Dominica Dive Sites

The dramatic mountains you can traverse on land across Dominica are mirrored in the topography of our underwater dive sites. Cliff faces plunge into the Caribbean Sea and descend straight down 1500 feet, pinnacles rise up from the surrounding depths almost to the surface and volcanic ridges slope off into the deep blue water.

Our dive sites are teeming with thriving, healthy coral reefs and unique schools of fish, while barracudas, turtles and stingrays frequently swim through dive groups along the reef rim, causing a delightful photographic frenzy. Comprised of gnarled volcanic ledges, crevices and swim-throughs, our reefs are a refuge for a myriad of small critters considered rare in other destinations. Here, seahorses and frogfish are almost guaranteed sightings for divers on a weeklong package. Other rarer critters like batfish, flying gurnards, yellow head jawfish, upside-down jellyfish and flamingo tongue snails can be found if you carefully search the reefs.

With Dominica’s incredibly warm seas and vibrant marine life, along with uncrowded dive sites and an excellent dive staff, Fort Young Dive is amongst the most premier diving operations in the world. Here, it’s our mission to ensure that divers simply can’t wait to come back. Below, get a glimpse of just a handful of diving hotspots you’ll experience with Fort Young Dive:

Scott’s Head Pinnacle: South

Recently listed as one of the top dive sites worldwide by Scuba Travel in the UK, Scott’s Head Pinnacle sits on the edge of the volcanic crater, allowing divers to swim through the crater wall into the interior. The wall is covered in gorgonians, giant barrel sponges, and whip corals, and it is often patrolled by pelagics like horse-eye jacks, barracudas, turtles, yellowtail snappers and ceros. This site is better for intermediate and advanced divers unless there are perfect conditions.

Champagne Reef: South

Perhaps Dominica’s best known dive site, Champagne Reef is another reflection of the sheer raw volcanic power simmering just out of sight. In just 15 feet of shallow water, volcanic vents spew forth hot water and bubbles creating the effect of diving in champagne. The surrounding reef is well known for critters like seahorses, frogfish, reef squid and lobster and also makes an excellent night dive. You will usually tour the Champagne Reef first and then enjoy the bubbles during your safety stop. A good dive for all skill levels.

Nose Reef: Central

This sloping reef in the central part of the West coast is named for three protruding ledges reminiscent of a nose. The deepest ledge sits at 120 feet (36 meters) and the shallowest at 40 feet (12 meters), but it is best at about 80 feet (24 meters) on top of the deeper nose. This ridge sticks out into the current and is therefore home to thriving sponges of every color and size. The sheer density of corals and sponges here makes it a favorite place for divers, as well as a place for turtles and pelagics to live.

Pole to Pole: North

Another unique dive site that is exactly as its name sounds, Pole to Pole allows divers to swim from point A to point B under the Cabrits Cruise ship jetty. It is a special experience to dive under a large jetty and the poles are covered in all sorts of life, from seahorses to shrimps and crabs in and amongst the sponges. The bottom is also home to batfish, flying gurnards and garden eels. While this is a great second dive, with a maximum 50 feet (15 m), it really comes alive at night. Perfect for all levels of divers.