OFD Host:
Operator:

Fort Young Resort

Dominica

May 14-23, 2010

Air Temperature: 80-90F
Water Temperature: 82 F

Dominica is located between the two French islands of Martinique in the south and Guadaloupe in the north. This majestic island is a rugged mass of towering mountains running through its center like a backbone. At least 60% of this natural paradise is still covered by lush, tropical rainforest. Water is one of the island's most abundant resources, creating over 300 spectacular waterfalls and countless gorges. Dominica boasts three national parks, one of which is a World Heritage Site.

The diving in Dominica rivals it topside beauty. The reef is covered with encrusting, barrel and tube sponges, sea fans and huge schools of fish. This marine paradise is home to turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, barracuda and many resident cetaceans. Spinner dolphins, pilot and sperm whales and orcas all call Dominica home. 

Our Experience

This was Ocean First Divers' first trip to Dominica and if our experience is any indication of future travel to this majestic paradise, then we'll be returning many times in the coming years. The island is an absolute paradise. Amazingly, the diving rivaled the topside beauty. We saw tons of juvenile spotted drums, snake eels, smooth trunkfish, red banded lobsters, cleaning shrimp, longlure frogfish, jawfish and longsnout seahorses! The group also witnessed quite possibly the largest hawksbill sea turtle any of us had ever seen ;) One of the coolest experiences was diving both the Caribbean and Atlantic in one dive trip!

Most days after lunch, the group would head out to the rainforest and hike to one amazing waterfall after another. We tackled Titou Gorge and Trafalgar Falls, along with Emerald Pool, where the more adventurous minded souls swam in the refreshing pools. We also spent one afternoon whale watching and had the privilege of following two young, jovial sperm whales for almost an hour. Dominica is an incredible place. We can't wait to go back!