The Dive Fest at the heart of the Caribbean

French version

Even though the Dive Fest is not particularly known among the FWI, it has become a must see event in Dominica. It does attract a well informed public from the other Caribbean Islands as well as European and American tourists. The latter specially coming to enjoy the beauty of the many preserved underwater diving sites. Let’s admit it, Dominica underwater world is absolutely beautiful and its marine life much more plentiful than in Guadeloupe or Martinique!
This year, as part of the Dive Fest, the divers who happened to be on holidays on the island had the opportunity to participate to an underwater photography contest thanks to Sealife brand which, by handing out underwater cameras, allowed each of them to discover and enjoy the difficulties of the underwater photography realm and present their pictures during the exhibition. South African Winston Vanrensburg who is on holidays on the island ended up winning the contest.

« The Dive Fest is also a good opportunity to increase Dominica’s inhabitants awareness about the richness of their marine life ecosystem » says Simon Walsh, active president of Dominica Watersports Association. « We teach them the protection of corals and whales so that they can take charge of their marine life richness themselves and pass on the message. » Thereby, many young people fitted out with palms, masks and snorkels are welcome to take part in an underwater treasure hunt on the reef or meet up with a good many sea turtles, who come and lay on the island beaches.
Discovering the cetaceans is also a high point of this marine fair. On board of a large catamaran tourists and locals go at sea to meet up with whales and dolphins…The boat crew, specialized in Caribbean cetaceans, offers to share his knowledge regarding the various species spotted, their diet, their migration and the dangers threatening them. If the whales are sometimes shy, dolphins are always there, as playful as ever, and ready to offer a wonderful show tagging along the boat

Each year, at the southern tip of the island, is being held the traditional rowing boat race to end the festivities. A numerous public slowly invades the beach and the streets of Soufrière thus giving the town a thrilling beat throughout the night. Not only does the race welcome professional crews, eager to compete, but it also allows tourists and locals to give it a try. A colourful show, very funny at times when you know that those small crafts are somewhat unsteady and sometimes happen to sink ! To continue on a friendly note, a huge beach party is organized at sunset making the town rock all night long !


More information : www.divefestdominica.com
DOMINICA WATERSPORTS ASSOCIATION info@dominicawatersports.com
DOMINICA MARINE CENTER info@dominicamarinecenter.com
OFFICE DU TOURISME DE LA DOMINIQUE : www.discoverdominica.com

Simon Walsh, president of the Dominica Watersports Association, has been working for the last 15 years at making water sports become more accessible locally. If he works on a regular base with the many tourists coming to the island to dive, he makes a point in finding a way to allow Dominica’s young people to open up to the ocean. Each year, during the Dive Fest, he invites a hundred young people to come and discover scuba diving. Those who will fall for this new activity will become a part of his training association and will follow the instructor course. 18 young participants have already become instructors in the past few years and are now working in one of the island dive centers. It is now their turn to take over !

Hubert Winston, president of the Dominica Marine Center is one of the main island’s figure when it comes to boating. As a real sailing passionate, he appears in the biggest Caribbean regattas and ever since his return from the USA he has been working at developing sailing and marine facilities on the island. The Dominican Yacht Club, the sailing club he has set up, now offers 9 optimists for children, 2 Sunfish and several J 24, perfectly fitted for regional racing. Every Saturday, Dominica’s young people can now discover and improve their sailing skills and even take part in regattas during school holidays. In December will be held the first Christmas Regatta, which should attract many aficionados. « These are some of the means to promote Dominica and attract a different public. Dominica is known as the « Nature Island » with its rivers and hot springs but we also have many other assets on our coastline. » Hubert Winston emphasizes. This is why he would love for a little marina to see the light in Dominica. Meanwhile the Dominica Marine Center offers to the sailors wanting to call at the island many services : safeguarding of the boat while on the island, mechanical assistance in case of a breakdown, dangerous waste management, sea rescue…and to top it all off Hubert Winston and his team also train young people to become skippers ! Dominica Boating has definitely many bright days ahead !