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In the summer of 2000, twelve of us divers and non-divers alike spent ten days on the beautiful island of Dominica in the Leeward Islands. If you're not sure where that is, you can check out this great map of the Caribbean. We stayed at the Castle Comfort Dive Lodge which has a full service dive operation as well as whale watching expeditions. We took advantage of both. The Castle Comfort is also known for its gourmet food which was to die for. Every morning and evening we all gathered on the balcony for incredible meals that were second to none. And unlike most other Caribbean islands, Dominica produces a great local beer called Kubili. Between the food, the Kubili, and Fitzroy's pina colada's, it was not an good vacation for the wasteline.
Dominica is an absolutely gorgeous island with people to match. The diving was good, but there was one unique dive that was just breathtaking. The dive spot is called "Champagne," and it earned its name from all the tiny bubbles coming up from the lava rock on the ocean floor. It sits on top of an active underwater volcano, and scalding hot water comes out of holes in the rocks. It's hard to imagine that you could burn yourself underwater, but that's definitely the case. There is also a hissing sound that accompanies all the bubbles making it an incredibly unique sensory experience. If you visit the island, it's a must.
One attraction on the island that I regret we didn't get to is the Boiling Lake. Getting to it is a three hour strenuous hike, and no one was interested in doing that, but it just gives me an excuse to go back some day not that I really need an excuse. The island itself merits a return trip.
