Dominica Snorkeling Tour: Champagne Reef & Scotts Head

Two reefs, hot springs, and a 17th-century shipwreck in three hours

This small-group snorkeling tour from Roseau visits two volcanic reefs off Dominica's southwest coast — Champagne Reef, named for thermal springs bubbling from the ocean floor, and Scotts Head, a tied island with views to Martinique. The boat holds a maximum of 8 people; a professional guide leads in English, German or Dutch; snorkel gear, a safety vest and bottled water are included. Pickup happens at the cruise ship or the ferry terminal in Roseau, and the tour is government-approved for cruise passengers with guaranteed return timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and hot springs boat tour

• Snorkel at Champagne Reef
• Relax at Bubble Beach hot springs
• Snorkel at Scott’s Head

The Experience

What makes Champagne Reef different from any other snorkel site is the geology underneath. Volcanic thermal springs rise from the ocean floor, creating the bubbling water the reef is named for — and that warmth draws an unusual mix of creatures. You'll see sponges in shades the reef names: pink azure, red rope, yellow tube, purple vase. The cliff face drops steeply, and the formations match the volcanic landscape Dominica is built on. Octopus, rays, trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, batfish, hawksbill turtles, seahorses, sea snakes and eels move through the color. If the conditions align, the remains of a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck sit on the bottom. After about 45 minutes in the water, the boat heads to the beach for a cold drink.

Between the two snorkel sites, you stop at Bubble Beach near Soufrière — a rest in the hot sea springs while the boat sits anchored. Then it's on to Scotts Head, the only tied island in the Caribbean with the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The snorkeling here centers on soldier fish, grunts and sea turtles, and the vantage point looks all the way across to Martinique. The whole outing runs three hours from start to finish.

The boat carries no more than 8 people, which means no crowding at either reef and a guide who can see everyone in the water. Snorkel gear and a safety vest are provided; you bring sunblock, a cap, sunglasses and a camera if you want one. Pickup is at the cruise ship itself if you're arriving by sea, or at the ferry terminal in Roseau if you're coming another way — no hotel pickups. The tour is government-approved under Dominica's Safe in Nature program, which is why it's permitted for cruise passengers with a fixed return time.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment and safety vest.
• professional guide in English, German or Dutch.
• bottled water.
• pickup at the cruise ship or ferry terminal in Roseau.
• all fees and taxes.
• environmental management charge.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by PH Whale Watch Dive & Snorkel in Dominica

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving by cruise ship and need a guaranteed return time — the government approval and fixed schedule mean you're back at the ship on time. The small boat size (maximum 8 people) makes it worth choosing over larger group snorkels if you want to move at your own pace and have the guide's attention in the water.

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Top questions

What will I actually see underwater at Champagne Reef?

Champagne Reef holds sponges in unusual colors — pink azure, red rope, yellow tube, purple vase — plus octopus, rays, trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, batfish, hawksbill turtles, seahorses, sea snakes and eels. The thermal springs rising from the volcanic floor create the bubbling water the reef is named for, and if conditions are right, a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck sits on the bottom.

How long do I spend snorkeling at each site?

You snorkel at Champagne Reef for about 45 minutes, then rest in the hot springs at Bubble Beach while the boat moves to the second site. Scotts Head is your second snorkel stop, and the entire tour takes three hours from pickup to return.

Where does the boat pick me up in Roseau?

If you're arriving by cruise ship, the boat picks you up directly at the ship. All other travelers meet the boat at the ferry terminal in Roseau. Hotel pickups are not available.

Is snorkel gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment and a safety vest are included with the tour. You should bring sunblock, a cap, sunglasses and a camera if you want to photograph the reef.

Can children go on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 6 and up. A safety vest is provided for easy floating in the water.

What makes Scotts Head different from Champagne Reef?

Scotts Head is a tied island on Dominica's southwest coast — the only one in the Caribbean with the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The snorkeling focuses on soldier fish, grunts and sea turtles, and the views from the surface stretch all the way to Martinique.