Adventure Dominica
Northern Dive Site
The northern region offers a combination of typical Caribbean coral reefs and sites with
obvious volcanic origins.
In some spots, submerged fumaroles release streams of bubbles from pockets of gas
trapped under the sand.
Around the Cabrits Peninsula, formed from a pair of extinct volcanoes, evidence of lava
flow is etched in the steep walls.
Reefs in the Cabrits area are the results of landslides that threw piles of rocks and
boulders into the sea, over time; these boulders have become encrusted with corals and
other invertebrates, attracting many varieties of fish.
Farther to the north, the area returns to more traditional forms of Caribbean coral growth
before emerging into the challenging diving conditions of the Guadeloupe channel.
Futsatola Reef
To learn the secret of this reef, read the name backward, it offers precisely what the name
says: "a lot a stuff," a small treasure trove of life.
Futsatola is part of an infrequently visited reef complex in Prince Rupert Bay, Hough the
coral growth on the reef is good, the true focus of the dive is on the many fish and marine
critters.
During the day, this is a good fish-rich dive, but the reef really comes alive at dusk and
after sunset, you will find lobster and crab foraging for food along with moray, sharp tails
and snake eels.
Watch for the red glow of shrimp eyes in your light beam and for tons of other nocturnal
creatures.
This reef is excellent for macro photographers, here is so much to see that a night
photographer bringing only a camera or one roll of film is bound to be disappointed.
Location: North of Point Ronde
Depth Range: 50-90ft(15-27m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Sulphur Spring & Bubbles
This area encompasses several different dive sites within the southern portion of Prince
Rupert Bay- the ones you visit will depend on where you choose to dive, the reef system
occupies an area more than a mile long.
Depths vary greatly some parts are at just 20ft,while others lie below sport-diving limits.
The site has no moorings, so boat operators usually anchor in the deepest portion to avoid
reef damage, surface swims to the various sites- not always short but certainly
manageable- are the rule.
Sulphur Springs and Bubbles are two of the better spots in the area, as their names
suggest, both of the sites lie above gas vents that release streams of tiny bubbles from the
volcanic floor.
Sulphur Springs is the deeper of the two dives- you begin at 120ft and ascend a very
gradual slope. Bubbles lie between 60 and 80ft. Here, the gas-vent activity tends to be
somewhat more pronounced than at Sulphur Springs.
The coral profiles vary throughout the area but generally offer excellent relief with ledges
and undercuts encrusted with colorful sponges and corals.
Deeper portions of the reef system sport forests of wire coral.
Fish life is excellent- search the bottom for jaw fish and watch for huge numbers of
tropicals such as basslets, wrasse, butterfly fish, angelfish and more.
Location: South side of Prince Rupert bay
Depth Range: 20-1220ft(6-36m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Pia
The wreck of the Pia rests inside the Portsmouth Harbor, just off the Portsmouth market
square.
Although the wreck site is an easy swim from shore, it is rater difficult to get from the
shore into the water, so approaching by boat is recommended.
A small tug not more that 60ft in length, the Pia offers both divers and snorkelers an
opportunity to enjoy a safe first experience on a submerged wreck.
Snorkelers should be especially careful of boat traffic in the area.
The wreck lies on a silty bed of sand and sea grass, though it sits in just 6ft, the hull is
partially buried, If you penetrate the engine room, however, you will find yourself in 21ft.
Because of these shallow depths and the variety of life found on the wreck, the Pia is
perfect for training and is an easy place to learn the basics of wreck penetration.
There is enough fish life here to make it satisfying dive even for an experienced diver. You
will primarily find juveniles here-look for squirrelfish and schooling Caesar, blue-striped
and French grunts and other tropicals.
Macro photographers will go crazy with delight, excellent subjects include fan worms, file
clams, tunicates (both individual and colonies), encrusting sponges, various hydroids,
bristle worms, nudibranches, flatworms, loads of small hard coral colonies and more- all in
just 6ft of water!
Location: Off Portsmouth's market square
Depth Range: 6-20ft(2-6m)
Access: Boat of shore
Expertise Rating: Novice
Wreck Diving
Wreck diving can be safe and fascinating, but penetration of shipwrecks is a skilled
specialty that should not be attempted without proper training.
