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Photo by: Bob Friel

DIVING

Whether it's the mixing of currents, the nutrients from all the rivers or the heat from the volcanoes, the diving is spectacular. Down south off Scott's Head, you'll dive the edges of a submerged volcano with dramatic underwater topography that's a jumble of wrenched rock and flourishing reef. Corals, sponges and fish seem to grow bigger around Dominica, and juveniles of all species crowd the reefs. Nature Island Dive (natureislanddive.com; 767-449-8181) will guide you to the best sites within the Soufriere-Scott's Head Marine Reserve (two-tank dives: $80).

SNORKELING AND SHORE DIVING

Famed and named for the volcanic bubbly streaming from the seafloor just offshore, Champagne Beach offers much more than geological novelty. The shore diving here - with giant barrel sponges (above)   in 30 feet of water, a huge spur covered in some of the healthiest Caribbean corals you'll find, and Dominica's trademark biodiversity, including seahorses and frogfish - compares to the best medium and deeper sites of Bonaire, the gold standard. Snorkelers can play in the bubbles among clouds of baitfish before heading out to the reef's shallow spots. Irie Safari (767-440-5085) offers shore dives ($50, including equipment) with PADI-certified guides; for snorkeling ($2 park fee), it's worth the extra $5 to go with a guide.

WHALE WATCHING

Dominica is home to a year-round population of female sperm whales and their calves, along with pilot whales and spotted and spinner dolphins. In winter, male sperm whales show up to compete for mates, along with humpbacks and other seasonal visitors. Anchorage Hotel Whale Watch & Dive Center (anchoragehotel.dm; 767-448-2638) offers 3½-hour tours for $50.

CANYONING

Go the extra step (or leap) by strapping on a helmet and climbing gear for an Extreme Dominica (extremedominica.com; 767-448-0412) canyoning adventure. Be prepared to go over the lip of a 40-foot or higher waterfall - rappelling down some falls and jumping off others. It's an adrenaline rush that also offers quality time at places deep inside Dominica's rainforest. Extreme's excursions, such as their Beyond Titou Gorge and Beyond Boiling Lake canyoning adventures, often begin where others end. From $150-$200, including equipment, transport and lunch.

HIKING

Ken's Hinterland Adventure Tours (khattstours.com; 866-880-0508) guide you to all of Dominica's adventure sites, from a low-stress trip to see and swim in a trifecta of waterfalls (Titou Gorge, Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls: $60), to the most demanding rainforest hikes (Boiling Lake: $50; Morne Diablotin: $70). For adenture with a side of culture, try the Kalinago Experience ($70) in the Carib Territory and a trek ($60) led by a Rasta who will show you how he lives off the land.

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