Dominica, known as the “Nature Island”, has a picturesque landscape of tropical rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls as well as boiling pools and geysers. Dominica’s volcanic activity and unique geothermal properties mean that the island has many one-of-a-kind locations, such as Champagne Reef, a warm, shallow dive site that gets its name from the many bubbles emerging from the ocean floor. In 2016, fish surveyors on REEF's Dominica Lionfish Study recorded more than 200 fish species, including stippled spoon nosed eels, pipefish, bluespotted cornetfish and cardinal soldierfish!

Dive Dominica boat in the marine reserve. Photo credit: Ari Perryman

Cost per Person: $1,271 for double occupancy in a standard room

What is included: Your package includes 7 nights of accommodation at Castle Comfort Lodge, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Dive Dominica, 1 night dive, unlimited shore diving off Dive Dominica’s dock, full breakfast each morning, round-trip airport transfers, service charges and government taxes (subject to change), use of sea kayaks, welcome cocktail upon arrival, tanks, weights and weight belts.

Additional fees: A REEF Program Fee of $300 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leaders, seminar, and survey materials. Paid on premises: $20 per person marine reserve fee. Optional nitrox available for $15/tank.

About the trip leader: Lad Akins, REEF’s Director of Special Projects, served as the Founding Executive Director of REEF and led the organization in that capacity for 16 years, helping to design and develop REEF’s widely recognized marine conservation programs, including the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. In 2005, he began focusing his efforts on exotic species, including the invasive lionfish. He is a member of REEF's Golden Hamlet Club, an elite group of fish surveyors who have submitted more than 1,000 REEF surveys. 

How to book: To reserve your space or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. A $500 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.

Airport/hotel transfer information: Dominica can be reached by several Caribbean gateways, but REEF recommends that participants fly through either San Juan (SJU) or St. Martin (SXM). If flying via San Juan, please be advised to allow ample transfer time, both for yourself and your baggage, as this airport services a major cruise port and can be very busy during peak travel season. Connecting flights should be booked to fly into Melville Hall (DOM) airport. From there, participants will be transported to Castle Comfort Lodge, a one-hour drive from the airport.

A gorgeous underwater scene in Dominca. Photo credit: Ari Perryman

 Colorful and comfortable rooms at Castle Comfort Lodge. Photo credit: Dive Dominica.

Enjoy a nighttime dinner or drink outside. Photo credit: Dive Dominica.

Dive Dominica Website