🇩🇴Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Dominica

Caribbean Sea

sea

Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

province

Eastern Caribbean

ecoregion

Champagne

Champagne is a notable dive site characterized by volcanic vents that release bubbles at a depth of approximately 5 meters (15 feet). This site offers a variety of diving experiences suitable for all skill levels, including a muck dive in sandy areas and the presence of an old cannon in the shallows. Divers can observe squid near the bubbling vents, while the sandy regions are home to species such as flying gurnards, razor fish, sailfin blennies, and nudibranchs. Seahorses can also be spotted in this area, making it a diverse location for marine life observation.

15.2447, -61.3737

Condo

Condo is characterized by a prominent rock formation situated on a sloping seabed, believed to have been displaced by volcanic activity during the island's formation. The site features numerous cracks and crevices within the rock, providing shelter for various marine life, including lobsters and crabs. Divers can also explore a sandy area populated by garden eels, along with swim-throughs that add to the site's diversity. Marine life highlights include sting rays, schools of grunts, and snappers, showcasing a mix of species associated with both sandy and rocky environments.

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Craters Edge

Craters Edge is the final accessible point of the volcanic crater, featuring a prominent pinnacle that extends into the crater. This site is known for attracting a variety of pelagic species and large schools of fish. Divers can observe bar jacks, yellowtail snappers, creole wrasse, horse eye jacks, and occasionally tuna. Black margates and barracuda are also frequently seen. The surrounding wall is adorned with sponges and gorgonians, providing an interesting backdrop to the dynamic marine life. The entry to this site is from the shore.

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Danglebens Pinnacles

Danglebens Pinnacles consists of a series of five underwater pinnacles ranging from a depth of 12 meters (40 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet). The dive begins in open water, descending to the pinnacle at 12 meters, with no shallow areas present. Divers may encounter currents, making it suitable for all experience levels. The site features a varied topography with drop-offs, valleys, and an abundance of marine life. Common sightings include pelagic species, turtles, barracudas, and schools of bait fish, along with a healthy population of sponges. This site is particularly noted for its diverse hamlet species, including hybrids.

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L’Abym North

L’Abym North features a continuation of the dramatic wall found at L’Abym. This site offers a combination of steep wall diving and opportunities to observe various marine life, including turtles, seahorses, and frogfish, which can be spotted along the wall and the adjacent shelf. The wall is also known for its population of hamlets. Conditions are generally calm, with minimal currents, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site is conveniently located close to shore, providing protection from waves and wind.

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Lost Horizon

Lost Horizon is accessed via a shore entry, where divers begin their journey towards the Suburbs mooring. This site is infrequently visited, resulting in a unique underwater environment. The dive starts at an entry point leading into a remarkable canyon. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including large schools of creole wrasse, black durgeons, horse-eye jacks, and bar jacks. As divers approach the Suburbs area, sightings of black margates and schoolmasters become more common, contributing to the site's rich biodiversity.

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Missing Link

Missing Link is a dive site that connects Scotts Head Pinnacle and Scotts Head Drop Off. It features a combination of vertical walls and a flat shelf extending into the crater. Divers may experience strong currents, which can be utilized for a drift dive. The site supports a diverse range of marine life, allowing for sightings of both macro species and pelagic fish during the same dive. Notable species include frogfish and seahorses.

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Mountain Top

Mountain Top is a dive site that requires optimal conditions for a successful experience, including minimal wind, waves, and current. The dive reaches a depth of 17 meters, where divers can encounter large schools of marine life. Notable species include horse eye jacks, rainbow runners, and barracudas, which are often seen swimming close to divers, especially with a slight current. The site is characterized by an abundance of smaller fish, creating a dynamic underwater environment.

15.2065, -61.3817

Point Guirnard

Point Guirnard offers a gentle dive suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features a sloping reef located within a headland, which typically remains calm. However, divers may encounter currents when navigating around the area. The shallow sections of the reef are noted for their beauty, making it an appealing spot for exploration. This dive site is often utilized as a second dive and is also favorable for snorkelers, providing opportunities for critter observation.

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Scotts Head Drop Off

Scotts Head Drop Off is a wall dive that ranges from depths of 5 meters to over 30 meters. The site is characterized by numerous crevices and cracks, making it ideal for observing macro marine life such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. While it is often visited as a second dive, divers may encounter larger species like rays and turtles. Be aware that currents can be present outside the bay, which may affect diving conditions.

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Scotts Head Pinnacle

Scotts Head Pinnacle offers a diverse underwater landscape characterized by walls, swim-throughs, caverns, and sandy areas interspersed with rocky fields. A notable feature is the expansive swim-through that leads into the volcanic crater wall, providing a unique diving experience. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including large schools of barracudas, yellowhead jawfish, creole wrasse, and seahorses. The depth varies, allowing divers to explore both shallow and deeper sections of the site. Conditions can vary, making it suitable for divers with varying levels of experience.

15.2158, -61.3765

Sea Fan City - Dominica

Sea Fan City is a relatively new dive site located on the southern coast of Dominica. Divers enter from the shore and head west along a wall, navigating the contours and ridges of the underwater landscape. The return journey takes place in shallower waters, where divers can swim through a large expanse of dense sea fans and staghorn corals. Common marine life includes black durgons, Bermuda chub, schoolmasters, and smallmouth grunts, particularly in the shallower areas.

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Soufreire Pinnacles

Soufreire Pinnacles consists of a series of underwater formations located directly in front of Soufriere Village, making it an ideal site for a second or third dive. The site features shallow depths that are visually appealing. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of macro marine life, including seahorses, frogfish, and a range of shrimp and crabs.

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Tu Sab

Tu Sab is a wall dive located in a sheltered bay, making it suitable for beginners and larger groups. The site features a small-scale wall where divers can explore crevices and holes that provide habitat for various marine life. Notably, many species of lobsters and crabs can be found hiding in these areas. This dive site is also recommended for night diving, where the use of a flashlight can reveal rare critters in their hiding spots. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing for easy access.

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Village - Dominica

Village is located on the Atlantic side of Dominica and is characterized by a unique underwater landscape featuring large sea fans, sea plumes, and sea rods. This site is notable for the presence of a resident school of Atlantic spadefish, which divers can observe regularly, as they are not commonly found elsewhere. Additionally, stingrays may occasionally be seen in the sandy areas. Divers should be aware that currents can change rapidly at this location, making it essential to be cautious while exploring.

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Wendy’s Garden

Wendy's Garden is located just south of the Soufriere Jetty and offers an easy shore entry. The dive site features a gently sloping bottom that ranges from 25 feet to 80 feet in depth. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including vibrant sponges, numerous reef fish, and the occasional seahorse. Notable features include volcanic fumeroles, reminiscent of Champagne Bubbles, and during certain times of the year, a spectacular bait ball may be seen. A dive guide is required for this site.

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West Bank

West Bank is a prominent standalone pinnacle located within the Scotts Head Pinnacle and Swiss Cheese area. The site features diverse underwater topography, including walls, crevices, and sloping coral shelves. It is rich in marine life, with frequent sightings of species such as schoolmasters, barracuda, jacks, nurse sharks, and turtles. Notably, it is one of the best locations to observe the yellowcheek wrasse. Divers often explore the site multiple times due to its abundant life and varied features.

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