Champagne Reef, located within the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve on Dominica’s southwest coast, is a freediving site best known as part of the island’s broader whale encounter region. Dominica’s deep offshore waters support a resident population of sperm whales year-round, with the most frequent near-shore encounters occurring between November and March. While Champagne Reef itself is characterized by volcanic bubble vents, coral formations, and reef fish, it is commonly used as a calm-water site between offshore whale dives. Other nearby activities include snorkeling, hiking rainforest trails, visiting waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs. Freediving and whale encounters are conducted with licensed local operators and guides.

Dominica is typically accessed by flying into Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) via connecting flights through Caribbean hubs such as Puerto Rico, Antigua, or Barbados, or by ferry from islands including Martinique and St. Lucia. From Roseau, Champagne Reef is reached by road in approximately 20 minutes, with taxi transfers commonly arranged.

• Visibility: Typically 15–30 m depending on conditions

• Depth Range: 5–40 m (reef and offshore whale areas)

• Water Temperature: 26–29 °C year-round

• Water Conditions: Calm near shore; offshore conditions variable depending on weather and swell

• Seasonality: Best whale encounter conditions November–March; freediving possible year-round

• Transportation: Flights to Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) or ferry from neighboring islands; road transfer from Roseau

• Local rules: Permits required for in-water whale encounters; strict marine reserve and whale interaction regulations appl