 | In the calmer Caribbean Sea along the west coast of Dominica it is possible to see whales and dolphins all year round, and the underwater environment is developing a reputation for some of the very best scuba diving in the world. Beneath the surface there are steep dropoffs descending into the abyss, sea pinnacles rising from the ocean floor, hot vents and an exuberance of aquatic life. Reflecting the dramatic topography above the water, Dominica’s pristine marine environment is a miracle of nature, a spectacular fusion of life, colour and depth. Even the most experienced divers surface to exclaim that this is one of the most colourful and healthy reef systems they have seen in years. With clear waters undisturbed by industrial pollution or development, our sponges have thrived and every part of the reef explodes with colourful sponges and crinoids. |
Coral Reefs
Dominica’s reefs have a foundation of granite cliffs and large boulders. Reef topography is varied though many are steep walls and pinnacles. Shallow reefs tend to run quickly away into deeper waters or lie on narrow ledges above precipitous drop-offs. The waters around the reefs are usually very clear due to their depth and the fact that silt in water-borne runoff from the island’s heavy deluges tends to dissipate very quickly. They are also very nutrient-rich, providing the essential ingredients for life and an extremely healthy marine environment. Hard and soft corals are to be found on Dominica’s reefs. Common gorgonians include sea fans and sea whips. Stony coral varieties include finger coral, star coral, sheet coral and brain coral.
Fish
Large numbers of fish live in and around the reefs and occasionally the shadows of migratory pelagics can be seen passing by in the deep blue of the ocean beyond. The abundance of fish life, and in particular the huge numbers of juveniles, is testament to the purity of the environment. The reefs are nursing grounds to many families including damselfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and surgeonfish. Large shoals of yellow and blue striped grunts hover along the margins of reef edges, groups of soldierfish may be found suspended beneath overhangs or in the shadows of arches or small caverns, and goby, blenny, jawfish and flounder find their home along the sand. Parrotfish, cowfish, trunkfish, trumpetfish and drum are just some of the many common varieties decorating an already colourful reef system where in every nook and cranny a moray or sharptail eel may also be making its home.
| Dominica Watersports Association |  | | | | |
| Al Dive & W.A.T.E.R.Sports Inc. | Loubiere | 440-DIVE |
| Anchorage Dive Center | Castle Comfort | 448-2638 |
| Cabrits Dive Centre | Picard Estate | 445-3010 |
| Dive Castaways | Castaways | 449-6245 |
| Dive Dominica Ltd. | Roseau | 448-2188 |
| Dominica Tours | Castle Comfort | 448 2639 |
| East Carib Dive | Roseau | 449-6575 |
| Fort Young Hotel Dive Shop | Roseau | 448 5000 |
| Irie Safari Champagne Snorkel Adventures | Pointe Michel | 440-5085 |
| Nature Island Dive | Soufriere | 449-8181 |
| Sunset Bay Club and Seaside Dive Centre | Coulibistrie | 446-6522 |