DOMINICA, WINDWARD ISLANDS

Year:2003

Parrot island: fish, whales and critter-rich reefs

Season: Year-round diving (optimum November-June)

Visibility: 15-30 metres

Water temperature: 26-29°C

With towering mountains covered in lush forest, and still only touched around the edges with tourism, Dominica remains one of the least spoilt islands in the Caribbean. Plant life covers every imaginable corner, frothing over, spreading and tumbling down the hillsides, forming a verdant backdrop for colourful hummingbirds, bright flowers and butterflies. As dusk falls the sounds of tree frogs and the calls of crickets take over. A plentiful supply of rain combined with rich volcanic soil and brilliant sunshine have endowed Dominica with splendid rainforests, sparkling waterfalls and crater lakes, not to mention the second largest 'boiling lake' in the world and two unique species of parrot. The mountainous terrain which gives rise to Dominica's rich natural inheritance also prevents mass tourism. This 25-mile long volcanic island simply has few flat areas that can be developed. The main industry is agriculture (although over 60% of the island remains uncultivated) and you are likely to see huge bunches of bananas trucked down from the hillsides in old pick-ups. Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges as well as pineapples, guava and carambola are also grown on the island. Local fruit is abundant and delicious.

Dominica is the perfect choice for those divers seeking truly rich and diverse marine life on an unspoiled island of outstanding natural beauty, rather than those seeking coral sand beaches backed by swaying palms.

Dominica's waters hold some truly spectacular surprises. The marine life here is some of the richest and most diverse in the Caribbean: ranging from frogfish and seahorses to whales and dolphins. The reefs are rich in sponges, hard corals and especially invertebrates of all kinds. Arrow Crabs, anemones, shrimps in all sizes and colours, sea urchins, lettuce sea slugs, bristle worms, feather duster worms bigger than one's hand, sand dollars, crabs in every size, shape and colour, octopus, lobsters, sea stars, basket stars and crinoids can be found in abundance. Indeed the density of interesting invertebrates is probably higher than anywhere else in the Caribbean. Showers of chromis pour down the reefs. Butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, tangs and jacks patrol the reefs and walls in good numbers. Stunningly beautiful Yellowhead Jawfish, their florescent blue tails quivering, hover above their burrows. Lucky divers will see the males incubating the eggs of their young in their mouths. Indeed the fish life in Dominica is probably some of the most diverse to be found in Caribbean diving destinations.

The underwater 'landscapes' are as varied as the sea life with Dominica's volcanic origins very obvious. Underwater pinnacles, swim-throughs, steep walls and arches along with coral gardens and sloping shelves mean that dive sites are full of interest. In a few places jets of hot water and froths of bubbles trace sparkling pathways from fissures in the rock. Dominica's sand is composed of heavy, dark volcanic particles. Good news for divers as the heavy particles do not get stirred up easily and so the visibility remains remarkably good even after rain. Current is usually mild and when significant current is running, the dive site is avoided.

The highest of Dangleben's Pinnacles rises to around 10 metres below the surface. Azure vase sponges, strawberry and peach encrusting sponges along with black and green rope sponges populate the walls of the pinnacle. At around 20 metres many whip corals extend from the wall and spiral downwards, pointing towards the deep as if to encourage divers to explore the depths below (which fall beyond 40 metres). Feather duster worms and Star Horseshoe Worms wave their tentacles from their rock or coral-encased bodies. Bearded Fireworms in shades of green and red forage openly. Golden Crinoids furl their arms silently from within tube sponges or barrel sponges and can be found in both their yellow and their black-and-yellow forms. Fascinating though it is to search the walls of the pinnacles, it is well worth keeping an eye on the open water for silvery Southern Sennets (a schooling barracuda), Horse-eye Jacks and Rainbow Runners. Showers of chromis and Creole Wrasse pour down the reef. Banded and Foureye Butterflyfish usually wander around in pairs and Longsnout Butterfly fish search the crevices for tasty invertebrates. Spotted Drums, from the elegant juveniles with their sweeping dorsal and ventral fins to the stout adults, can be found lurking under overhangs or in crevices. Pretty Lettuce Sea Slugs, looking like snippets of brightly coloured frilly nylon, graze their way across the substrate (making great subjects for photographers).

