Always wanted to go to Dominica for some reason. Every time i research vacation spots I always came back to it. Does anyone know about the snorkeling? We are avid snorkelers and have been quite a few places but we like when we can venture on our own and do not have to always pay for excursions. Is there any available like this? Can you snorkel off of any point? Thanks for any help. Also how about bugs. I am not ababy about them but I just have to know and be prepared. We have encountered many things in the jungles of Belize and also in vieques many tarantulas.

Wow - sounds like you're looking for the same kind of vacation as us! Went to Roatan last year and loved it, but are concerned that the current travel advisory will be extended. I've just been researching Dominica tonight, and also want beach snorkling and "off the beaten path" accomodations. Also, we need someplace that has air conditioning; hubby can't sleep without it. Will be glad to see what you've learned.

Sorry, but I don't have good news for you. My husband and I were both pretty disappointed in the quality of the snorkeling at the two spots we went to there. We had been told by a local that Dominica offered about the best snorkeling in the caribbean. Right off the bat, that made me skeptical, as we have snorkeled in many places in the caribbean (though not just in the caribbean), yet I had NEVER read or heard that before. At any rate, we went w/high hopes. The first location was Champagne Reef. It's interesting to see all the tiny bubbles, but otherwise, it wasn't "all that". The other location was supposedly a marine reserve (we were able to walk in right from the shore). There were some fish, but not a high number or great variety, and very little in the way of good coral formations. I realize that conditions can change due to storms from year to year, or it might just be a "bad day". But honestly, if you are looking for an island to explore that is a great place to snorkel, Dominica is not it. For snorkeing, I would suggest Grand Cayman, St. John, or Cozumel. Also, Bonaire has a very good reputation for diving and snorkeling. We will be going there for the first time in Feb., so I can't speak w/the same authority on that destination yet. I hope you find a place to visit that offers great snorkeling and more!

Dominica is a very beautiful island, but is better known for the dramatic scuba diving and hiking. If you like rainforest and nature, Dominica is the place for you, with snorkeling being the sideline. But yes, you can snorkel from shore at both Champagne Reef and at the Scotts Head Marine Reserve.
If snorkeling is to be the highlight of your trip, besides the Cayman Islands and USVI, the BVI, Anguilla and Grenadine islands would be more suitable.

From what I've read about Dominica, snorkeling does not seem to be a highlight of the island (although I have not been there). Maybe you should think about going back to St John now that you've been to so many other places to see how the snorkeling there compares. There are so many highly recommended snorkeling spots on St John that we never even got to see - and all of the snorkeling is from shore.

And if you really wanted to do something amazing, you could take your sister and brother in law with you and pay for their trip!!!!!