Soufrière and Scotts Head: reefs, bubbles and the south coast

Why go

The south is Dominica's sea playground. The **Soufrière Scotts Head Marine Reserve** protects steep walls, pinnacles and reefs that drop quickly into deep water, so you see a lot of marine life close to shore. The villages of Pointe Michel, Soufrière and Scotts Head are small fishing communities with a slow, friendly pace.

Champagne Reef

At **Champagne Reef**, near Pointe Michel, volcanic gases seep from the sea floor and rise as streams of warm bubbles through the water. Snorkelling here feels like swimming in sparkling water, with coral, sponges, trumpetfish and often turtles around you. Several operators run guided snorkels from the small pebble beach, and fees support the reserve.

Soufrière village

**Soufrière** is a pretty village with a seafront stone church and green hills behind it. At **Bubble Beach Spa**, hot volcanic water bubbles up at the edge of the sea and locals have built a stone pool where you can soak and look out over the bay. Up the hill, the **Soufrière Sulphur Springs** offer rustic hot pools among the ferns. Dive and kayak operators work from the beach.

Scotts Head

At the southern tip, the village of **Scotts Head** sits on a narrow strip of land joining the main island to a rocky headland. Climb the short path to the old fort ruins for views across the crater bay and, on clear days, to Martinique. The water off the isthmus is calm on the Caribbean side and good for snorkelling. Segment one of the **Waitukubuli National Trail** starts here and climbs over the southern hills.

Diving

Divers come for sites such as Scotts Head Pinnacle, the Soufrière Pinnacle and the crater walls. Visibility is often excellent and the reserve is well managed. Dive shops in Soufrière and Castle Comfort run trips for every level, including try dives for beginners.

Whale watching

The deep water just off the west coast is home to sperm whales all year, and Dominica has one of the most reliable sightings records in the Caribbean. Trips usually leave from the Roseau area and cruise the southern coast, often with dolphins too. Since 2023 Dominica has protected a large sperm whale reserve along the west coast, with rules on how closely boats and swimmers may approach. Check the current rules on official sources before booking any in water experience.

The southeast

Beyond the south coast, a rough road leads to **Petite Savanne** and the wild southeast. From La Plaine and Delices, guided hikes reach **Sari Sari Falls** and **Victoria Falls**, and **Wavine Cyrique** pours straight off a cliff onto a black sand beach. These are adventurous outings best done with a local guide.

Where to stay

Soufrière has small guesthouses and the eco resort **Jungle Bay** on the hillside above the village. Many people stay in Roseau or Castle Comfort and visit the south as a day trip.

Getting there

Minibuses run from Roseau to Soufrière and Scotts Head during the day, and the drive takes under half an hour. Taxis and tours are easy to arrange. See our Roseau guide for the capital and the places to visit list for picks.