Toucari Caves
Depth is the range from the top of the site to its usual maximum; "recommended cert" is the mainstream-agency level operators usually ask for, not a legal rule. Currents and visibility change daily, so treat everything here as planning ranges.
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.
The moment you come for: Daylight lava tunnels, ceilings packed with sweepers and soldierfish
Topography: Lava arches, tunnels, and shallow reef over sand
Entry: Short boat run from Portsmouth or Toucari Bay in the island's calm northwest.
Know before you splash
Hazards: Mild surge can push through the tunnels; keep clear of ceilings and file through singly.
Who you'll meet
Lionfish
Christmas Tree Worm
Porcupinefish
Hawksbill Turtle
Nudibranchs
Bottlenose Dolphin
"Charted here" species were listed by our editors from the sources on this page. Counts are GBIF occurrence records: observations logged within about 5 km of the charted position since 1990, matched only against the species in our catalogue. They show what has been seen there, not a promise of what you will see.
For photographers
Wide angle: ★★★★☆ · Macro: ★★☆☆☆ (editors' 1–5 rating of what this site gives each style of shooting)