Dive Sites

Unlike most coral reefs, Dominica's reefs are formed on solid geological masses. Boulders and sheer granite faces provide a solid foundation for unparalleled sponge, hard coral and gorgarian growth.

Most sites on the central west coast of Dominica are directly off Salisbury, less than a ten minute boat ride. The entire central coast diving area consists of more than twelve sites, which offer some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. These sites are pristine, with a wealth of tropical and midwater schooling fish.

Larger predatory fish like rays, amberjack, and barracuda frequent the area to feed on the huge amounts of prey fish. This area is also home to normally rare species like batfish, frogfish, and seahorses. This entire area is also less crowded than other dive areas; therefore the impact of divers, fishing, and boats on the marine environment is minimal.

And thanks to the Dominica Watersports Association, which has placed stationary and permanent anchor buoys near each coral reef on every dive site, we NEVER anchor directly onto a coral reef. Nor do other dive operators.

Rodney's Rock and Castaway’s Reef are two shallow dives (maximum 55 feet) which are great "critter dives". The potential is always there for a great variety of marine life, including octopus, frogfish, seahorses, flying gurnard, lobster, and all kinds of morays and other eels. The reefs are loaded with tropicals - grunts, spotted drums, and trumpet fish of all colours fill the view.

Barry's Dream is the deeper side of Castaway’s Reef, and offers numerous mounds in the sand at about 85 feet of water. Excitement and anticipation are constant as one never knows what will be hiding around the next corner. Sea turtles and rays frequent the site.

Nose Reef and Whaleshark Reef are located on the south drop-off of Grand Savanne flats. Both sites have nice drop-offs, starting at about 55 feet and cascading down to 130+ feet. Whaleshark Reef offers a nice vertical face with barrel and tube sponges galore, creating a beautiful scene. These two spots are the outermost sites in this area, and offer the greatest potential for seeing larger fish such as barracuda, Spanish mackerel and jacks.

Rena's Hole Reef is a great shallow dive, offering a beautiful swim-through leading up to a cluster of rock formations in the sand. This is the ultimate “critter dive”, as nooks, crannies and overhangs provide ideal shelter for all kinds of marine life.