Snorkel at Champagne Reef Dominica

[LEESRE]

Has anyone been on a snorkel trip to Champagne Reef in Dominica.

 

We would love to do this on our own not with the cruise lines excursion. I am sure that we could do it far far cheaper.

 

I would like to have details of who you booked through etc.

 

Many thanks.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

Has anyone been on a snorkel trip to Champagne Reef in Dominica.

 

We would love to do this on our own not with the cruise lines excursion. I am sure that we could do it far far cheaper.

 

I would like to have details of who you booked through etc.

 

Many thanks.

 

We did this several years ago and were not overly impressed. There are far better locations to snorkel then Dominica. Sorry.

[drdaddy]

I used DiveDominica. I highly recommend them IF you are comfortable with your own abilities and do not need your hand held. Nice people, big boat with few divers aboard. I was the only snorkeler. I just went on my merry way and explored.

 

Dominica is not the most colorful underwater snorkeling experience BUT Champagne Reef is quite fascinating and I think well worth the trip.

 

 

 

 

Sorry the underwater shots are not enhanced with Photoshop.

[YoPhilly]

I have to agree with Luv2Cruz. We snorkeled there and were rather disappointed. The bubbles are interesting but the reef itself was colorless and - I hate to say - boring.

 

A much better option on Dominica is to go to Titou Gorge for a unique swim - it's so much fun.

[ColoradoCruzers]

I dove and my husband and DS (18&23) snorkeled with a private guide from Irie Safari. Irie Safari is located at the trailhead to Champagne Reef. This is not a sandy beach, by the way, so don't go thinking you will spend time on the beach, this place was all about the underwater sights. It was the highlight of our Carnival Destiny cruise. Clem Johnson arranged our transportation to and from the ship. The private guide was $5 pp and worth that and more. We had our own equipment. Their guide was in the water with them for close to an hour. They commented on how they would have been bored if it wasn't for her, as she dove down and pointed out marine life, sponges, coral, the remnants of a ship wreck ( cannons and chains). The dive along the reef and wall was spectacular as well and I came back with 30+ fish and other items I saw to include in my dive log. They carry slates on which they write down fish, coral, sponges etc so you understand what you are seeing. Enough of that, here's the email he sent after my initial inquiry:

Hi Machelle,

Thank you for your interest in Irie Safari and the Champagne Reef.

As you may know Champagne (as the name suggests) is a under sea geo- thermal

fissure where plumes of warm bubbles escape everywhere from the sea floor

floor, likening it to swimming through a giant glass of Champagne. The

bubbles start in about six feet of water and extends to an incredible reef

with a 70 drop off (for Scuba) offshore making it fun for the entire family

and skill level.

 

Champagne is about 15 mins from your ship and we can provide a pick & drop

off service for US$10 per person round trip (min of 4 persons). Our

facility has the advantage of being situated right on shore in front of the

reef.

Our single tank dives are US$50. This includes equipment.

Our snorkel tours are US$17. per person including equipment (buoyancy vest, mask,

snorkel & fins) and on staff at our facility are qualified PADI Divemaster

guides who know this extensive reef like the back of thier hands.

Our Divemasters' extensive knowledge of Champagne Reef adds

tremendously to the experience.They know for example, where to look to find

that elusive octupus, turtle or school of squid. There is also a US$2. goverment Marine Park site pass that you need to purchase which can be done

Champagne

 

Champagne Reef was recently rated by SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE as being in

the top five snorkeling and diving destinations in the Caribbean and

theBahamas.

We also conduct Dicover Scuba courses for those who want to try something beyond snorkeling.

Our web site is currently under construction but you can pay when you get here. Let us know what time you want to dive.

We accept Visa and Mastercard.

We look forward to sharing this incredible adventure with you and we can

also arrange any land tours that you may wish to do.

Regards

Clem Johnson

Irie Safari

Anse Batteau, Pte Michel

Box 2078, Roseau

Dominica, West Indies

(767) 440 5085

(767) 275 7001

iriesafari@cwdom.dm

[preschool teacher]

i liked it alot....it's cool to see the bubbleing.....i would do it........