The Best Paddle, Snorkel & Free Dive Spots Around Dominica

Fringed by emerald hills and teeming with marine life, Dominica’s coastline offers the Caribbean’s most pristine waters to explore. Whether you prefer to glide across the surface on a paddleboard, dive beneath the waves to discover coral gardens, or drift through calm coves with a snorkel, the Nature Island offers endless ways to connect with the sea. From Secret Bay’s secluded shores to the island’s famed marine reserves, here are the best places to paddle, snorkel, and free dive your way through Dominica’s wild beauty.

Secret Beach

Accessible only by sea, Secret Beach is one of the Caribbean’s most secluded swimmable coves. Arrive by kayak, paddleboard, or private skiff from Tibay Beach and find yourself surrounded by turquoise water and soft white sand. Slip below the surface to discover coral outcrops and tropical fish, or venture farther toward the rocky edges to spot vibrant marine life. A hidden sea cave adds a touch of mystery to this idyllic escape.

Tibay Beach

Where rainforest meets sea, Tibay Beach offers calm waters and golden sand reserved exclusively for Secret Bay guests. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet morning dip, a romantic stroll, or a sunset paddle shaded by almond trees. As the resort’s launch point for kayaks and paddleboards, Tibay also connects you to Dominica’s northwest coast — where every turn reveals a new perspective of the island’s untamed beauty.

Toucari Bay

North of Secret Bay, Toucari Bay charms visitors with its calm waters and colorful reef to explore by snorkel or fin. Beneath the surface, coral heads, small caverns, and curious fish create a dynamic underwater landscape. After your swim, stop by a beach bar for a fresh catch or local rum punch — the perfect finish to a laid-back afternoon.

Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

At Dominica’s southern tip, the Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve marks the meeting point of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The result is an extraordinary blend of biodiversity and geology. Snorkelers and free divers can explore coral ridges, volcanic vents, and steep walls alive with reef fish and sponges — an awe-inspiring underwater realm unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Champagne Reef

Near Roseau, Champagne Reef offers a signature Dominica experience. Warm volcanic vents release streams of bubbles from the seabed, creating the sensation of swimming through a natural champagne bath. Drift among the effervescence as colorful fish weave through the sparkling water — a magical meeting of geology and marine life.

Cabrits National Park & Douglas Bay

Just beyond Secret Bay, Cabrits National Park shelters the tranquil waters of Douglas Bay. Paddle along its quiet coastline framed by lush hills, or snorkel among coral reefs that glow with color and clarity. This peaceful spot captures Dominica’s perfect balance between land and sea — serene, untouched, and deeply restorative.

Return to Your Sanctuary

After a day on the water, retreat to your private villa at Secret Bay — where the sea breeze drifts through your terrace, your plunge pool awaits, and the sounds of the ocean remind you that nature is never far away. Because here on the Nature Island, every adventure begins and ends in harmony with the sea. 

Book your stay at Secret Bay and discover the Nature Island’s underwater world for yourself.