the over 190 species of birds on the island.
- Go “Into the Deep”
We embrace all the water that comes with being at the center of the Caribbean. At the Champs, we organize the best dive excursions with our local dive shops, dive training and certification is also available. If you don’t want to dive, let’s go whale and dolphin watching. Dominica is the whale watching, capital of the Caribbean.
- Lounge next to “Castles made of Sand”
Yes, Dominica has beaches, actually, Portsmouth and surroundings have some of the island’s best beaches. Let our team put together a beach picnic and drive you to Coconut Beach, Picard Beach, Purple Turtle Beach, or Toucarie Beach. All are within 5 to 15 minutes of The Champs.
- Let that “Pony Run”
Exploring Dominica by horse sounds like fun. Take a guided horseback tour along historic forest trails in the Cabrits National Park and end your ride on the beach into the water. 
- The lake is boiling “Hot, Hot, Hot”
Dominica is home to the world’s second-largest Boiling Lake. The six-hour guided hike through Valley of Desolation takes you along unique terrains to a world wonder that will take your breath away.
- We are a welcoming “Famalay”
There are so many things to do in Dominica we can’t list them all, but our knowledgeable staff are here to help you find something to suit your tastes, just ask.
by RJ | Jan 16, 2019 | Environs, Hiking, Syndicate, Waterfall
Hike to and Picknick at Syndicate (Milton) Falls:
You walk about 10 minutes before you reach the river, there you have to cross the river 4 times. Hans crossing the river to be able to follow the path that leads to the waterfall.
Here you can sit and relax, enjoy your pick-nick or and take a swim in the pool. You can stay as long as you want.
You take the same route back to your car or taxi.
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