Dominica, Caribbean

Dominica offers superb coast and shore scuba diving holidays in the Caribbean. A small island in the Antilles chain of the Caribbean and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. It was the last British colony and gained independence in 1978. It has since become a nature lovers paradise. There are 2 diving areas, in the north and the main diving area in the south west with the Scotts Head marine park offering a variety of sites. both inside volcanic craters and on the Atlantic coast. Deep walls, pristine, shallow coral fields and unusual marine life such as frogfish and seahorses with huge numbers of unsual species ideal for underwater photographers.

Diving
Ecologically minded, the islanders have created three marine reserves of which Soufriere is the most well known. The small fee to access the parks is used to maintain the reef. The main sites are situated off the south-west coast. Here diving features shoals and a mixture of deep wall to shallow coral fields. Unusual marine life such as frogfish and seahorses are regularly seen. The Champagne dive site provides the diver with a unique experience of diving through warm yets of water, produced by undergroudn volcanic channels giving the effect of Champagne bubbles. The Danglebens Pinnacles in the south are five coral stacks on which large numbers of coral and sponges sit one against another. Starting at 10m, usually with some current, The pinnacles provide a variety of wall, caves and swim throughs full of sponges, corals and sea life. The deep coastal waters are the feeding grounds for pods of deepwater squid, sperm whales, humpback whales in season. The Guadeloupe Channel offers more advanced dive sites in the right conditions.

Culture and Activities
Dominica is a relatively undeveloped and natural island. Known for it's eco island credentials, visitors will enjoy a range of activities from hiking in the natural rainforests, with 300 miles of trails up visiting spectacular waterfall sites and volanic lanscapes. The islands is 29 x 16m with highest peak Morne Diablotin at 4,747ft and day excursion or hiking trails on offer. Choose from easy walks (15 minutes) to the Trafalgar Falls, to all day 6 mile hikes to the Titou Gorge or  Boiling Lake in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park depending on your fitness. The visiting local fishing villages or markets in the capital Rouseau are friendly and relaxed with local restaurants offering the catch of the day along with a selection of the islands excellent spiced rums. Here you will find one of the original Caribbean botanical gardens. Cultural visits to the Carib territory offers a fascinating insight into ancestral crafts, cuisine with colorful Creole architecture and historical sites.