I'm sure the Caribbean makes you think of turquoise waters and swaying palm trees, but Dominica offers something entirely different.
This volcanic island in the Lesser Antilles boasts emerald rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and a wild, untamed beauty. Our recent trip combined this lush paradise with an unforgettable freediving adventure – and a touch of luxury at Jungle Bay.
If you're thinking of where to travel next for your diving adventure, you should definitely add this destination to your list of places to research!
Jungle Bay Sanctuary:
Nestled in a private bay, Jungle Bay is an eco-resort that seamlessly blends into the rainforest. Imagine waking up to the sounds of exotic birds and stepping onto your balcony for a breathtaking view. The bungalows are spacious and luxurious, each with a private balcony stunning views. But Jungle Bay is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience. Yoga classes are offered at sunset, and guided nature hikes and snorkel trips take you through the heart of the island's verdant interior and reefs.
I very much miss our walks from the bungalow to and from breakfast in the mornings. The paths are lined with fruit trees, and hummingbirds are EVERYWHERE! Don't even get me started on the food. Breakfast is included each morning with your stay. There were exotic fruits, and local favorites like saltfish and 'bakes' ... which, if you don't know what a 'bake' is, you're missing out!
My favorites, which i've now replicated since being home, are ginger-lime juice and croissants with guava jam. The juice took some fiddling to get it right, but I think I nailed it, and every time I drink it, it takes me back to those mornings with this beautiful view:
Freediving Dominica's Depths:
Dominica is a freediver's dream. The volcanic Soufrière Bay creates a sheltered haven with calm waters and exceptional visibility almost every day of the year. Here, we partnered with Blue Element Freediving, a world-class freediving school, and we trained with Allie Reilly and Harry McCahill. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable.
Our days started with a warm-up yoga and breathwork session, with good music beats and the smell of incense (my favorite). We also incorporated some balloon exercises for glottis and soft palate control, and did some occasional frenzel check-ins to make sure we were practicing good eq.
Line Training and Reef Encounters:
Blue Element's custom-built platform, a short swim from shore, provided the perfect base for line training. It was SUPER convenient to have a place to rest, set our water bottles, easily change weights if needed, etc...It was my first time diving from a platform and now I'm missing it dearly as I look at my small training float! You can actually see the float in the photo at the top of this post. That swim out isn't nothing! But it's just enough to warm up, and then you can relax and recover on the platform to get that heart rate down before you train.
Beyond the Dive: Volcanic Delights and Natural Wonders
Dominica offers so much more than just line diving. After a day of training, head to the unique Bubble Beach. Here, volcanic activity causes warm bubbles to rise from the seabed, creating a natural jacuzzi experience right on the beach. Imagine soaking in the warm water while the cool waves lap at your toes, all with a backdrop of the stunning Soufrière Bay.
And in reality, the water was more than warm. It was HOT! The further you dig down in the sand, the hotter it gets. At one point, I was sitting in the shallows and I almost burned the back of my leg! Truly amazing.
For a refreshing change of pace, take a hike to the majestic Trafalgar Falls. Cascading down a lush cliff face, this multi-tiered waterfall is a sight to behold. Take a dip in the cool pool at the base, or challenge yourself with a climb to the top tier for a panoramic view of the surrounding rainforest.
Just my luck however, on the week that we arrived, Dominica had more rain than they've had in a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a record breaking amount.
So unfortunately we weren't able to hike the falls personally, but we were able to go up to the main platform and see it rage -- a nice reminder of how POWERFUL mother nature can be. I hear it's normally a bit less water than what's pictured here in this post!
Dominica's volcanic roots also mean natural hot springs are scattered throughout the island. After a day of adventure, head to one of these geothermal wonders and soak in the naturally heated waters.
These open-air pools are a great way to relax your muscles and unwind, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. We went to a spot tucked wayyyyyy back in the jungle called Ti Kwen Glo Cho (translates to Little Corner of Hot).
There we had 3 hot spring pools to choose from, a very cold shower, a mud bath or a literal bath tub that received a constant flow of this wonderfully warm water!
It was a bit drizzly with rain on the day that we went, and it was a wonderful contrast. Warm water on our bodies, and the cool sprinkle of rain on our shoulders/faces. It was honestly a day I'll never forget. Truly a unique experience. Hours flew by before we knew it.
A Transformational Trip:
Dominica is a place to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself in the water, and experience pure, unadulterated beauty.
Combining the tranquility of Jungle Bay with the thrill of freediving with Blue Element, and exploring the wonders like Bubble Beach, Trafalgar Falls, and the natural hot springs, creates an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned freediver or a curious beginner, Dominica has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your fins, and get ready to discover the magic of Dominica dive resorts and training. OH! and don't forget to make sure you've got the right gear. Our Plunge Waterwear Rashguards are PERFECT for enjoying the beach, or diving around the reefs. Be sure to check out our ocean-inspired designs!