Dominica 15th Annual Dominica Dive Fest - July 11 - 20, 2008

10-Day Dive Fest Set to Kick Off July 11
Roseau, Dominica - (November 8, 2007) - The Dominica Watersports Association together with its sponsors will present the 15th Annual Dive Fest, a series of activities focused on scuba diving and other water sports from July 11 to July 20, 2007. Dive Fest activities will take place along the entire East Coast, from Scotts Head to Portsmouth, as well as at selected locations around the island.

Whether looking for a little water adventure - on or below the surface - or just a place in the sun, Dominica (pronounced "dom-in-eek-a") offers an eco-tourism infrastructure with something for everyone. Scuba diving and snorkeling enable visitors to explore a vibrant underwater world, while kayaking, sailing and deep sea fishing take advantage of the volcanic island's relationship with the ocean. Referred to as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean," Dominica's rugged, mountainous terrain extends into the surrounding water resulting in vibrant coral reefs that provide habitat for abundant marine life. A lush rainforest that towers above a picturesque coastline combines with a sea of transparent water to make Dominica a memorable visual experience.

Although Dive Fest has an environmentally-oriented focus, it has widespread appeal due to the variety of planned activities. Barbecues, wine tasting, whale watching, sunset cruises, canoe races and concerts, highlight a diversified agenda which includes free scuba diving and snorkeling lessons. There is an underwater treasure hunt for certified scuba divers, along with kayaking, and the extremely popular Kubuli Carib-Canoe Race, a team competition that has become the Fest's most popular event.

According to Steve Bornn, CEO & Director of Tourism for the Discover Dominica Tourism Authority, "Dive Fest is made possible because of continuing private-sector support. Many of the sponsors," he continued, "have been involved from the very beginning when Dive Fest was established to showcase the incredible marine environment of Dominica. We want to encourage residents, and visitors, to participate in one, or more, of the watersports available."

Partial List of Events:

Saturday, July 12: Discover SCUBA
Sunday, July 13: Treasure Hunt
Wednesday, July 16: Sunset Bay Scuba
Saturday, July 19: Whale Watching Cruise
Sunday, July 20: Kubuli Carib-Canoe Race

Known as "The Nature Island" and located between the French West Indies islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced "dom-in-eek-a") is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls, boiling lakes and pristine coral reefs, Dominica's natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of the Indigenous People of the Caribbean - Carib Indians. Where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers, nature lovers, and responsible tourists alike will revel in the Island's eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21 and ranking as the only Caribbean destination in the top five happiest countries on earth in the Happy Planet Index (compiled by Britain's New Economics Foundation).

For more information on Dominica, contact Caradonna Dive Adventures at 800-328-2288.