Calibishie: Coast, Cliffs and Rainforest

Calibishie is an old fishing village whose landscape is shaped by steep cliffs, red rocks and rivers flowing down from the mountains. Palm-fringed beaches line the coast; just over a mile separates the seashore from the rainforest. There are also freshwater rivers, secluded bathing pools, waterfalls, and tropical rainforest with birds and lush vegetation. When looking for a hotel in Calibishie, consider whether the coast, the reef, or the rivers and rainforest will be the focus of your trip planning.

Coastal Landscape and Village History

The name Calibishie derives from Arawak words meaning “net of reefs.” Calibishie lies by Dominica’s only barrier reef. For the Kalinago, Dominica’s Indigenous people, the reef and surrounding land offered favorable conditions for fishing and farming. The reef and land also provided materials for thatched houses and canoes. Thus, the meaning of the name connects the reef with the Kalinago’s historical use of the landscape.

Activities associated with Calibishie include snorkeling and diving. Chocolate is made year-round at Pointe Baptiste Estate; visitors can see the production process in progress. Sea Cliff offers gin-tasting tours in Calibishie. Together, these offerings provide different ways to shape your travel plans: marine activities, chocolate making and gin tastings.

Hiking Trails in the Broader Destination of Saint Andrew Parish

Sections of the Waitukubuli National Trail run through the broader destination of Saint Andrew Parish, with varied route profiles. Section 7 runs from Hatten Garden into the highlands of Marigot; the approximately 8.9 km hike is of moderate to high difficulty. It passes through farmland, primary forest and rivers, and offers coastal views. Congorie Hole is along this section. Walter Williams Orchard serves as a parrot habitat and offers birdwatching opportunities; there is also a birdwatching tower there. Check current trail conditions before setting out, and check the tower’s condition before visiting.

Section 12 runs from Bourne to Penville. Its landscape includes a rugged Atlantic coast, dry forest, farmland and local agriculture. The trail passes through Vieille Case, also called Itassi Village. The church in Vieille Case was built by the French in the early 17th century.

Section 13 runs from Penville to Capuchin. Tafia Falls is along this route; its diverse flora and fauna include birds, frogs, flowering plants, insects and tall trees. To choose a hike, you can compare Sections 12 and 13 directly: at 13.5 km, Section 12 is nearly twice as long as Section 13 at 6.8 km. Section 12 is moderately difficult to difficult and takes about seven hours; Section 13 is moderately difficult.

Discover more destinations: Thibaud

For the broader travel overview: Saint Andrew Parish.