are decorated with glamorous giant tube 
sponges and sea gorgonians. Beautiful reefs 
of staghorn and brain coral drop suddenly off 
into a volcanically formed abyss. 
If you want to experience nature’s own 
sauna, try Soufriere, where a hot sub-aquatic 
fresh water spring is located. Champagne as 
it is called, covers approximately 3000 square 
feet of the sea floor. As the name suggests, 
crystal-like bubbles rise from small hot vents. 
In this area a great number of reef systems 
come up to the surface. Some drop 80 feet 
to a sandy bottom, others 10 feet. 
Reefcombers find their paradise on these 
reefs, as a variety of sea organisms including 
squid, chromes and squirrel fish live there. 
Champagne is excellent for night dives. 
La Bim, the Creole (local dialect) name for 
an abyss, has been described as the most 
dramatic diving spot found on the west coast 
of Dominica. This expanse of reef is about 
60 metres offshore and starts from a shelf at 
20 feet deep and gradually increases in 
depth. Within 30 to 40 feet of water large 
schools of yellow head and Creole wrasse, 
and different species of grunt fish are found. 
Barrel and giant sponges complement a 
magnificent array of colours. In 70 feet of 
water, black and soft coral can be found. At 
another drop, almost 80 feet below the 
surface, the reef runs for about 11/2 miles 
in a northerly direction. As one descends to 
greater depths, more breathtaking features 
await. And if by then your curiosity is not 
sufficiently satisfied, continue down a path 
which ensures an adventure and truly magi¬ 
cal experience; free fall to infinite depths. 
Other dive sites are scattered around 
Dominica along the southeastern Atlantic 
coast from Pointe Caribe and continuing 
further south. These areas are for the more 
adventurous divers as the water is more 
turbulent. 
Along the calmer west coast of Dominica, 
are clusters of reef systems which offer pleas¬ 
ant underwater scenes. Some of these are in 
Castaways, Point Ronde Bay and the marine 
component of the Carbits National Park. 
At MOTORS LTD, 
Sales & Services 
Distributors of VOLKSWAGEN and AUDI Vehicles, Parts, Service, 
Accessories, Batteries, Wheels, etc. 
Canefield, P.O. Box 84, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica. W. I. 
Tel: (809) 449 1972/74 • Fax: (809) 449 2071 
42 
Wmmmmrn 
J*- - a* 
