Champagne Reef and the Whales

Dominica's volcanic nature reaches beneath the waves at Champagne Reef, one of the most unusual and delightful snorkelling and diving sites in the Caribbean. Here, geothermal vents in the seabed release streams of warm bubbles that rise shimmering through the clear water like champagne, amid colourful coral, sponges and darting fish, a magical, effervescent experience. The waters off Dominica are also extraordinary for another reason: the island is one of the very few places on earth with a resident population of sperm whales, the largest toothed predators on the planet, which can be seen on whale-watching trips throughout the year.

What you actually see

• The champagne bubbles - the warm volcanic bubbles through the reef.
• The snorkelling and diving - the coral, sponges and fish.
• The sperm whales - the resident whales seen year-round.
• The marine life - the turtles, seahorses and reef creatures.

When to go

November to April, the drier season, for the calmest seas and best conditions for snorkelling, diving and whale watching, though the resident sperm whales can be seen year-round; whale-watching trips depart from the west coast. Champagne Reef is enjoyed straight from the shore or on a short boat trip.

Honest expectations

Dominica has few classic sandy beaches, its shores being largely volcanic black sand and rocky coves, so it is a destination for underwater and nature experiences rather than beach lounging; whale sightings, while unusually reliable here, are wild and never guaranteed. For the magic of snorkelling amid warm volcanic bubbles and the rare chance to encounter resident sperm whales, though, Dominica's waters are genuinely extraordinary and a highlight of the Nature Island.

Nearby

The capital Roseau, Scotts Head and the west-coast dive sites are close by.