Some of Dominica's wrecks are unstable or silty; it's best to explore the wrecks marine
communities with an experienced guide.
Shark's Mouth
Shark's mouth is the southernmost of the Cabrits sites. A pair of dormant volcanic cones
(the Cabrits) form a peninsula on the north edge of Prince Rupert Bay.
Landslides from the cones dropped boulders into the sea, creating an under water
Japanese garden where rocks lean against each other in a precarious balance.
To access the sight from the southern shore, walk west from the cruise ship dock to
customs house. Bring sturdy shoes as the shoreline is covered with stones and you will
have to negotiate a few large rock piles. Be especially cautious of your footing during your
entries and exits- not all areas are suitable.
A wealth of life has found a secure home on the stones, sponges and hard coral
formations dominate.
Fully extended crinoids, a common feature of Dominican diving, comb the water for the
plank tonic life upon which they feed.
If favorable conditions continue, over time this encrusting life will transform the network of
interconnected boulders into an established biological coral reef.
Depths range from less than 10ft at the shoreline to around 120ft-shallow boulders are as
richly encrusted as the deeper ones, but with different life forms.
Fish life is varied and less timid than at many other sites. Since much of the site is shallow,
it is perfect for snorkeling and is an ideal location for a safety stop at the end of a deep
dive.
For the record, sharks are rarely found at shark's Mouth, the name comes from a large
barrel sponge with a convoluted opening that resembles a shark's open mouth.
This threatening appearance is the result of the site's gentle but persistent currents.
Location: 150ft(45m) south of Cabrits Peninsula, west of the cruise ship dock
Depth Range: 5-120ft(2-36m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Anchor Point
Just west of the Cabrits, Anchor Point also displays the local profile of tumbled boulders
encrusted with invertebrate life. Yellow tube sponges, azure vase sponges, small barrel
sponges and brown tube sponges in an antler-shaped pattern are just a few examples.
Crinoids of varying shapes are also prolific.
The slope here is not as severe as it is at Shark's Mouth; the site is appropriate for
snorkelers as the shallow areas have plenty of marine life.
Shore access is limited to determined snorkelers with good footwear, the shoreline is
rough and the piles of rock are a bit trying to climb over. Shore diving is illegal without a
registered instructor, and in any case isn't worth the effort it would require.
Location: West of Cabrits Peninsular
Depth Range: 5-80ft(2-24m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
One-Finger Rock
West of the Cabrits, One-Finger Rock is named for a single rock on the shoreline, don’t
bother trying to look for the rock- it's a nondescript boulder barely 2ft tall.
The underwater profile mimics other dive sites in the Cabrits area, though the sub-sea
rocks tend to be somewhat smaller and sparser.
Also, the slope of the reef here is much less severe than at other Cabrits sites Though it is
possible to reach deeper water, there is little reason to go for a deep drop, as there is
plenty to observe in the shallow water.
Schooling Creole wrasse are common in the midwater, sharing the space with Dominica's
ubiquitous brown and blue chromis. Watch for cero, bar jack or rainbow runners cruising
in from the deep water to prey on smaller fish.
Location: West of Cabrits Peninsular
Depth Range: 5-70ft(2-21m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Five-Finger Rock
Five-Finger Rock lies north of the Cabrits, directly offshore from a group of five rocks,
this reef is also made up of groups of boulders that tumbled into the sea, but the slope
here is much more severe than at One-Finger Rock.
This site sometimes has a slight current: not too severe for most divers, but enough that
filters-feeders like sponges and soft corals tend to grow to large sizes.
Five-Finger Rock displays the same wealth of marine life found on the other Cabrits sites,
but has a more vertical profile to play with. As any site exposed to deep waters, keep an
eye open for larger fish.
Don't forget to look for smaller critters concealing themselves under the edge of the
boulders.
Location: Northwest of Cabrits Peninsula
Depth Range: 5-80ft(2-24m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Douglas Bay Point
Douglas Bay Point hits the water and drops down to around 90ft,the slope is richly coated
with life starting almost at the water line.
