Description  

In Dominica, in addition to its mountains and hills, there are other formations related to the young volcanic activity of the island abound. 

In the town Calibishie, are the Red rocks (Red rocks). Located at the northern end of the island, this town is known for its stunning scenery which is really different from the rest of the island; it was formed by a lava flow from the northern mountain range. Once the lava reached Calibishie Bay, it boiled the sea and raised a thick cloud of steam. Rich in basalt, the lava cooled and left a gray peninsula. But over time this rock (basalt), rich in iron, oxidized due to the effect of the sea and the sun, revealing the red and gold tones that we can see today. 

The town of Calibishie is now oriented towards tourism. It takes its name from the Arawak language: “cali” means “net” and “bishie” means “reef” literally: “reef net”. Calibishie, which actually means “barrier reef”, is home to the only and therefore the longest on the island. 

Forming a bay of light sand, sometimes tinged with black sand, it is almost similar to that of the neighboring islands and seems exceptional for the volcanic island that is Dominica. 

Finally, Calibishie is one of the few regions in the world where the distance between the coast and the tropical forest is only one kilometer. 

Biodiversity

The Calibishie Reef is the largest in Dominica and extends up to 500 m from the shoreline and reaches depths of 0.3 to 5 m. This reef platform is made up of different species of corals such as the elkhorn (Acropora palmata), the mountainous star (Orbicella faveolata), the symmetrical brain (Diploria strigosa) and the boulder brain coral (Colpophyllia natans). The reef crest is structured by eroded limestone covered with filamentous algae, calcareous algae, and sponges. Similar to Anse Soldat and Anse de Mé, the flats and back reef areas provide habitat for seagrass meadows on the north coast. 

Ecotourism potential

Calibishie is home to the white sand beaches of Batibou, Hampstead, Hodges, Point Baptiste, Turtle and Woodford Hill. But other options are available inland with walks to discover freshwater rivers, waterfalls and the dense tropical forest, the various birds and its exuberant vegetation. Ecotourism attractions in Calibishie include visiting Red Rocks, biking, diving and river bathing, among others.