Tailor-made Dominica Diving Holidays.
The spectacularly beautiful island of Dominica is one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean.
Popularly known as the Nature Island, Dominica – pronounced Dom-in-EEka – offers a tantalising combination of lush rainforest, towering peaks, and a choice of glistening waterfall or meandering river for every day of the year.
With a topside beauty that is more than matched underwater, Dominica is considered one of the top scuba diving destinations worldwide. No one knows scuba diving in Dominica better than our Dominica holiday experts.
Officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, the fabric of this small but perfectly formed island in the Eastern Caribbean has been honed by centuries of volcanic activity making for truly dramatic scenery above and below water.
Did you know?
Dominica was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. At that time, the island was already home to indigenous Caribs Indians, also known as the Kalinago, but Dominica took its name from the day Columbus discovered it – Sunday
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The Dominica Diving Guide
An unspoilt nature lover’s paradise with treasures big and small.
Exploring Dominica Diving
Dominica’s majestic mountains disappear into the blue to form deep ocean trenches. These are home to marine mammals such as dolphins and over 20 species of whale, including the Sperm Whales for which the island is most famous for. Divers will find fascinating topography to explore here: pristine reefs, drop-offs and walls sit alongside pinnacles, caves and swim throughs. Volcanic thermal springs form underwater bubble baths for divers and snorkellers. Twisted rocks and crevices hide tiny gems of life just waiting to be discovered, with everything from seahorses to frogfish to tease your macro lens.
Diverse tip:
Dominica is one of the world’s best destinations to see Sperm Whales. Call us and we'll give you the details.
Dominica Diving Essentials
Dive season: All year
Best time to go: November – May
Flight time from UK: 12 hours with a stop in Barbados
Diving levels: Beginners, intermediates, expert divers
Would suit: Singles, couples, groups.
Notable for: Day boats, underwater photography, diving variety and more.
Accommodation: Resorts.
What you’ll see: Everything from tiny macro life to the largest predator on earth.
Where are the best places to dive in Dominica?
Diving in Dominica is concentrated on the Western side of the island in the warm blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Diverse Travel offers a choice of two resort bases – one in the north of the island and further south. The island stretches to just 29 miles in length, so you are never far from anywhere in Dominica.
The southern part of the island offers many well-known sites including the aptly-named Champagne Reef. Divers and snorkellers can delight in the warm bubbles of volcanic thermal springs in nature’s own Jacuzzi. The south-west tip of the island has a concentration of dive sites in the area around Scott’s Head and the former volcanic crater of Soufrière Bay. Here you can explore dramatic drop-offs, pinnacles packed with colourful sponges and soft corals, or search for surprises amongst the many holes and swim-throughs of the popular Swiss Cheese.
Dominica’s north-western part is home to the beautiful Cabrits National Park, which protects more than 1300 acres of tropical forest, wetlands and coral reefs. Pristine sloping reefs await, brimming with marine life of all shapes and sizes in a stunning, natural setting. Toucari Caves, considered by many to be the most beautiful dive in the whole of Dominica, is the very definition of a healthy, vibrant reef with pretty coral archways and reef fish everywhere. Slightly further south, Douglas Bay and historic Prince Rupert Bay offer a range of diving on colourful coral-covered boulders, vast, sandy plateaus, a purpose-sunk wreck, and an outstanding pier dive called Pole to Pole.
Learning to Dive in Dominica
Dominica’s spectacular scenery, great visibility, general lack of current and wide availability of shallow reefs, make the island an ideal place for those wishing to take their first breaths underwater. The variety of diving available around the western coast also makes Dominica a great place to improve your diving skills or take specialties. Dominica is a great dive destination whatever your dive level.
Diverse Tip
Dominica is one of those rare destinations where, as a diver, you will want to spend as much time topside as underwater. We recommend a longer stay to ensure you get the chance to discover as much of this breathtaking island as possible. You won’t regret it!
Roseau
The island’s vibrant capital and largest city, Roseau is situated on the southwestern coast of the island on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. Downtown Roseau offers a scenic mix of colonial French and contemporary architecture, as well as botanical gardens, the port, marina and markets.
Roseau is the main tourist hub of Dominica and is closest to the popular dive sites in the south, in particular those of the Soufrière Scott’s Head Marine Reserve, the oldest reserve on the island.
The Diving
Learn to dive – A full range of courses is available including DSD, PADI OWD and Referrals.
Boat diving – Two tank morning and one / two tank afternoon dives daily.
Shore diving – Guided shore dives available.
Snorkelling – Many shallow sites suitable for snorkelling.
Local dive sites – Easy access to the many sites of Scott’s Head and Soufrière Bay including Champagne Reef, Scott’s Head Pinnacle and Drop-off, as well as numerous pinnacles and pristine coral gardens to explore.
Our dive partners in Roseau are Dive Dominica. Whether you plan to dive every day, learn to dive or take your diving qualifications to the next level, you’ll feel well looked after by our teams of local instructors and guides.
Where to stay
We have specially chosen The Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort for your stay in Roseau. This historic hotel, which opened in 1964, is the city’s former military fort – dating back to 1699 – and it offers superb waterside views from its commanding location in the marina.
Après Dive
Roseau is the ideal place from which to explore further afield. The city itself offers fantastic markets, a wide range of restaurants and bars, and plenty of scenic vistas to take in on an evening stroll. Nearby places of interest include the famed Botanical Gardens, Boiling Lake, Morne Trois Pitons National Park, natural thermal spas and scenic plateaus. Numerous day trips and sightseeing tours can be arranged on dry days or to complement your scuba diving. Please ask us for more information.