Several large boulders create small but penetrable archways that shelter a wide variety of
creatures, this site is similar to Toucari Bay Point to the north, but offers more
topographical interest.
Though shore access is possible, it requires a taxing hike and a clamber over rocks and
brush, solo diving is not permitted and is difficult besides.
It is best to use a dive boat, snorkeling here is good because, like many of the northern
sits, the shallow rocky foreground is a perfect substrate for growing invertebrate life.
Shore snorkeling is a practical alternative only for the fit and adventurous. Be very
cautious upon entry and exits.
The marine life here is very typical of the area-crinoids, sponges, shrimp, smaller tropicals,
schooling chromis and Creole wrasse are common.
One unusual item is the purple tube sponge, clusters of which are found here and at other
locations to the north.
Location: North side of Douglas Bay southwest of Douglas point
Depth Range: 5-60ft(2-18m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Novice
Toucari Bay Point
Toucari Bay Point sits off the southern shore of Toucari Bay, much like Douglas Bay Point
to the south, the point slopes gradually from the surface down to the floor of the bay.
The topography and the marine inhabitants are similar at the two spots; there are fine
examples of invertebrate growth including sponges, soft corals, gorgonians and small
sprouts of black coral.
Fish life here mimics much of the surrounding area, with more angelfish than at other sites,
here, too, the underwater growth begins very close to the surface, and so snorkeling is an
excellent option.
Wind direction and water conditions permitting, Toucari Bay Point is another accessible
shore snorkel, unfortunately, the climb down from the road is not easy and the swim from
shore is rather long; be certain you are up to a challenge.
Boat excursions are an easier option, and this dive is often combined with a Toucari
Caves dive.
Location: South side of Toucari Bay north of Douglas Point
Depth Range: Surface-100ft (30m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Toucari Caves
In the heart of Toucari Bay, the Toucarri caves sit offshore in just 40ft, with the top of the
reef at 15ft.
The shallow depth makes it ideal for free-divers, this site can be accessed by boat or from
the shore, though it is a bit of a swim.
It can be tricky to locate the caves themselves, so it is best to visit with a local dive
operator.
The cave system is actually more of a small cavern system, as the honeycomb of holes
interlacing the reef is short and the entrance and exits are always visible.
The system is an extension of the hard substrate underlying the sandy bottom and is
surrounded by a rich coral garden reaching some 70ft in depth.
Be cautious when entering the caverns, the sessile marine life is vulnerable to even the
slightest touch, growths of black coral, telsco corals and golden sea spray hang from the
ceilings and sprout from the floors of the cavern.
Sponge growths and other colorful invertebrates sprout from the walls.
Look for Spanish lobster clinging to the cavern ceilings. Smaller Caribbean tropicals
abound, but not to the exclusion of larger animals.
Search the sand for southern stingrays, watch for sea turtles and keep your eyes peeled
for the resident great barracuda.
Location: In Toucari Bay, 300ft(90m) off shore Depth Range: 15-40ft(5-12m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Novice
Point Break
Dive able only on the few days a year when conditions are optimal, Point Break is the
wild, unexplored northern edge of Dominican diving.
Put simply, expect the unexpected, here Atlantic currents sweep through the channel
between Dominica and Guadeloupe, as a result the water is incredibly clear and currents
are strong.
Point Break is not just one site but rather encompasses a largely unexplored area in the
Guadeloupe Channel stretching east from the islands northwest corner.
The wall descending into the depths of the channel is overgrown with huge corals and
rooted and mobile filter feeders, the wall varies greatly, some areas are absolutely vertical
or have a steep slope, while other feature gullies and cuts or overhangs and caverns.
Consider Point Break to be very advanced diving, if you have the necessary skills and
conditions are favorable, go for it.
You never know what you'll find- you may see sharks, whales and dolphins, or you may
be the one to discover the rumored remnants of a shipwreck.
Location: North of Cape Capucin
Depth Range: 25-130ft(8-40m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Advanced
All texts taken for the book "Diving and Snorkeling Dominica" by Michael
Lawrence.
