Dive Trip Dominica – Reef & Rainforest
On this diving trip to Dominica you will experience impressive dive sites and go on excursions inland. Reef and rainforest, you’ll discover both!
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Dominica: Nature Island of the Caribbean
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Dominica
For diving, the dry season from January to May is best, during these months you have the best visibility underwater. Want to see the sperm whales? They are present throughout the year, but the best period is from November to March, as this is the peak period for births. Between late August and mid-October is hurricane season, so we do not recommend going.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Dominica
The water is always pleasantly warm, so for many individuals a 3mm wetsuit will suffice.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | The trip to Dominica
Today your trip to Dominica begins! You usually fly with one or two transfers, often via neighboring islands such as Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia or via Paris and Guadeloupe/Martinique. Travel time takes about 15 to 20 hours, but because of the time difference, you’ll probably still arrive on the same day.
After arriving at the airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort. The hotel is located on the southwest coast of the island and is about an hour’s drive from the airport. During this drive you will drive across the island. The hotel is near Roseau, the capital of the island. After arriving at the hotel, you can dine, relax and rest.
Day 2 to 6 | Diving around Dominica
For the next four days, you’ll board each morning for two dives in the waters around Dominica. Here you dive into a vibrant underwater world where volcanic walls are covered with coral, soft fans and colorful sponges. In the clear water you will see schools of reef fish moving by and the occasional turtle swimming quietly by. Among the reef lurk moray eels and other smaller animals, while with luck you may also encounter something larger in the depths.
What makes diving here so special is the rugged volcanic landscape underwater, combined with a surprisingly rich biodiversity. Hot springs and bubbling vents create unique effects, with bubbles bubbling up in some places.
In addition to the boat dives, you have unlimited access to the house reef on all days. So you can make more dives if you feel the need.
Some dive sites where you might dive are:
- Scott’s Head Pinnacle: an impressive volcanic rock formation with sheer walls that disappear deep into the ocean. Here you often see large schools of fish and, with luck, pelagic species patrolling the depths. It is a place where the transition between shallow and deep water provides plenty of activity and variety.
- Champagne Reef: this is one of the most unique spots on the island. Volcanic activity causes small bubbles to bubble up from the seabed here, as if you were diving into a glass of champagne. Between these bubble streams live colorful fish, sea urchins and sometimes even seahorses, making it a special and playful dive.
- Nose Reef: a reef known for its vibrant coral gardens and the chance of encounters with turtles. Here you swim past soft corals and fans, while the reef is bursting with life. A calm dive with lots of detail, where you will discover new small animals all the time.
- Pole to Pole: a dive site excellent for evening and night diving. When it gets dark, the reef changes completely and nocturnal animals appear. You can encounter lobsters, crabs and other nocturnal animals here that remain hidden during the day, giving each dive a different character.
Day 7 | Whale watching tour
Day 8 | Excursion to Trafalgar Falls & Titou Gorge
Day 9 & 10 | Return home
Today is the last day. In the morning you will check out and be driven to the airport.
Want to see more of the island? You can easily extend the trip and spend more time to see more of the rainforest.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Dominica?
Macro life in Dominica
Nature Island of the Caribbean
Dominica is called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” because of its pristine and pure nature. The island is covered in dense rainforest, where rivers flow through the landscape and culminate in impressive waterfalls. Volcanic activity creates hot springs and rugged, varied terrain. Thanks to its rich biodiversity and barely degraded character, the island feels like one of the last truly wild places in the Caribbean.
Diving in a volcanic area
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort
During this trip you will stay at the atmospheric Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, a unique hotel built in a historic fortress from the 18th century. The location is ideal: right by the sea in the capital Roseau, with the Caribbean Sea literally on your doorstep. This makes it the perfect base for both diving and exploring the island.
The rooms and suites are comfortable and modern while subtly preserving the character of the old fort. Many rooms feature private balconies with sea views, where you can relax after a day of diving with the sound of the waves in the background.
Its central location makes it easy to walk to local markets, restaurants and attractions, while inside the resort you will experience a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. A special place that perfectly complements the adventurous nature of Dominica.
The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and active diving vacation. For example, the hotel has a pool overlooking the sea, a spa, jacuzzi and gym, ideal for relaxing after a day underwater.
On the culinary front, you can choose from several restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy local and international cuisine, often with a view of the water. There are also several lounge areas and a boardwalk where live music and entertaining evenings regularly take place.
In addition to diving, the hotel organizes activities such as snorkeling, whale-watching excursions and island tours.
The island of Dominica
Dominica is known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, and for good reason. The island is rugged, green and pristine, with a landscape dominated by dense rainforests, volcanic mountains and deep valleys. More than half of the island is protected nature reserve, giving flora and fauna plenty of space here.
Scattered around the island you will find countless waterfalls, hot springs and rivers, there are even 365 of them, one for each day of the year. Inland is the impressive Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with volcanic lakes and spectacular hiking trails.
You can also see the influence of volcanic nature underwater, with unique dive sites and rich marine life. Dominica still feels authentic and pure, far away from mass tourism. Here everything is about nature, tranquility and adventure, both above and below water.
The diving school
The diving school and facilities
The resort’s diving school, Fort Young Dive, is located directly on the sea and is fully equipped for a smooth and everything is within walking distance from the jetty.
The diving school is a professional PADI dive center and offers courses and guidance for every level. The team consists of experienced instructors, divemasters and local guides who know the dive sites inside out and ensure a safe and relaxed atmosphere.
In terms of facilities, there is everything you need: a well-equipped dive store, equipment rental, rinse tanks, outdoor showers, camera tables and a separate room for storing your equipment. There are also teaching rooms and modern equipment.
The dive boats are spacious and built specifically for divers. So there are several boats, including larger boats for groups, with plenty of seating space, shaded areas and storage for your equipment. On board you will find ladders, sinks, showers with hot water and all necessary safety equipment such as oxygen and first aid.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is € 1.950 per person based on two people in a Ford Ocean View Room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from € 1.950 p.p.
- 7 nights in a Ford Ocean View Room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- 5 days with a total of 10 boat dives
- Unlimited diving on the house reef
- Whale watching tour
- Land excursion
- Marine park fee and taxes
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Dominica € 1.000
- Dive and travel insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox (15 USD per tank)
- Rental diving equipment (45 USD per day)
- Accommodation on full board basis
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Diving general
The dives are suitable from an Open Water certification, there are plenty of dive sites with a maximum depth of less than 18 meters. There are also enough dive sites for more experienced divers. Something for everyone!
The first few days you will make dives from the boat. These dives alternate between reef dives, deeper dives and dives with drop-offs. There is often little to no current. You will also make shore dives on the reef that is at the resort’s jetty.
Dive sites are often just a 10- to 20-minute boat ride away, getting you to location quickly. In addition, you can do unlimited shore diving from the jetty.
2 boat dives per day in the morning, supplemented by unlimited shore diving.
Yes, these dives are organized regularly. You can sign up for this.
Yes, the house reef is right in front of the resort jetty. You will make the shore dives here that are included during the days you snorkel with the sperm whales. The house reef is a combination of coral reef and artificial structures and is suitable for all levels.
Feel free to ask about the shore rehabilitation project, which studies marine life around Fort Young Hotel. This project aims to continuously protect the further development of the coral in this area and emphasizes its important role in preserving the ecosystem.
Yes, PADI courses are given.
Yes, the diving school is at the resort.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are present, including adapters.
Yes, the additional cost is $15 per tank or $143 per week.
Yes, the cost for a full set (without computer) is 45 USD per day or 225 USD per week. Renting a dive computer costs 13 USD per day or 65 USD per week.
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