Fort Young Hotel, Dominica

Dominica’s volcanic mountainous landscape is mirrored below the water, with shallow coral reef formations falling abruptly into the depths. Together, the volcanic substrate and proximity to deep water have created the ideal environment for marine life to flourish. Reefs here are thick with hard and soft corals, sponges, crinoids, sea fans, whips and black coral bushes. Amongst this carpet of coral, divers can find macro marine life such as longlure frogfish, seahorses, jawfish, and trumpetfish, while tuna and jacks dominate the deeper waters.

Scuba diving in Dominica takes place on the island’s western coast, with the vast majority of sites spread over three distinct areas – Cabrits Marine Reserve in the north, the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve in the south, and the central town of Salisbury. Centred around the Cabrits National Park peninsula, Dominica’s northern marine park has several must-visit sites, including Five Finger Rock and Point Break. Another favourite here, Toucari Caves, is often considered the most photogenic of all Dominica’s dive sites, with intricate rock formations bejewelled with colourful corals. Further south around the town of Salisbury, lies an accessible dive site known as Rina’s Hole along with the deeper neighbouring site of Whale Shark Reef, and several more. While you won’t spot any whale sharks, the marine life here is still varied and plentiful, providing plenty of interest during dives.

Many of Dominica’s most renowned sites are located around the southern Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve. This underwater volcanic crater plays host to some of the more adventurous dives including Dangleben’s Pinnacles, Scotts Head Drop-off, The Village, and Crater’s Edge. These sites allow divers to reach slightly greater depths and a few even offer enough current for an exciting drift. Point Guignard and Swiss Cheese are appreciated for their picturesque swim-throughs while La Sorcière starts shallow but soon plummets to beyond 500-metres. There are also plenty of dives here for less experienced visitors. Champagne Reef is one of the island’s few shore dives and is accessible to all, making it one of the most well-known sites in Dominica. Here, volcanic gases bubble through small fissures in the reef, creating a feeling similar to diving in a glass of champagne. Offering easy access to deep waters so close to shore, the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve is also popular among freedivers.

Whale watching in Dominica

Dominica’s deep coastal waters are host to at least six different cetacean species on a regular basis, with the possibility of spotting over a dozen more if you’re lucky. But, Dominica’s biggest attraction is its resident population of sperm whales, making it the only country in the world where sperm whales can be sighted year-round – although November through March is the best time, as the whales are closest to shore. While whale watching tours are common, only a very small selection of operators are permitted to offer in-water experiences.