The northern region offers a combination of typical Caribbean coral reefs and sites with
obvious volcanic origins.
In some spots, submerged fumaroles release streams of bubbles from pockets of gas
trapped under the sand.
Around the Cabrits Peninsula, formed from a pair of extinct volcanoes, evidence of lava
flow is etched in the steep walls.
Reefs in the Cabrits area are the results of landslides that threw piles of rocks and
boulders into the sea, over time; these boulders have become encrusted with corals and
other invertebrates, attracting many varieties of fish.
Farther to the north, the area returns to more traditional forms of Caribbean coral growth
before emerging into the challenging diving conditions of the Guadeloupe channel.
Futsatola Reef
To learn the secret of this reef, read the name backward, it offers precisely what the name
says: "a lot a stuff," a small treasure trove of life.
Futsatola is part of an infrequently visited reef complex in Prince Rupert Bay, Hough the
coral growth on the reef is good, the true focus of the dive is on the many fish and marine
critters.
During the day, this is a good fish-rich dive, but the reef really comes alive at dusk and
after sunset, you will find lobster and crab foraging for food along with moray, sharp tails
and snake eels.
Watch for the red glow of shrimp eyes in your light beam and for tons of other nocturnal
creatures.
This reef is excellent for macro photographers, here is so much to see that a night
photographer bringing only a camera or one roll of film is bound to be disappointed.
Location: North of Point Ronde
Depth Range: 50-90ft(15-27m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Sulphur Spring & Bubbles
This area encompasses several different dive sites within the southern portion of Prince
Rupert Bay- the ones you visit will depend on where you choose to dive, the reef system
occupies an area more than a mile long.
Depths vary greatly some parts are at just 20ft,while others lie below sport-diving limits.
The site has no moorings, so boat operators usually anchor in the deepest portion to avoid
reef damage, surface swims to the various sites- not always short but certainly
manageable- are the rule.
Sulphur Springs and Bubbles are two of the better spots in the area, as their names
suggest, both of the sites lie above gas vents that release streams of tiny bubbles from the
volcanic floor.
Sulphur Springs is the deeper of the two dives- you begin at 120ft and ascend a very
gradual slope. Bubbles lie between 60 and 80ft. Here, the gas-vent activity tends to be
somewhat more pronounced than at Sulphur Springs.
The coral profiles vary throughout the area but generally offer excellent relief with ledges
and undercuts encrusted with colorful sponges and corals.
Deeper portions of the reef system sport forests of wire coral.
Fish life is excellent- search the bottom for jaw fish and watch for huge numbers of
tropicals such as basslets, wrasse, butterfly fish, angelfish and more.
Location: South side of Prince Rupert bay
Depth Range: 20-1220ft(6-36m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Pia
The wreck of the Pia rests inside the Portsmouth Harbor, just off the Portsmouth market
square.
Although the wreck site is an easy swim from shore, it is rater difficult to get from the
shore into the water, so approaching by boat is recommended.
A small tug not more that 60ft in length, the Pia offers both divers and snorkelers an
opportunity to enjoy a safe first experience on a submerged wreck.
Snorkelers should be especially careful of boat traffic in the area.
The wreck lies on a silty bed of sand and sea grass, though it sits in just 6ft, the hull is
partially buried, If you penetrate the engine room, however, you will find yourself in 21ft.
Because of these shallow depths and the variety of life found on the wreck, the Pia is
perfect for training and is an easy place to learn the basics of wreck penetration.
There is enough fish life here to make it satisfying dive even for an experienced diver. You
will primarily find juveniles here-look for squirrelfish and schooling Caesar, blue-striped
and French grunts and other tropicals.
Macro photographers will go crazy with delight, excellent subjects include fan worms, file
clams, tunicates (both individual and colonies), encrusting sponges, various hydroids,
bristle worms, nudibranches, flatworms, loads of small hard coral colonies and more- all in
just 6ft of water!
Location: Off Portsmouth's market square
Depth Range: 6-20ft(2-6m)
Access: Boat of shore
Expertise Rating: Novice
Wreck Diving
Wreck diving can be safe and fascinating, but penetration of shipwrecks is a skilled
specialty that should not be attempted without proper training.
