Diving and Snorkeling
Not only is Dominica considered one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world by Skin Diver and Rodale's Scuba Diving magazines, but it has won many other awards for its underwater sites. They are truly memorable. The west coast of the island has awesome sites, but the best are those in the southwest—within and around Soufrière/Scotts Head Marine Reserve. This bay is a submerged volcanic crater. The Dominica Watersports Association has worked along with the Fisheries Division for years to establish this reserve and has set stringent regulations to prevent the degradation of the ecosystem. Within ½ mile (¾ km) of the shore there are vertical drops from 800 feet to more than 1,500 feet, with visibility frequently extending to 100 feet. Shoals of boga fish, creole wrasse, and blue cromis are common, and you might even see a spotted moray eel or a honeycomb cowfish. Crinoids (rare elsewhere) are also abundant here, as are giant barrel sponges. There is a $2 fee per person to dive, snorkel, or kayak in the reserve. Other noteworthy dive sites include Salisbury Falls, Nose Reef, Brain Coral Garden, and—even farther north—Cabrits Drop-Off and Toucari Reef. The conditions for underwater photography, particularly macrophotography, are unparalleled. Rates start at about $55 for a single-tank dive and about $90 for a two-tank dive, or from about $75 for a resort course with one open-water dive. All scuba-diving operators also offer snorkeling. Equipment rents for $10 to $25 a day; trips with gear range from $15 to $35. A 10% tax is not included.
Anchorage Dive & Whale Watch Center. The Anchorage Dive & Whale Watch Center has two dive boats that can take you out day or night. It also offers PADI instruction (all skill levels), snorkeling and whale-watching trips, and shore diving. It has many of the same trips as Dive Dominica. Anchorage Hotel, Castle Comfort, St. George. 767/448–2638; 888/790–5264; www.anchoragehotel.dm.
Dive Dominica. Dive Dominica, one of the island's dive pioneers, conducts PADI courses as well as Nitrox certification courses. With four boats, it offers diving, snorkeling, and whale-watching trips and packages, including accommodation at the Castle Comfort Lodge. Its trips are similar to Anchorage's. Castle Comfort Lodge, Castle Comfort, St. George. 767/448–2188; 646/502–6800; www.divedominica.com.
Fort Young Dive Centre. Fort Young Dive Centre conducts snorkeling, diving, and whale-watching trips that depart from the hotel's private dock. Fort Young Hotel, Victoria St., Roseau, St. George. 767/448–5000; www.fortyounghotel.com/dive.
Irie Safari. Irie Safari takes snorkelers to Champagne and the nearby tall grasses, where turtles like to hang out. Soufrière/Scotts Head Marine Reserve, Soufrière, St. Mark. 767/440–5085.
