Each year, divers from all over the planet come together in Dominica for the annual Dive Fest, which is organized by the Dominica Watersports Association. If a trip to Dominica is on your bucket list, you may want to consider taking part in the dive fest; it’s one of the world’s best.
Dominica Dive Fest - When
Since 1994, the Dominica Dive Fest has been planned for the month of July. It takes place over the course of ten fun-filled days, usually toward the first half of the month; the 2015 show takes place July 10 - July 19. In July, Dominica’s daytime temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-80’s – perfect for diving.
Dominica Dive Fest - Where
The historic Fort Young Hotel in Roseau typically hosts the Dominica Dive Fest, although additional hotels such as the Anchorage hotel tend to host at least a few of the events. For those traveling to Dominica by air, the Canefield Airport is fifteen minutes from Roseau, while the Melville Hall airport is about an hour and a half away. Some visitors choose to arrive by catamarans operated by the L’Express Des Iles ferry system; these catamarans depart from St. Lucia, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Once in Dominica, you’ll find taxis, buses, and rental cars readily available.
Dominica Dive Fest - Event Highlights
The Dive Fest kicks off with a happy hour where participants can meet one another and spend some time going over the schedule of events. If you don’t make it to the first happy hour, you’ll be glad to know that there are normally happy hours scheduled for each evening of the festival.
This is an event designed for divers and for those who are interested in becoming certified; each day, discover scuba classes take place, and daily dives at a variety of dive sites are also scheduled. Expect to enjoy underwater photography courses and photo contests, along with a final photo exhibition showcasing photos participants have taken throughout the festival.
No dive festival would be quite complete without equipment demonstrations; scuba gear manufacturers’ representatives are normally on hand with new gear for attendees to try. Underwater camera demonstrations take place in the hotels’ pools, so if you’re considering a new camera, you may want to take the opportunity to try a few models out before making a decision.
Fun events include canoe races and an underwater treasure hunt, whale watching, and wine and cheese cruises. The festival’s theme changes from one year to the next, making this an event people enjoy attending year after year.
Dominica Dive Fest - Places to Stay and Things to See
Roseau is home to a number of hotels. If you’re planning to attend the Dominica Dive Fest, book early to ensure you can get the type of room you want at a rate that appeals to you.
There are a number of topside attractions around Roseau; the Papillote Tropical Gardens, Middleham Falls and the Ti Tou Gorge, and the Roseau Museum are a few of the best. Diving and snorkeling is abundant; try Champagne Reef, which is accessible from shore, or head to L’Abym for a look at huge pelagics and a stunning view into the blue distance, where the reef drops away to meet the ocean floor about 500 meters below. No matter which sites you dive, and no matter which events you decide to participate in, you’ll find this dive festival to be a fun and memorable one.