Dominica Celebrates 23rd Year of Dive Fest

Diving amateurs and the more experienced can enjoy some of the world’s best diving at reduced rates during Dominica Dive Fest, the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival. The nine-day festival from the 7th to 16th July marks the 23rd consecutive year for Dive Fest.

The annual event hosted by Dominica Watersports Association offer diving sessions at the cheapest rates of the year some of the most pristine and healthiest reefs in the Caribbean. Dominica is also home to volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, black sand beaches, impressive waterfalls and remarkable land and sea life, earning itself the title of the Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island’.

Dominica is a favourite amongst divers due to its unique features and varied sites. Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most famous diving and snorkelling sites. Located in the northernmost part of the Marine Reserve, Champagne Reef’s sub-aquatic hot springs emulate that of the bubbles in a glass of champagne. Totally unique to Dominica, geothermal springs release gasses into the 15 feet of water creating bubbles and a sea floor which is warm to the touch. Champagne Reef is also known for its rich wildlife with schools of squid, spotlight parrotfish and huge lobsters and crabs commonly seen.

Along with Champagne reef, Dominica boasts a number of other famed dive locations including Scott’s Head Pinnacle which is located where the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas meet, creating some of Dominica’s most impressive and picturesque swims. ‘The Suburbs’ and ‘The Village’ offer richly covered rocky drop-offs that attract several sea life species such as black durgons, huge barracudas, turtles and big stingrays. All together Dominica has over 20 individual dive sites that remain uncrowded by the masses and showcase an assortment of colourful sea life.

There will be plenty of excitement for non-divers as well, with a great mix of athletic and family events which help make Dive Fest a nine-day celebration for all. Activities range from swimming, kayaking and Pwi Pwi races, to the most renowned event, the Kubuli Canoe Race where teams of four compete in traditional fishing boats.

Families can come together to be a part of Beach BBQ’s, kids snorkel treasure hunts and a family fun day with turtle hatchings and most famously the “Jing Ping Ting” (an evening of fresh seafood and dancing to traditional Jing Ping Music). There is also the opportunity to go on discounted whale watching tours where guests can experience the 90% sighting success rate in Dominica.

Visit during Dive Fest

Kenwood Travel is offering a seven-night stay during Dive Fest from £1,375pp

Dominica’s finest heritage hotel is situated in the heart of the islands historic capital Roseau on the waterfront. This luxurious hotel is only steps away from Saint George Anglican Church and the Dominica Museum and features a full-service spa, restaurant, four bars / lounges, 24 hour fitness centre and poolside bar. For scuba divers, Fort Young has its own fully equipped Buddy Dive shop and jetty to accommodate water activities. *The package includes seven nights at Fort Young for two adults together with bed and breakfast and flights from the UK departing 11 July.

To book please call 020 7749 9245 or visit www.kenwoodtravel.co.uk

For more information on Dominica please visit www.discoverdominica.com