Diving Dominica
There is exceptional diving to be had in Dominica. There are wall dives, reef dives, wreck dives, and cave dives complemented by an undisturbed and abundant marine life. In the winter months, you may hear the singing of migratory Humpback whales — they find the deep waters close to shore both safe for the juveniles and good for feeding. Geothermal activity also offers unique diving opportunities. Champagne is an excellent site with stunning visibility and long streams of bubbles rising from sulphur vents on the seabed. Dominica’s volcanic origins are evident all over the island, including underwater: jets of hot water and bubbles spurt from fissures, lava plugs form underwater pinnacles and ferocious blasts have driven arches through the rim of ancient crater walls. The range of marine life is vast, from small reef fish and crustaceans to dolphins and whales. Dominica is a real find in the dive world.
Every year there is a week of activities celebrating diving in Dominica (DIVEFEST) with everything from introductory courses to special rates as well as education. Dive operators and the National Development Corporation will be able to give you specific details.
Best time to dive
February to June do to this being the drier time of the year.
Visibility
Visibility is generally 80+ feet.
Water temperatures
The water temperature averages 82°F.
Weather and climate
Dominica is characterized by little seasonal variation in temperatures and strong, steady trade winds. Dominica gets a lot of rain, about 70 inches a year along the coast and up to 400 inches on the interior mountains. The dry season is from February to mid June. Dominica is covered with rain forest and has 365 rivers. Average daytime temperatures are in the 70s to 80s °F.
Language
English. Creole and Patois are also widely spoken.
Passport/Visa requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter with a valid passport or government-issued birth certificate. Citizens of all other nations need a valid passport. All travelers should have a round-trip or onward ticket.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
220/240 volts at 50 cycles. Adaptors or transformers are necessary for North American appliances.
Capital
Roseau
General information
Largely rural, uncrowded, and unspoiled, Dominica touts itself as a ‘non-tourist destination’ for divers, hikers, and naturalists. Dominica is north of Martinique and south of Guadeloupe in the Windward Islands. Dominica has three peaks, one rising to 4,747 feet, that reign over a 17,000-acre ecological treasure that has earned Dominica the pet name: Nature Island of the Caribbean. It is a volcanic in origin with steep mountains, submerged volcano craters, boiling lakes and numerous hot springs. The island contains some of the finest examples of undisturbed rainforest in the Caribbean. Apart from its natural splendors, including the highest mountains in the Eastern Caribbean, the island has an interesting fusion of British, French, and West Indian cultural traditions, and is home to the Eastern Caribbean’s largest Carib Indian community.
Map
Get a map of the Dominica from WorldAtlas.com.