Getting there
Roseau is located an hour’s drive from Dominica’s main Douglas-Charles Airport
Our complete tailor-made service includes all flights and transfers. Let Diverse Travel take care of all your arrangements and leave you to look forward to your holiday.
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Douglas Bay, Portsmouth (Cabrits)
Douglas Bay is secluded away on the northwest side of Dominica. Sat directly adjacent to the incredible natural beauty of the Cabrits National Park, overlooking the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Just a short distance away are some of the most breathtaking sights on the island including hot springs, waterfalls, rivers and canyons.
Douglas Bay is at the northern edge of Portsmouth, the second largest town and the former capital of Dominica, which lies on the Indian River in Prince Rupert Bay.
The Diving
Learn to dive – A full range of courses is available including DSD, PADI OWD and Referrals.
Boat diving – Two tank and single dives daily.
Shore diving – Guided shore dives available.
Snorkelling – Many shallow sites suitable for snorkelling.
Local dive sites – The best access to the varied northern sites of Dominica and the pristine reefs of Tourcari Caves, Douglas Bay and historic Prince Rupert Bay.
Our dive partners in Portsmouth are Cabrits Dive. Whether you plan to dive every day, learn to dive or take your diving qualifications to the next level, you’ll feel well looked after by our teams of local instructors and guides.
Where to stay
We have specially chosen two options for your stay here. The Champs Hotel is a small and friendly boutique hotel is nestled on the hillside with fantastic views of the ocean. Offering a home from home with a relaxing pool and personal touch. If you are looking for a larger resort we recommend the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica for your stay. This peaceful, five-star luxury resort preserves the natural beauty and ecosystem of Dominica, whilst bringing all the benefits and outstanding facilities of the leading Kempinski chain.
Après Dive
On the doorstep of the resort is the amazing Cabrits National Park – 1300 acres of tropical forest, wetlands, coral reefs, wildlife treasures and hiking trails. The stunning Indian River is also close-by and is well-known as a location for the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Unwinding on a boat along the river, bird spotting as you go, is as popular an experience with guests as the rum tasting station that greets you at the end of your boat ride.
Many other day trips and sightseeing tours can be arranged on dry days or to complement your scuba diving. Please ask us for more information.
Getting there
Portsmouth is located an hour’s drive from Dominica’s main Douglas-Charles Airport.
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Adventure in Dominica
Dominica is the ideal destination for divers who want to continue their adventures above water. The Nature Island is a haven for sustainable and eco-tourism and is packed with natural wonders to explore. Lush rainforests teem with exotic birds and many endemic wildlife species, as well as revealing countless waterfalls, rivers, hot springs, and the world-renowned Boiling Lake and Emerald Pool.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is a must – Dominica is the only country where Sperm Whales reside all year long, and the organised boat trips often attract pods of Spotted and Spinner Dolphins along for the ride. Snorkelling and swimming with Whales is strictly limited and requires a special permit but provides one of the top wildlife photographic opportunities in the world.
Click here to find out more about our exclusive small group trips to swim and snorkel with Sperm Whales in Dominica – strictly limited availability.
Hiking
Hiking is well established here and there is a wide choice of trails across different types of terrain including the Waitukubuli Trail, the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail at 115 miles, and the World Heritage Site of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. River adventures are also popular and can be as laid back or adrenaline-fuelled as you like. Dominica also boasts both white and black sand beaches, picturesque towns to discover, and a unique and delicious take on Caribbean cuisine featuring continental, Creole and West Indian food.
Bird Watching
Dominica is the only place in the world where Sisserou and Jaco parrots are found. The Sisserou Parrot, also known as the Imperial Amazon, can be found on the slopes of Morne Diablotin National Park, and in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The Jaco Parrot, also known as the Red-Necked Amazon gets its common name from the red feathers found on its lower throat.
Bird watching can be enjoyed year round, with the breeding season between March and August. Visiting at different times of the year allows you to see a range of species during the two main migration periods. Bird watching trips can mean an early start to the day, with the best times being the first three hours after dawn and the last two or three hours before dusk.
Diverse Tip
Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed on the Indian River - one of 365 rivers in Dominica!
Dominica Diving Resorts
Whether you are looking for a family run boutique hotel, or
something a little more luxurious, we have tried them all and offer a selection of the very best Dominica holidays
Want to discuss the right Dominica diving holiday for you?
Get in touch with our diving holiday experts for inspiration, advice and the latest deals
Offers
PHILIPPINES DIVING
2 CENTRE RESORT OFFER
15 – 26 January 2025
NOW from JUST £2495pp
RED SEA DIVING
SHARM RESORT OFFER
27 November – 04 December 2024
NOW from JUST £855pp
MALDIVES DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
29 November – 07 December 2024
NOW from JUST £1975pp
MALTA DIVING
RESORT OFFER
10 – 17 December 2024
NOW from JUST £635pp
RED SEA DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
12 – 19 December 2024
NOW from JUST £999pp
MALDIVES DIVING
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OFFER
20 December 2024 – 04 January 2025
NOW from JUST £5595pp
SOUTH AFRICA SHARK DIVING
RESORT OFFER
06 – 14 May 2025
NOW from JUST £1695pp
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Inspiration
Love sharks? Can’t get enough of wrecks? Maybe you want to experience something new. Our knowledgeable team are here to help you get the best out of your next dive holiday.
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