The dive guides will almost certainly save the surprise element at Champagne until the end of the dive, but their are many marvellous things to see before then. A sandy slope, where Peacock Flounders glide over the surface while changing their colour, is also home to a population of Brown Garden Eels that peep timidly from their holes. Coral encrusted rocks slope away towards deeper water. Stoplight and Blue Parrotfish are common here. The many rocky overhangs, swim throughs and crevices afford homes for Squirrelfish, Bigeyes, and soldierfish. Heading back towards the shoreline the sandy slopes and rocks become rather barren, for this is where the 'champagne' is served! Blisteringly hot water surges from crevices in the volcanic rock and streams of bubbles make their way to the surface from the trapped volcanic gases below. A unique and fascinating sight.

The vertical wall at L'Abym ('the abyss') is enrobed with encrusting peach and strawberry sponges, azure vase sponges with furled basket stars, crinoids and hard corals. This is a very impressive wall and Longsnout Seahorses can be found in several colour variations from yellow or red through to blackish brown with lighter bands. Once approached these tiny fish tuck their heads away shyly and turn away as if too embarrassed to look at the diver, although of course this is in reality an anti-predator defense (playing dead). The top of the wall makes a fascinating safety stop. Sergeant Majors are common here and in the mating season the males turns darker bluey purple and guards the purple egg patches which the females have laid on the rocks.

Too prolific to mention in just a few dive site descriptions, Dominica's invertebrates are truly phenomenal and almost every dive site has rich and varied populations. Corkscrew Anemones host Pederson's Cleaner Shrimps and Red Snapping Shrimps (make sure the 'snappers' are looking the other way if you stop for a manicure from the 'cleaners'!). Giant Anemones with pink, green, lavender or blue tentacle tips also host a number of shrimp species, including Spotted Cleaner Shrimps, but also beautiful small Banded Clinging Crabs and tiny Diamond Blennys. Hidden in crevices, Rough Fileclams expose their deep red mantles leaving their swirling manes of white or red tentacles swaying. Brittle stars, basket stars, Long-spined, Rock-boring and Reef Sea Urchins simply litter some dive sites. Incredible numbers of Yellowline Arrow Crabs peep from within vase sponges and rocky crevices, while small decorator crabs rely on their camouflage for cover. While searching the rocks for creatures look out for the tiny Smooth Trunkfish juvenile, which looks like a floating rounded black dice with yellow spots as it bobs along the reef.

A shore dive from the dock at Castle Comfort can reveal the rare Shortnose Batfish, so underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts should search the sandy patches late in the afternoon until it is located!

Underwater photographers and those divers who love to observe marine life will really appreciate Dominica's reefs, but Dominican waters have yet another attraction. On Sunday and Wednesday afternoons it is possible to take afternoon boat trips (of about 3 1/2 hours) to look for whales and dolphins. Dominica is blessed with an abundance of both resident and visiting cetaceans: Spinner, Bottle-nosed and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Short-finned Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales are all regular here, while Pygmy Sperm Whales, False Killer Whales and others are occasionally sighted. You may come across a pod of fifty or sixty pilot whales as they 'spy hop' (raise themselves out of the water) to get a better look at the you. Large males (with their highly hooked dorsal fins) may come right up to the boat to make sure that there is no threat to the females and young, while young whales may swim right under the boat in their effort to investigate these strangers in the sea. A population of Sperm Whale females are resident year round with larger males and young females visiting from November to April. Watch for the tell-tale spray as the whales blow, followed by the elegant trailing of the fluke before the 1000-metre deep dive. Mothers must leave the calves at the surface when they dive and inquisitive calves sometimes come over to take a closer look at the boat (could this be mother returning so soon?)!

Sonar equipment is used to locate the cetaceans and one can sometimes hear an amazing series of clicks, grunts, songs and whistles as these wonderful marine mammals communicate with one another. Snorkeling or diving is not allowed and observations are made from the boat.

