Diving in Dominica
Called the Nature Isle, Dominica is the Caribbean of yesteryear, not only in its down-home charm but with diving that feels like it’s been preserved for future generations. A high volcanic island covered with lush, green rain forests, Dominica has hundreds of waterfalls and rivers, and two boiling lakes. Thermal springs erupt around the island including underwater where volcanic bubbles and warm water emanates from certain sites. A big attraction is the pod of sperm whales that stay close to the island from November to March. If you’re looking for a vacation that provides interaction with unspoiled nature both above and below the water, Dominica is the place.
Great Dives
Champagne Reef –Named for the bubbles rising up through the sand from underwater hot springs, this site is accessible from shore and also good for snorkeling. Currents here are usually light and you may see seahorses, frogfish, flying gurnards, and squid.
Soufriere Pinnacles – This site consists of a series of deep-water pinnacles that drop off into the deep blue. The walls are covered in plate and whip corals with an amazing array of colorful sponges. Look up every now and then for turtles and mantas that occasionally swim by.
Point Break – Located where the Caribbean and the Atlantic meet on the northern tip of the island, Point Break offers a chance to see lots of large fish. There’s usually a decent current at the sight, but the wall and scenery are worth the effort. Be sure to check out the swim-throughs.
Cottage Point – Links of chain and other remnants of an 18th century wreck are scattered in shallow water. After surveying the wreck, swim around the pinnacles that are covered with color and full of invertebrate life.
Whale Shark Reef – This reef starts at about 18 metres/60 feet and drops off to more than 40 metres/130 feet. Along the nice vertical face, large barrel sponges and tube sponges are abundant and colorful corals swarm with reef fish. There’s a chance to see barracudas, Spanish mackerel and jacks swimming off the reef.
Five Finger Rock – The site is named for rocks that looks like a hand and knuckles sticking out in the water. Look for colorful elephant ear sponges and spotted eagle rays swimming in the mild current.
Dive Summary
Visibility – Visibility is usually good and ranges from 15-30 metres/50-100 feet.
Water Temperature – The water averages 25°C/78°F in winter and 28°C/82°F in summer.
Weather – Diving is good all year. It’s calmer and dryer in the winter months and the rainy season lasts from June through October, which is the Caribbean’s hurricane season. The air temperature ranges from 22°C/73°F in winter to 28°C/82°F in summer.
Featured Creatures – Sperm whales, the world’s largest toothed mammal, is seen off the sheltered west coast from November through March. On the reefs and pinnacles, look for flamingo tongue shells, frogfish, flying gurnard, Creole wrasse, seahorses, eagle rays and sting rays.
Marine Reserve Fee – To dive in Dominica’s three Marine Reserves, dive operators charge a small fee ($2US) for each diver. This fee goes toward the protection of these valuable areas.
Recommended Training – The PADI Underwater Naturalist, AWARE – Coral Reef Conservation and AWARE – Fish Identification courses aregood choices for diving the Nature Isle.
Travel Info
Language – English is the official language, but a French-based Creole, Patois, is widely spoken.
Currency – Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Major Airports – There are two airports that receive flights from other Caribbean nations – Melville Hall Airport and Canefield Airport. International guests fly into one of the Caribbean hubs and then hop to Dominica.
Electricity and Internet – 220/240 volts, 50Hz, though hotels may have 110 volts, 50Hz outlets. Internet is sporadically available.
Topside Attractions –Trafalgar Falls, Victoria Falls and Emerald Pool are the best waterfalls. Stop at one of the geothermal baths, called sulphur springs, around the island. Hike through the Morne Trois Pitons National Park rainforest to the Boiling Lake.