Dominca, great for diving

An island 26 million years old, Dominica is called the baby of the Caribbean. She is the youngest island in the East Caribbean, named Dominica for Christopher Columbus first discovered her. The uncompromising beauty of the islands' rolling hills, dynamic sharpness of her terrain, secluded coastlines, virgin woods will actually make you feel as if you are at the end of the world. Actually, this was the way things were in the beginning. From sea level to peaks of almost 5,000 feet, there are 12 major waterfalls, six varieties of tropical forest and a river for everyday of the year. There are more shades of green in Dominica than you ever thought existed and more pristine flora than any guide book could catalog. Virgin flora covers these dramatic mountains, creating swaths of verdant landscapes. The residue of the fiery forces that created the island thousands of years ago, as part of the Caribbean Ring of Fire, bellows in several hot springs, valleys of steaming earth, and a boiling lake which is the second largest in the world. Along with geothermal wonders come natural coolants, hundreds of pristine rivers and streams which web the island's lush terrain. Pure rainwater sets brooks and cascades into motion by rushing down picturesque cliffs. Dominica's natural wonders and rich cultural heritage make an exceptional ectourism destination. Cabrits Dive Center based on the North western side in Portsmouth Harbour, take their divers on regular excursions to richly covered rocky drop-offs, that are viewed by schools of black durgeons, sometimes barracuda, frequent turtles, a variety of rays amongst many more fish species. The South is a much wilder area, and one never knows what may pass by. On a quiet dive one can see the magnificent coral life, huge barrel sponges and walls of incredible dense deep-water, sea fans which frequently conceal shy sea-horses, hundreds of colourful crinoids and sponges, like splotches of paint from an artist palette. Their Hotels can cater for larger groups, such as Portsmouth Beach, The Anchorage and Picard Beach Cottages, run by the Amour family. Their smaller Hotels/guest houses are mainly family owned properties, amongst these are are Veranda View, Silks Hotel, Comfortel Du Champ, Harmony Villa (proprietress Carla Armour) Calibishie Cove, Calibishie Lodge, Exotica Cottages, Peppers Cotages and Sister Sea Lodge. The most impressive attribute to these hotels is that they look after their guests in so many ways, for example, on request airport pick-up and suggestions for activities. They will introduce you to the culture of the Island and its people and generate an ambiance for the visitor of peace and tranquility.