CASTLE COMFORT LODGE

Perched on the waterfront with a backdrop of lush green hills and just five minutes drive from Roseau, Dominica's diminutive capital, Castle Comfort Lodge is owned and run by local couple Ginette and Derek Perryman. Derek, an ex-pilot, runs the diving and whale watching while Ginette makes sure that the accommodation and kitchens run smoothly. The guesthouse has 7 Ocean View Rooms and 8 Standard Rooms, all with queen-sized or twin beds, air conditioning, ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, cable TV and direct dial telephones. The rooms are pleasantly decorated in modern style and Ocean View Rooms have a small terrace or balcony. Two rooms are especially equipped for wheelchair access. Rooms are situated around a small but pretty, well-maintained garden with a small plunge pool and hot tub. In the evening you can enjoy a local rum punch, wine, beer or soft drink at the Ti Punch Bar or sip your drink slowly in the hot tub as the sun sets below the water. Ginette oversees the production of rum punch, made using a secret recipe passed down through several generations of Perrymans! Lime, banana or mango daiquiri or punch seem to be very popular (especially with British divers, apparently!) and guarantee a good night's sleep!

Meals are unique to Castle Comfort and local style dishes are made from ingredients grown on the family land higher up the hillside or purchased from a local estate. Some of the recipes have been passed down through the generations and you can expect some genuine traditional Caribbean food for breakfast and dinner with a choice of snack dishes available at lunch time. Evening meals consist of three courses beginning with soup, perhaps callalou or pumpkin, followed by a choice of fish or meat served with local vegetable dishes such as sweet potato casserole, black eye beans and rice cooked with coconut milk. Desserts may be banana fritters or pancakes, fruit salad or home made ice cream. A choice of tea or coffee is served after each meal. Friday night is barbecue night.

Castle Comfort is a dive lodge rather than a hotel and as the site is relatively small it cannot offer the spaciousness and quiet privacy of some resort hotels. On the other hand it has a friendly atmosphere and offers the chance to socialize with like-minded people after the diving is over.

Situated on the same site with Castle Comfort Lodge, Dive Dominica offers a personal service with 4 boats. Barana is a twin diesel powered catamaran usually used for whale watching trips. Olga can take up to 24 divers, Arienne another catamaran, can take up to 20 divers and Yan Yan caters for small groups of up to 10 divers. All boats have shade and are fully equipped with first aid and oxygen. Water is available on the boats and towels (for those staying at Castle Comfort) are supplied. Dive sites are just 10-20 minutes boat ride from the dive dock.

The boat leaves the dock at 0900 each morning for two dives and returns around 1300, just in time for lunch. Tanks are available for shore diving from the dock at any time, day or night. Nitrox (32%) tanks are available at extra cost. Special rinse tanks are available for cameras and videos. E6 processing is available locally.

Standard Room

£620 (non-divers: £478) from 1 May-31 October.

£700 (non-divers: £492) from 1 January-30 April, 1 November-31 December.

Ocean View Room

£690 (non-divers: £548) from 1 May-31 October.

£770 (non-divers: £562) from 1 January-30 April, 1 November-31 December.

Includes:

· Airport transfers from/to Canefield or Melville Hall.

· 7 nights half board accommodation (breakfast and dinner) on a twin/share basis at Castle Comfort Lodge.

· 5 days diving (2 morning boat dives daily, 1 night dive and unlimited shore diving tanks), dive guide on boat dives, cylinders and weights.

Please note: a Marine Park Fee (currently US$20) is payable in cash to Dive Dominica.

Additional Nights:

Standard Room

£96 (without diving: £68) from 1 May-31 October.

£116 (without diving: £70) from 1 January-30 April, 1 November-31 December.

Ocean View Room

£116 (without diving: £89) from 1 May-31 October.

£126 (without diving: £91) from 1 January-30 April, 1 November-31 December.

Single Occupancy Supplement:

Standard Room

£25 per night from 1 May-31 October.

£16 per night from 1 January-30 April, 1 November-31 December.

Ocean View Room

£45 per night from 1 May-31 October.

£36 per night from 1 January-30 April, 1 November-31 December.

Whale watching boat trip: £35

Deposit: £200

Please note that Dive Dominica and Castle Comfort Lodge are closed during September.

FORT YOUNG HOTEL

Just two minutes walk from the centre of Roseau, the Fort Young Hotel is one of Dominica's most luxurious full service hotels. The hotel is built within the walls of the 18th century fort on the edge of a rocky bluff and overlooking the Caribbean. All 52 rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans as well as direct dial telephone, cable TV, coffee maker, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom. Superior Oceanview rooms have either a full or partial view of the sea and have queen-sized or twin beds. They are situated in the older part of the hotel and most have a small terrace. Deluxe Oceanfront rooms are situated in the new wing of the hotel directly above the sea. They are very light and extremely spacious, have two queen-sized beds, bath and shower, patio with table and chairs and panoramic sea views. They also have a small refrigerator and safe in the room.

