If you think Dominca's diverse topside, wait until you discover the world beneath the waves. Every adventure above ground is cloned undersea. Divers from all corners of the globe are finding out that diving in Dominica is an exceptional experience - where every plunge Is "living" proof of the majesty and spectacle of the underwater world.

Dominica is blessed with dramatic walls that plummet to depths of 1,000 feet, seemingly only a fin's toss from the dock. Then there are the calm, crystal-clear waters. And exotic marine life. Couple all that with qualified operators who offer "quality" experiences (no "cattle" diving on crammed boats) and it's little wonder why experts rate Dominica's seascape experiences near the top of the charts.

Skin Diver Magazine, considered the world's premier dive publication, recently called Dominica "...the undisputed divng capital of the Eastern Caribbean as well as one of the most unusual and popular dive locations in the world!"

Why is the Dominica under-sea world so unusually eye-catching? Precipitous mountains, craggy canyons, colorful scenery and even seething pools, which embellish the island's interior also parallel the vibrant world below. Steep drop-off's, pinnacles, walls and dramatic topography are all close to shore. Other Caribbean dive destinations, which feature mainly sloping reefs, have a hard time comparing with Dominica's dramatic sheer reefs.

Want hot samples of dives unique to Dominica? At two hot springs you'll feet the water temperature increase. See thousands of bubbles from subterranean volcanic activity ascend to the surface.

The proximity of many dive sites being close to shore, excellent health of the reefs, and the diversity and density of coral life and it gets easier to see why Dominica gets high marks. Then there's the creature features. Divers can expect to see many different kinds of fish and marine critters rarely seen at other Caribbean destinations. Seahorses, frogfish, batfish, flying gurnards, electric rays, Caribbean reef squid, sea snakes and sea urchins lead the list.

Reefs flourish with layers of gorgonians. Huge stands of sponges are home to golden crinolds with their feathery, radiating arms. From north to south, dives sites are plentiful along the western (leeward) coast. Among the most popular are Champagne, The Pinnacles at Scotts Head, Dangleben's Reef, L'Abym (sometimes referred to as "The Wall"), Soufriere Pinnacle, Coral Gardens, Rodney's Rock and Douglas Bay Point. These sites, and numerous others, unfold an underwater wonderland second to none.

Divers can plunge into the crater of an underwater volcano. The Scotts Head/Soufriere Marine Reserve (bay at the southern end of Dominica, eight miles south of Roseau) is a submerged caldera of a prehistoric volcano. Known as the Soufriere Crater, the entire bay is cradled by this ancient volcano. The crater is bordered by the isthmus at Scotts Head to the south and the mainland to the east. The northern border (almost two miles to the north) and the western border are still submerged. Inside the perimeter of the crater, the steep vertical walls drop sharply to nearly 1,000 feet. Along the rim of the crater, pinnacles formed by lava flow reach upward. Some nearly break the surface. Within these boundaries, divers will note many exciting sights around the crater's rim.

Scott's Head Pinnacles at the southern edge drops steeply into the crater's center and features a well-encrusted arch and schools of larger fish. Thermal underwater vents create thousands of bubbles which rise to the surface at popular Champagne. Soufriere Pinnacle and nearby Point Guignard with its caverns boast numerous sea critters. Dangleben's Reef at the northern edge of the crater stretches more than two miles out from shore. Starting in only 20 feet of water, the reef is abundant with small pinnacles and sea life. Still on the northern edge, Dangleben's Pinnacles offers five indiadual spires all climbing to within 30 feet of the surface. Each formation swells with corals and animal life. One wall is covered with black coral trees, while the next is home to immense sponges.

Another interesting dive in the same general area is L'Abym. Divers (and snorkelers) delight at vertical walls rich with more black coral and beautiful sponges. At Coral Gardens, an overwhelming stand of nearly 100 yellow tube sponges are found.

North up the coast, near the mouth of the Canefield River, is the Canefield Tug Wreck. The 55-foot, well-preserved tug sits almost upright in 80 to 90 feet of water. It hosts sponges, gorgonians, tropical fish and, occasionally, seahorses. Farther up the coast is historic Rodney's Rock. Today it brightens up the eyes of divers with its canyon-like features and a variety of marine life. Yesteryear, it was lighted up like a war-ship to scare offattacking French forces.

More good dive sites exist on the northern half of the island's west coast. At Coral Gardens North you'll find sponges and corals, including growths of black coral. Rina's Hole is one of the nicest shallow dives Dominica has to offer. Azure vase sponges supporting golden crinolds and rich finger corals are found at Maggie's Point on the central west coast.

At the recently discovered Underwater Volcanoes and Springs north of Pointe Ronde, everything is coming up bubbles. Along the rim of a submerged volcano, divers see trails of bubbles emitted from the ocean floor. Caverns, arches, encrusted sponges, black coral and a profusion of invertebrates make Toucan Caves a "must dive" in the northern reaches. Douglas Point is another exceptional dive site with its vast population of huge barrel sponges, purple tube sponges and radiant corals.

Dominica offers a dive for every class of diver - a snorkel for every non-diver. Dive operators are well trained and very aware of their product. Standards are high, safety is practiced, equipment is well maintained. Most boats are large, comfortable and in good condition.

As with diving in any other destination, please make sure your operator is licensed and approved. All you have to do now is check your gear, pack your U/W camera and head for Dominica. After one or two dives you'll quickly discover why Dominica goes to the head of the class in dive travel.

Best dive sites in Dominica

* Champagne Reef – Named for the bubbles rising up through the sand from underwater hot springs, this site is accessible from shore and also good for snorkeling. Currents here are usually light and you may see seahorses, frogfish, flying gurnards, and squid.

* Soufriere Pinnacles – This site consists of a series of deep-water pinnacles that drop off into the deep blue. The walls are covered in plate and whip corals with an amazing array of colorful sponges. Look up every now and then for turtles and mantas that occasionally swim by.

* Point Break – Located where the Caribbean and the Atlantic meet on the northern tip of the island, Point Break offers a chance to see lots of large fish. There’s usually a decent current at the sight, but the wall and scenery are worth the effort. Be sure to check out the swim-throughs.

* Cottage Point – Links of chain and other remnants of an 18th century wreck are scattered in shallow water. After surveying the wreck, swim around the pinnacles that are covered with color and full of invertebrate life.

* Whale Shark Reef – This reef starts at about 18 metres/60 feet and drops off to more than 40 metres/130 feet. Along the nice vertical face, large barrel sponges and tube sponges are abundant and colorful corals swarm with reef fish. There’s a chance to see barracudas, Spanish mackerel and jacks swimming off the reef.

* Five Finger Rock – The site is named for rocks that looks like a hand and knuckles sticking out in the water. Look for colorful elephant ear sponges and spotted eagle rays swimming in the mild current. Source: PADI