Dominica is one of the top Caribbean destinations for dive, freediving and snorkeling experiences. Beyond the island’s rainforests, volcanic landscape and culture, Dominica offers underwater experiences for divers and freedivers of all levels. From dramatic coral reefs to rare marine species, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and beauty beneath the sea.
Nestled in the southern branch of the Caribbean archipelago, reefs, walls, underwater hot springs and spectacular marine life create a dive sanctuary. The island’s unique underwater hot springs, formed by geothermal activity, provide a mesmerizing experience for divers. These bubbling vents, found in various locations such as Champagne Reef, release streams of warm volcanic gases, creating an effect reminiscent of an underwater jacuzzi. Divers and snorkelers can witness the continuous flow of thermal bubbles while exploring the surrounding vibrant coral reefs.
The island (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic), lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. It is home to a variety of dive and freediving tour operators, each offering unique packages and experiences, accommodating experiences adventurers and beginners. These operators are dispersed amongst the three main dive areas, which include the West Coast, Southern shores and Central and Northern side.
Scuba Diving in Dominica
Located in the island’s capital city Roseau, the Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort recently expanded its dive operations, bringing the entire operation on-site and in-house with two new boats added to their fleet. The Dive Getaway Package offers seven nights for the price of six with five days of two-tank diving, a 30-minute massage and much more.
Nature Island Dive, located in Soufriere on the shore of the Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve, offers a dive experience tied into voluntourism and conservation efforts, allowing experienced divers to help with coral restoration and preservation work. Divers get to see firsthand the conservation work being spearheaded by the Nature Island Dive and its divemasters and instructors. Divers can also visit the Daniel Langlois Coral Rescue Center to learn more about the work being done to save corals for future generations.
As Dominica’s only SSI dive shop and PADI Eco Center, the folks at Nature Island Dive also offer a First-Time Scuba Diving Experience package and certification courses, ranging from beginner to advanced adventure.
Freediving in Dominica
For those looking to explore the ocean in its purest form, Dominica is an emerging freediving destination with ideal conditions for training and exploration. Blue Element Freediving, located in Soufriere, offers freediving instruction, coaching and guided experiences in Dominica’s crystal-clear waters. Host of the prestigious annual Blue Element International freediving competition, the team is dedicated to helping divers of all levels develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Deep Dominica, also located in Soufriere, provides customized freediving experiences in some of the island’s most breathtaking underwater locations. Offering training programs, guided deep dives and breath-hold workshops, Deep Dominica caters to both beginners looking to build confidence and experienced freedivers seeking new challenges.
Annual Dive Fest & Additional Water Adventures
While Dominica boasts a year-round dive season, the island’s annual Dive Fest event, held in early summer, brings divers from around the world together to celebrate their love for the sea, ocean reefs, diving, snorkeling, and more. The longest running scuba diving and water-sport festival in the Caribbean, Dive Fest aims to educate the local public, tourists and young people about scuba diving, freediving and the importance of protecting Dominica’s marine environment. The event features a variety of activities, ranging from discounted scuba diving courses, special packages, and athletic events to group conservation efforts and family-friendly fun.
In addition to dive and freediving, Dominica offers a variety of water-based experiences, including the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, the Caribbean’s only sea kayaking trail, and the new Whale Reserve, set to open later this year. The Whale Reserve is a pioneering initiative in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism, raising awareness of the importance of marine biodiversity conservation and encouraging responsible engagement with marine life.
To learn more about diving in Dominica or to book an upcoming visit, head to discoverdominica.com.
