Dominica: Champagne Reef
Champagne Reef is an absolute must do in Dominica – you are snorkeling above a geothermal a robe ocean floor with myriads of bubble coming up everywhere – like swimming in champagne! The Champagne Reef phenomenon is a result of geothermal activity occurring beneath the ocean floor. Dominica is a volcanic island, part of the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc and numerous volcanic vents and fissures lie on the ocean floor surrounding the island, through which heat and gases escape from the Earth’s crust. These vents release carbon dioxide and other gases dissolved in the seawater. The warm, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the vents support a diverse array of marine life. Coral reefs thrive in these conditions, attracting a variety of fish species. The constant flow of warm water also provides an ideal environment for coral growth, leading to the formation of colorful coral gardens with some corals that are uncommon otherwise, like orange domes and mini vents.
