Calibishie Coast, Dominica. Photo Credit: Jean & Nathalie via Flickr.
 Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor travelers say Secret Bay in Portsmouth is the top-rated hotel in Dominica. |
Dominica is an island of volcanic origin, and many of its beaches reflect that history. You will find a lot of gray or black volcanic sand with dark pebbles, and rock formations along the shoreline. While Dominica is lined with many beautiful beaches surrounded by lush tropical scenery, it is not dominated by the white-sand beaches you find on many other Caribbean islands. However, the rocky shores create a great environment for snorkeling and diving, as sealife congregates near the shores.
On the southern Caribbean (west) side of the island is Champaign Beach, the name reflecting the bubbly waters created by steamy underwater volcanic vents and hot springs. Swimmers say they feel like they are floating in a glass of champaign. The sands of the beach itself are grainy, so you will probably want to spend more time in the water than strolling the beach. Caribbean Travel & Life magazines named Champaign Beach the best snorkeling spot in the Caribbean. It said: “Sea horses and frogfish will keep you company as you explore the island’s most popular snorkel site, where streams of air effervesce from fissures in the seafloor, making snorkelers feel like they’re swimming in a bottle of bubbly. Keep your eyes peeled for parrotfish and lobster amid gardens of hard and soft coral.”
Diving is the sport of choice at nearby Soufriere Bay Beach, where the bubbles, sapphire blue waters and beautiful healthy reefs combine for spectacular underwater sights.
Keeping going south, to nearly the southern tip of the island, is Scotts Head Beach, with clear blue waters and stunning underwater walls.
On the other side of the island – the northeast Atlantic coast near Calibishie – is Pointe Baptiste Beach, a much more remote location away from the cities. This area has a rich history from the days of pirates, but now appeals more to those looking for a quiet retreat. You will find the isolated beach near the entrance to Pointe Baptiste Guest House. The sand here is more on the golden side and the waters are known to have pretty good snorkeling. If you have a 4 x 4, you can get to Hampsteade Beach, west of Pointe Baptiste, featuring a grove of coconut trees, golden sand, clear waters and great swimming and snorkeling.
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