Scuba Diving Dominica, Caribbean

Bubbles, Walls and a Wilder Caribbean

In December 2023, we visited Dominica as part of a Celebrity Silhouette cruise around the Caribbean. Known as one of the world’s top dive destinations, Dominica had been on my list for a while. It didn’t disappoint. This is a very different kind of Caribbean island. There are no big crowds or flashy resorts. Instead, Dominica feels natural, authentic and focused on adventure. It’s a place where rainforests meet volcanic peaks. The sea is just as alive as the land.

The diving here is spectacular. There are calm coral gardens for beginners, while dramatic walls, ridges and bubbling volcanic vents appeal to those looking for something unique. You also have the chance to see whales, plus a backdrop straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean. As a result, it’s a dive stop you won’t forget.

Why Dive in Dominica?

Dominica is often called one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. The whole coastline is fringed with vibrant reefs and steep underwater walls. Most dive sites are just minutes from shore, which makes it easy to fit in multiple dives.

In the shallows, you’ll find colourful coral gardens teeming with reef fish. If you look closely, you might even spot seahorses clinging to coral branches. At depth, the terrain feels much wilder. Massive walls drop into the blue, while volcanic ridges are stalked by barracuda and snapper. Many crevices hide all sorts of marine life.

One of the most unique features of diving here is the geothermal activity. At certain sites, streams of warm volcanic bubbles rise up from the seabed. Swimming through them feels surreal and also makes for some great photos.

A Caribbean Island with a Difference

Dominica isn’t your typical Caribbean stop. It’s much quieter and more nature-focused, which makes it perfect if you prefer adventure over luxury. Instead of big resorts, you’ll find rainforests, long hiking trails and hidden waterfalls. The authentic, relaxed vibe is part of the island’s appeal.

For divers, it’s a dream. Warm water, vibrant marine life and unique volcanic features combine with far fewer crowds than the more famous islands. Whether you stop here on a Celebrity Cruise ship, like we did, or visit independently, Dominica deserves a place on your list.

My Dominica Diving Experience

Booking with Dive Dominica

As with the other stops on this cruise, I booked my dives in advance, letting the dive shop know exactly when we’d be arriving on the island. We chose to dive with Dive Dominica, which was just a short taxi ride from the cruise port.

The team at Dive Dominica were brilliant from start to finish. Their communication before the trip was clear and professional, and everything was ready when we arrived. The boat and crew were great — efficient, friendly and clearly experienced.

Two Unforgettable Dives

On this day it was just the two of us diving, which made it feel like a private trip. We did two dives, both showcasing some of Dominica’s best underwater scenery.

The first dive was at Champagne Reef, which really lived up to its name. Swimming through the warm volcanic bubbles rising up from the seabed was fascinating. It gave the reef a surreal, almost magical feel. The reef itself was full of life. One highlight was spotting a tiny seahorse clinging delicately to a coral branch, seemingly suspended in mid-water.

The second dive was at Coral Gardens North (Dangleben’s North), a beautiful part of the larger reef system south of Pt Guignard. We descended to a depth of 12 metres, where brilliant colours, large sponges and beds of finger coral dominated the scene. We were treated to the sight of turtles gliding past, while schools of horse-eyed jacks and sennet swirled in the current. Towards the end, we spent time in the shallows. Here we watched yellow-headed jawfish popping in and out of their sandy burrows. It was a perfect way to finish.

A Perfect Way to Finish

After the dives, we took a taxi back to the port area. We found a proper chilled-out local bar called JR’s. It had a great atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. It was the perfect place to sit with a cold drink and soak up the day before heading back to the ship.