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Champagne Reef: Dominica's Underwater Jacuzzi

Snorkel or dive in Dominica's Champagne Reef, where volcanic bubbles meet vibrant marine life in a unique underwater experience.

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Champagne Reef, off Dominica's southwest coast, is a unique snorkeling and diving site named for the bubbling waters rising from geothermal vents on the ocean floor. This natural phenomenon creates a sensation of swimming in a glass of champagne, surrounded by colorful marine life.

A brief summary to Champagne Reef, Dominica

Local tips

  • Wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky beach and hot sand.
  • Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the underwater scenery.
  • Consider a guided snorkeling tour to learn about the reef's unique ecosystem and spot hidden marine life.
  • Bring cash in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD), US Dollars, or Euros for potential entry fees or rentals.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Roseau, take a minibus heading south towards Soufriere or Scotts Head. These buses typically depart from the main bus station on River Bank in Roseau. The fare to Pointe Michel is approximately EC$3.00. From Pointe Michel, it's a short walk or taxi ride to Champagne Reef. Be aware that minibus services generally operate until around 6:00 PM, with less frequent service on Sundays.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available in Roseau and can take you directly to Champagne Reef. The ride from Roseau to Champagne Reef will cost approximately EC$40-EC$50 and takes around 25 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Ride-sharing services are not widely available in Dominica.

  • Driving

    From Roseau, follow Victoria Street south for approximately 3.5 miles. The road curves sharply left and up a short hill. Before the curve, you'll see a large sign for Champagne Reef. Parking is available along the road. Be aware that roads in Dominica can be narrow and winding. There is no parking fee.

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Discover more about Champagne Reef, Dominica

Champagne Reef is a vibrant marine ecosystem located on the southwest coast of Dominica, within the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Its name comes from the unique underwater springs that release small gas bubbles, creating a দৃশ্য like swimming in champagne. These geothermal vents, a result of Dominica's volcanic activity, make this site a one-of-a-kind destination for snorkelers and divers. The reef is easily accessible from the shore via concrete steps leading to a small cove. The beach is a mix of black volcanic sand and rocks, so water shoes are recommended. Once in the water, snorkelers and divers are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful sponges (like pink azure, red rope and yellow tube sponges), sea anemones, hard and soft corals, and numerous fish species. Divers may encounter octopus, rays, trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, batfish, hawksbill turtles, seahorses, and even sea snakes. Lucky visitors might even spot the remains of a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck. The closer you get to the streams of bubbles, the warmer the water becomes. While the marine animals tend to avoid the warmer water, the reef surrounding the vents is teeming with life. Local vendors offer snorkeling gear rentals and guided tours. Guided tours are recommended to get the most out of the experience, as the guides can point out hidden marine life and navigate the best spots for viewing the bubbles.

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