Some of Dominica's wrecks are unstable or silty; it's best to explore the wrecks marine
communities with an experienced guide.
Shark's Mouth
Shark's mouth is the southernmost of the Cabrits sites. A pair of dormant volcanic cones
(the Cabrits) form a peninsula on the north edge of Prince Rupert Bay.
Landslides from the cones dropped boulders into the sea, creating an under water
Japanese garden where rocks lean against each other in a precarious balance.
To access the sight from the southern shore, walk west from the cruise ship dock to
customs house. Bring sturdy shoes as the shoreline is covered with stones and you will
have to negotiate a few large rock piles. Be especially cautious of your footing during your
entries and exits- not all areas are suitable.
A wealth of life has found a secure home on the stones, sponges and hard coral
formations dominate.
Fully extended crinoids, a common feature of Dominican diving, comb the water for the
plank tonic life upon which they feed.
If favorable conditions continue, over time this encrusting life will transform the network of
interconnected boulders into an established biological coral reef.
Depths range from less than 10ft at the shoreline to around 120ft-shallow boulders are as
richly encrusted as the deeper ones, but with different life forms.
Fish life is varied and less timid than at many other sites. Since much of the site is shallow,
it is perfect for snorkeling and is an ideal location for a safety stop at the end of a deep
dive.
For the record, sharks are rarely found at shark's Mouth, the name comes from a large
barrel sponge with a convoluted opening that resembles a shark's open mouth.
This threatening appearance is the result of the site's gentle but persistent currents.
Location: 150ft(45m) south of Cabrits Peninsula, west of the cruise ship dock
Depth Range: 5-120ft(2-36m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Anchor Point
Just west of the Cabrits, Anchor Point also displays the local profile of tumbled boulders
encrusted with invertebrate life. Yellow tube sponges, azure vase sponges, small barrel
sponges and brown tube sponges in an antler-shaped pattern are just a few examples.
Crinoids of varying shapes are also prolific.
The slope here is not as severe as it is at Shark's Mouth; the site is appropriate for
snorkelers as the shallow areas have plenty of marine life.
Shore access is limited to determined snorkelers with good footwear, the shoreline is
rough and the piles of rock are a bit trying to climb over. Shore diving is illegal without a
registered instructor, and in any case isn't worth the effort it would require.
Location: West of Cabrits Peninsular
Depth Range: 5-80ft(2-24m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
One-Finger Rock
West of the Cabrits, One-Finger Rock is named for a single rock on the shoreline, don’t
bother trying to look for the rock- it's a nondescript boulder barely 2ft tall.
The underwater profile mimics other dive sites in the Cabrits area, though the sub-sea
rocks tend to be somewhat smaller and sparser.
Also, the slope of the reef here is much less severe than at other Cabrits sites Though it is
possible to reach deeper water, there is little reason to go for a deep drop, as there is
plenty to observe in the shallow water.
Schooling Creole wrasse are common in the midwater, sharing the space with Dominica's
ubiquitous brown and blue chromis. Watch for cero, bar jack or rainbow runners cruising
in from the deep water to prey on smaller fish.
Location: West of Cabrits Peninsular
Depth Range: 5-70ft(2-21m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Five-Finger Rock
Five-Finger Rock lies north of the Cabrits, directly offshore from a group of five rocks,
this reef is also made up of groups of boulders that tumbled into the sea, but the slope
here is much more severe than at One-Finger Rock.
This site sometimes has a slight current: not too severe for most divers, but enough that
filters-feeders like sponges and soft corals tend to grow to large sizes.
Five-Finger Rock displays the same wealth of marine life found on the other Cabrits sites,
but has a more vertical profile to play with. As any site exposed to deep waters, keep an
eye open for larger fish.
Don't forget to look for smaller critters concealing themselves under the edge of the
boulders.
Location: Northwest of Cabrits Peninsula
Depth Range: 5-80ft(2-24m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Douglas Bay Point
Douglas Bay Point hits the water and drops down to around 90ft,the slope is richly coated
with life starting almost at the water line.
