The Caribbean
DOMINICA, WINDWARD ISLANDS
Parrot island: fish, whales and critter-rich reefs
Season: Year-round diving
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.
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.
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.
Choose either the small and friendly divers’ lodge, Castle Comfort Dive Lodge or the very comfortable, full service hotel, Fort Young Hotel.