Fort Young Hotel serves breakfast in the Marquis de Bouille Restaurant and dinner is available in the Waterfront Restaurant, where one can choose from a menu of international and local dishes and dine on the terrace overlooking the sea. Snacks and drinks are served throughout the day in the café bar.

Fort Young Hotel has a business centre where fax, telephone and e-mail services are available for those who need to stay in touch with their offices. Facilities also include a health and beauty centre offering massage, manicure and facials, a swimming pool, sun terrace and three jacuzzis. A delightful pier, built out over the water, has shaded seating if you wish to enjoy a relaxing drink or just soak up the sun.

The staff of Fort Young Hotel are extremely charming and helpful. Service is excellent. Divers who chose to stay at Fort Young will dive with Dive Dominica and will be picked up each morning at 0900 from the pier and returned at around 1300. There is a rinse tank close to the pier, and the 'dive centre' (in reality a shop and booking office) at the hotel will store your equipment for you. Towels for use on the boats are provided in your rooms. Kindly note that clients staying at Fort Young Hotel do not have shore diving included in their package.

Superior Oceanview Room

£397 (non-divers: £200) from 14 April-21 December.

£443 (non-divers: £246) from 1 January -13 April, 22-31 December.

Deluxe Oceanfront Room

£505 (non-divers: £308) from 14 April-21 December.

£607 (non-divers: £410) from 1 January -13 April, 22-31 December.

Includes:

· 7 nights room and breakfast accommodation on a twin/share basis at Fort Young Hotel.

· 5 days diving (2 morning boat dives daily plus 1 night dive), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

· Marine Park Fee.

Please note: If you book 10 or more nights in a Superior Oceanview Room you will receive a free upgrade to a Deluxe Oceanfront Room.

Transfers: These are not included. Transfers cost £30 per person one way to/from Melville Hall Airport (a journey of about one and a half hours) and £7 per person one way to/from nearby Canefield Airport (which handles smaller aircraft).

Additional Nights:

Superior Oceanview Room

£68 (without diving: £29) from 14 April-21 December.

£74 (without diving: £35) from 1 January -13 April, 22-31 December.

Deluxe Oceanfront Room

£83 (without diving: £44) from 14 April-21 December.

£98 (without diving: £59) from 15 January -13 April, 22-31 December.

Single Occupancy Supplement:

Superior Oceanview Room

£29 per night from 14 April-21 December.

£35 per night from 1 January -13 April, 22-31 December.

Deluxe Oceanfront Room

£44 per night from 14 April-21 December.

£59 per night from 1 January -13 April, 22-31 December.

Deposit: £200

Please note that Dive Dominica is closed during September.

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

Morning departures from London (Gatwick) every day, except Friday, arriving at Antigua in the afternoon and connecting to Dominica (Melville Hall) by LIAT, arriving in the late afternoon. LIAT return flights depart from Dominica (Melville Hall) every afternoon, except Friday, connecting with the evening British Airways departure from Antigua and arriving at London (Gatwick) the following morning.

£630 for departures 1 January-18 July (excluding Easter), 1 September-12 December.

£670 for departures 19-July-31 August, 25-31 December.

£745 for departures 13-17 December.

£1020 for departures at Easter.

£1150 for departures 18-24 December.

Weekend Supplement: £12 each way for departures from London or Antigua on Saturdays.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Gatwick)/Antigua/London (Gatwick) by British Airways.

· Scheduled flights Antigua/Dominica (Melville Hall)/Antigua by LIAT.

COMBINING DOMINICA

WITH CARIBBEAN EXPLORER

Windward Island Airways and Caribbean Star fly daily between St Martin and Dominica. Why not combine some diving on Dominica with a week of liveaboard diving on Caribbean Explorer? Simply add the cost of your stay in Dominica to the cost of a week on Caribbean Explorer. There will be a charge of £190 for the inter-island flights, which should be added to the cost of the Air France airfare to St Martin.