Several large boulders create small but penetrable archways that shelter a wide variety of
creatures, this site is similar to Toucari Bay Point to the north, but offers more
topographical interest.
Though shore access is possible, it requires a taxing hike and a clamber over rocks and
brush, solo diving is not permitted and is difficult besides.
It is best to use a dive boat, snorkeling here is good because, like many of the northern
sits, the shallow rocky foreground is a perfect substrate for growing invertebrate life.
Shore snorkeling is a practical alternative only for the fit and adventurous. Be very
cautious upon entry and exits.
The marine life here is very typical of the area-crinoids, sponges, shrimp, smaller tropicals,
schooling chromis and Creole wrasse are common.
One unusual item is the purple tube sponge, clusters of which are found here and at other
locations to the north.
Location: North side of Douglas Bay southwest of Douglas point
Depth Range: 5-60ft(2-18m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Novice
Toucari Bay Point
Toucari Bay Point sits off the southern shore of Toucari Bay, much like Douglas Bay Point
to the south, the point slopes gradually from the surface down to the floor of the bay.
The topography and the marine inhabitants are similar at the two spots; there are fine
examples of invertebrate growth including sponges, soft corals, gorgonians and small
sprouts of black coral.
Fish life here mimics much of the surrounding area, with more angelfish than at other sites,
here, too, the underwater growth begins very close to the surface, and so snorkeling is an
excellent option.
Wind direction and water conditions permitting, Toucari Bay Point is another accessible
shore snorkel, unfortunately, the climb down from the road is not easy and the swim from
shore is rather long; be certain you are up to a challenge.
Boat excursions are an easier option, and this dive is often combined with a Toucari
Caves dive.
Location: South side of Toucari Bay north of Douglas Point
Depth Range: Surface-100ft (30m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Intermediate
Toucari Caves
In the heart of Toucari Bay, the Toucarri caves sit offshore in just 40ft, with the top of the
reef at 15ft.
The shallow depth makes it ideal for free-divers, this site can be accessed by boat or from
the shore, though it is a bit of a swim.
It can be tricky to locate the caves themselves, so it is best to visit with a local dive
operator.
The cave system is actually more of a small cavern system, as the honeycomb of holes
interlacing the reef is short and the entrance and exits are always visible.
The system is an extension of the hard substrate underlying the sandy bottom and is
surrounded by a rich coral garden reaching some 70ft in depth.
Be cautious when entering the caverns, the sessile marine life is vulnerable to even the
slightest touch, growths of black coral, telsco corals and golden sea spray hang from the
ceilings and sprout from the floors of the cavern.
Sponge growths and other colorful invertebrates sprout from the walls.
Look for Spanish lobster clinging to the cavern ceilings. Smaller Caribbean tropicals
abound, but not to the exclusion of larger animals.
Search the sand for southern stingrays, watch for sea turtles and keep your eyes peeled
for the resident great barracuda.
Location: In Toucari Bay, 300ft(90m) off shore Depth Range: 15-40ft(5-12m)
Access: Boat or shore
Expertise Rating: Novice
Point Break
Dive able only on the few days a year when conditions are optimal, Point Break is the
wild, unexplored northern edge of Dominican diving.
Put simply, expect the unexpected, here Atlantic currents sweep through the channel
between Dominica and Guadeloupe, as a result the water is incredibly clear and currents
are strong.
Point Break is not just one site but rather encompasses a largely unexplored area in the
Guadeloupe Channel stretching east from the islands northwest corner.
The wall descending into the depths of the channel is overgrown with huge corals and
rooted and mobile filter feeders, the wall varies greatly, some areas are absolutely vertical
or have a steep slope, while other feature gullies and cuts or overhangs and caverns.
Consider Point Break to be very advanced diving, if you have the necessary skills and
conditions are favorable, go for it.
You never know what you'll find- you may see sharks, whales and dolphins, or you may
be the one to discover the rumored remnants of a shipwreck.
Location: North of Cape Capucin
Depth Range: 25-130ft(8-40m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Advanced
All texts taken for the book "Diving and Snorkeling Dominica" by Michael
Lawrence.
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