Dominica shows up out of the haze like it means business—steep hills, deep water tight to shore, and weather that can change its mind between one squall line and the next. It’s not the kind of island where you drift in, toss the hook anywhere handy, and figure it out later.
Come in with your papers squared away, a bit of cash, and a willingness to do things in person. The officials are generally straight enough, but the process runs on office hours and whatever the day brings. On the water, the west coast can be kind or lumpy depending on swell, so you keep options open and don’t get too attached to your first anchorage.
Do that, and Dominica treats you well. You can be anchored in the afternoon and standing under a waterfall the next morning—just keep one eye on the sky and the other on your swinging room.