Diving and snorkeling spot in Champagne Bay • EnezGreen

If you intend to stay for a few days in the south-west of Dominica, don’t miss a visit to the underwater site of Champagne Bay. It could also be a stop during a tour to Scott’s Head or the Soufriere volcano.

Diving in the collapsed crater of a volcano

You will have the opportunity to practise various water activities in all safety, namely enjoying the beach, kayaking and snorkelling. This is a place of remarkable beauty where you will enjoy diving in the collapsed crater of a volcano whose slopes tower above the sea. You can even consider spending the whole day on the beautiful Soufriere Mountain, which has excellent and well marked out trekking tracks, and later on come to recover from the day’s efforts in Champagne Bay.

If you do not have the required equipment, you can rent some from IRIESAFARI. The beach is pebbled but a wooden pontoon makes circulation comfortable all the way through. You will get in the mood as soon as you get into the water with various fish of all types, barracudas, angel fish, sea horses, bluefin trevallies, yellow jacks, cuttlefish, etc. A multitude of sea fans, clingfish and sea sponges brings a special atmosphere to the small reef situated about a hundred metres off the coast. Closer to the shore, the seabed is yellowed by sulphur deposits carried over by the hot water resurgences that spring from the volcano. You can feel the heat by sliding your hand above the small natural cavities from which the water steams out. The gases liberated from a stream of bubbles that ceaselessly rise from the bottom and create an almost unreal atmosphere. Judging by the multitude of fish that can be found there – some of them remaining motionless among the bubbles near the orange-hued bottom as if in a spa –, the place does not appear to be harmful.

Diving, key-features

A unique marine biodiversity and spot ★★★

Underwater geothermal springs vent gasses in the form of thousands of warm bubbles giving you a feeling of swimming through a giant glass of Champagne. And that’s not all – the reef here is quite spectacular where you can expect to see a myriad of sea life including sponges, lobster, parrot fish and a resident population of Hawksbill turtles and green turtles. You may also view sea horses and the remains of the 17^th century Spanish ship wreck (cannons & chain links).

Sensitization to respect the marine environment and minimum impact ★

Diving equipment and good snorkeling to minimize the impact of divers and enable them optimum stability. A full briefing is systematically provided divers to show them the strengths of the site and provide information on biodiversity, not to mention the respect of safety and respect for the environment. Professional instructors are PADI certified.

A professional and friendly diving club on the spot ★★

You are allowed to move freely around the site and access is free. However, a dive centre is available on the spot to welcome and guide you on a snorkelling or scuba diving trip.

The club is well located with a large sheltered terrace and another one perched atop a small cliff towering above the sea. The club is equipped with cubicles and showers and you can leave your equipment there in all safety. A bar is open all day.

You can rent flippers, goggles, snorkels as well as scuba diving equipment on the spot.

A catering service is available during the weekend. Group reservations are accepted a few days in advance.

You will be greeted with a warm welcome. The manager, Clem, will attend all group requests and provide the services that you wish. He can also come and pick you up at your hotel. Two charming PADI guides are available all day round at the centre as well as Francesca, an instructor and Dian, a divemaster. Two other divemasters can join in if required.