Preparations are underway for Dominica’s 18th annual Dive Fest, scheduled for July 8-17. Dive Fest educates both novices and experienced divers about the sport of scuba diving and helps raise awareness about Dominica's stunning and unique marine environment.
The waters surrounding the island boast healthy, thriving reefs covered in colorful sponges and coral. Seahorses, frogfish, flying gurnards and scorpion fish are commonly spotted in Dominica’s waters, but are rarely seen around other Caribbean islands.
There are a number of diving sessions scheduled for both adults and children throughout Dive Fest. Many activities are free or available at a considerably reduced rate. In addition to dive events, Dive Fest offers activities for non-divers, including whale watching, a children’s treasure hunt, beach parties and the hotly contested annual Kubuli Carib canoe race. The pinnacle event for Dive Fest 2011 is the Soufriere Kubuli Beach Party on July 17.
Dominica is rated as one of the top 10 dive locations in the world, with a variety of dive sites that feature dramatic walls and pinnacles, pristine reefs and Champagne snorkeling.
Hotels, resorts and dive operators across the island have great dive packages available during Dive Fest and beyond. Information on accommodations can be found at www.dominica.dm/site/wheretostay.cfm.