Preparations are underway for the Caribbean’s longest running diving festival —
Dominica’s 18th annual Dive Fest — scheduled for July 8-17, 2011. Experienced and beginner divers alike will flock to the island, which lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, for one of the most fascinating diving experiences in the Caribbean.
Dominica is rated as one of the top 10 dive locations in the world, with a variety of dive sites that feature dramatic walls and pinnacles, pristine reefs and Champagne snorkeling. Dive Fest educates both novices and experienced divers about the sport of scuba diving and helps raise awareness about Dominica's stunning and unique marine environment. The waters surrounding the island boast healthy, thriving reefs covered in colorful sponges and coral. Seahorses, frogfish, flying gurnards and scorpion fish are commonly spotted in Dominica’s waters, but are rarely seen around other Caribbean islands.
There are a number of diving sessions scheduled for both adults and children throughout Dive Fest. Many activities are free or available at a considerably reduced rate. In addition to dive events, Dive Fest offers activities for non-divers, including whale watching, a children’s treasure hunt, beach parties and the hotly contested annual
Kubuli Carib canoe race. The pinnacle event for Dive Fest 2011 is the
Soufriere Kubuli Beach Party on July 17.
Hotels, resorts and dive operators across the island have great dive packages available during Dive Fest and beyond. Information on accommodations can be found at
www.dominica.dm/site/wheretostay.cfm.
For more information on Dive Fest, visit
http://www.dominica.dm/site/divefest.cfm. To learn more about diving and other adventure activities in Dominica, visit
http://www.dominica.dm/site/diving.cfm.
About Dominica:
Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation that includes: hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning adventures. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean.
More information is available by visiting
www.discoverdominica.com, contacting a travel professional or calling
Discover Dominica Authority toll-free from the U.S. and Canada at (866) 522-4057.