Dive site guide
Champagne Reef Dominica
Champagne Reef Dominica is a shallow volcanic reef where warm gas bubbles rise from the seabed in shimmering curtains. It is the island's most famous dive and snorkel site, and one of the most unusual in the Caribbean.
The site
Diving in a glass of champagne
Champagne Reef lies on the southwest coast of Dominica, between the villages of Pointe Michel and Soufriere, inside the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Dominica is a volcanic island, and at this spot volcanic gases escape through vents in the rock and sand of the seabed. They rise to the surface as streams of tiny bubbles, which look and feel like diving in a glass of sparkling wine.
Hold your hand over a vent and you will feel the warmth: the water around the bubbles is noticeably warmer than the surrounding sea. The bubbles catch the sunlight on their way up, and in calm conditions the whole area glitters. It is a favourite with underwater photographers, and many divers do it more than once on a trip.
The reef itself is worth the visit too. Rocky outcrops covered in sponges and hard and soft corals sit around the vent field, with plenty of reef fish, from sergeant majors and parrotfish to trumpetfish hanging head-down among the sea rods. Look closely in the rubble and you may find octopus, moray eels and the occasional seahorse or frogfish.
At a glance
Champagne Reef facts
- Location: southwest coast, between Pointe Michel and Soufriere
- Depth: shallow, from just below the surface to roughly 15 m (50 ft)
- Access: shore entry from the beach or by boat
- Level: beginners, snorkellers and experienced divers
- Conditions: usually calm, sheltered leeward coast
- Protection: inside the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve
How to dive it
Diving and snorkelling Champagne Reef
Because the bubbles start in shallow water, Champagne Reef is one of the few sites in Dominica that divers and snorkellers can share. Most dive centres on the south and central coast include it in their regular schedule, often as a second, shallower dive after one of the walls or pinnacles of Soufriere Bay. Snorkellers can swim out from the shore, and there is a small facility at the beach where you can rent gear and pay the reserve fee.
The best bubbles are usually in the shallows, so you don't need to go deep. Plan to spend time hovering still over the vents rather than swimming laps. Good buoyancy matters: kicking up the fine volcanic sand ruins the view for everyone and can damage the small creatures living there.
Tips for the best experience
- Go early. Mornings tend to be calmest and quietest, especially on days when cruise ships are in Roseau and tour groups visit.
- Stay off the vents. Hover above the bubbles; don't kneel or lie in the sand.
- Bring a camera. Sunlight through the bubbles makes beautiful photos. A wide-angle lens works best.
- Watch the shallows. Snorkellers and swimmers share the area, so keep your eyes up when you surface.
Is it safe? The gas at Champagne Reef rises harmlessly to the surface in the open sea, and the site has been dived and snorkelled for many years. As on any dive, follow your guide's briefing.
Nearby
Other dives near Champagne Reef
Champagne Reef sits at the northern end of Soufriere Bay, close to some of Dominica's most celebrated diving. Within a few minutes by boat you can reach Dangleben's Pinnacles, the crater walls and Soufriere Pinnacle, and further south the Scotts Head Drop-off. Our Dominica dive sites guide covers each of them.
If you enjoy the small life around the vents, the sandy slopes of the central coast are ideal for slow muck-style dives; see the Dominica macro diving guide. To plan a stay close to the site, the villages of Soufriere and Scotts Head and the Castle Comfort area south of Roseau are the nearest bases. The dive trip planning guide explains the options.
Questions
Champagne Reef Dominica FAQ
Why is it called Champagne Reef?
The volcanic gas bubbles rising from the seabed look like the bubbles in a glass of champagne. The name stuck, and it is now Dominica's best-known dive site.
Can you snorkel Champagne Reef?
Yes. The bubbles start in shallow water, so snorkellers can see them clearly. You can swim out from the beach, where gear rental and the reserve fee are available.
How deep is Champagne Reef?
Most of the bubbling area is shallow, from just below the surface to around 15 metres (50 feet), which makes it suitable for new divers.
Is there a fee to visit Champagne Reef?
Yes. The site is inside the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, which charges visitors a small fee. Dive operators normally collect it for you; snorkellers pay at the beach.