Best Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve Snorkeling

Southwest of Soufriere on southwestern coast of Dominica, the snorkeling at Soufriere/Scott's Head Marine Reserve is well known for its coral and parrotfish. Located off the southern tip of Dominica, this 3 mile long marine reserve encompasses the rim of a submerged volcanic crater.

Soufriere-Scotts Head Bay is known for its hard and soft coral that blankets the submerged rim of this ancient volcano crater. For those experienced with snorkeling at Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve, you can try snorkeling out to the edge of the volcanic crater, known has Scotts Head Wall, where it drops off several hundred feet.

The best snorkeling dives sites in the Scotts Head Marine Reserve are the Champagne bubbles area, the Danglebon's Pinnacles, and the L'Abym.

The Government is establishing Marine Reserves to preserve and protect the marine environment for all users. There is one marine reserve in the South (Soufriere Scotts Head Bay), one underway in the North (at The Cabrits) and a third proposed reserve along the Central coast (Salisbury area). After a long day of snorkeling at Soufriere on Dominica, try grabbing a cool drink at Chez La Doudou Beach Bar in Salisbury Beach, Papillote Rainforest Restaurant near Wotten Waven or Rogers Bar in Scotts Head.

To reach the snorkeling on Dominica by air, fly into Melville Hall International Airport (DOM), which is located east of Portsmouth and northeast of the, capital Roseau River. In case you are coming from Guadeloupe or Martinique, there is also a ferry available.

In addition, there is a ferry called L'Express de Iles that interconnects Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Lucia. While snorkeling on Dominica, there are over 200 fish species including batfish, squid, frogfish, seahorses, flying gurnards, moray eels, stingrays, sea turtles and whales among the hard and soft corals with plenty of sea fans. The best snorkeling in Dominica is from May to July for high water clarity and calm surf. If you are looking for a good snorkeling tour or snorkel gear, you can try checking out either Cabrits Dive Centre in Portsmouth or Dive Dominica in Rosseau. As a side note, keep in mind that none of the Dominica snorkeling dive sites are particularly good for beginners or young children.

Overall, Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve is the 1st most popular snorkel dive spot of all 11 snorkeling dives in Dominica.