Toucari Caves

Up in Dominica's gentle northwest corner, old lava flows have weathered into a run of shallow arches and short tunnels a few kicks off Toucari Bay. None of the passages is long or dark enough to feel committing; light leaks in from both ends, soldierfish and glassy sweepers pack the ceilings, and lobsters line the shelves like inventory. Between swim-throughs the reef rolls along in fine health, with turtles grazing and trumpetfish shadowing parrotfish across the coral. It is the island's friendliest adventure dive, and a favorite second tank after the southern walls.

اللحظة التي جئت من أجلها: Daylight lava tunnels, ceilings packed with sweepers and soldierfish

التضاريس: Lava arches, tunnels, and shallow reef over sand

نقطة الدخول: Short boat run from Portsmouth or Toucari Bay in the island's calm northwest.

المخاطر: Mild surge can push through the tunnels; keep clear of ceilings and file through singly.