Dominica is a gem of an island above and below water; and this one-week holidays sets out to give a keen diver some of the best of both.

Above water we will use your decompression day to take you to see some of the island's most luxuriant rainforest and waterfalls. Below water, this sample itinerary includes 5 days boat-based diving which should give you enough time to sample most of these feature dive sites. Unlimited shore-based diving is also included.

Physically, Dominica was built by volcanoes which reach 1,447 metres (4,747 feet) above the sea surface; and a coastline whose cliffs plunge 500 metres (1,500 feet) into deep blue Caribbean Sea. Pinnacles emerge offshore, almost reaching the surface. Beneath the surface, we find fringing reefs, frogfish hiding on vibrant sponges,  colourful schools of fish swimming across coral ledges, crevices and swim-throughs. Barracuda, stingrays and turtles are amongst the more commonly seen larger species; whilst Dominica is excellent for rarer critters like seahorses, flying gunards, yellow-head jawfish, upside-down jellyfish and flamingo tongue snails.

Scott's Head Pinnacle

Scott's Head Pinnacle sits on the edge of a 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 is often patrolled by pelagic fish such as 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

Champagne Reef is probably Dominica's most famous dive and snorkel site. It earns its name from bubbles which rise from volcanic vents, surrounded divers and snorkellers in effervescence. The reef itself close by is known for opportunities to see frogfish, squid, lobsters and seahorses; with the bubbles saved to celebrate the dive at your safety stop.

Pole to Pole 

Pole to Pole earns its name from the poles of the large Cabrits Cruise ship jetty. Sponges, sea fans and soft corals have encrusted the pillars and provide excellent habitat for seahorses and crabs. The seabed is often good for flying gunards, batfish and garden eels. At 15 metres (50 feet), this is an ideal site for divers of all levels; and for night dives.

Nose Reef

For density of corals and colourful sponges, Nose Reef is hard to beat in Dominica.  The site earns its name from three ledges which protrude at depths of 12 metres (400 feet)m 24 metres (80 feet) and 36 metres (120 feet). This is a good site for enjoying vibrant habitat, turtles and pelagic fish.