Divers from around the world have ranked Dominica among the Top 5 destinations in the Caribbean and Atlantic region for Health of Marine Environment in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2027 Readers Choice Awards. The island earned 11 recognitions in all, including Top 10 finishes for Macro Life, Best Value and Wall Diving.
The results mark an improvement over the 2026 Readers Choice Awards, when Dominica was listed 10th among Caribbean and Atlantic destinations for Health of Marine Environment and 14th for Best Value.
The Readers Choice Awards, now in their 34th year, are based on ratings from Scuba Diving subscribers and website visitors, who evaluate the destinations they have dived across multiple categories. Final scores reflect the average of those ratings, and only destinations that meet a minimum number of responses are included.
Top rankings
Top 5 – Health of Marine Environment
Top 10 – Macro Life
Top 10 – Best Value
Top 10 – Wall Diving
Also recognized among the region’s best
One of the Best – Best Overall
One of the Best – Beginner Diving
One of the Best – Advanced Diving
One of the Best – Underwater Photography
One of the Best – Big Animals
One of the Best – Shore Diving
One of the Best – Snorkeling
“Dominica continues to make waves on the international stage,” said the Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism. “These accolades speak to the quality and diversity of our marine tourism product: our dramatic walls, vibrant marine life, pristine waters and the incredible experiences we offer both first-time and experienced divers. I want to sincerely thank the divers who voted for the Nature Island and congratulate our dive operators, tour guides, hoteliers, fisherfolk and all stakeholders who work every day to protect our marine environment and deliver memorable experiences to all visitors. As we look ahead to the opening of Dominica’s international airport, these international recognitions become even more significant. Dominica is ready to welcome the world, above and below the surface.”
The recognition comes as Dominica continues to expand protection of its marine environment. In 2025, Parliament passed the Sperm Whale Reserve Bill, formally establishing the world’s first marine reserve dedicated to sperm whales, covering about 1,231 square kilometers along the west coast. In the south, the Soufrière–Scotts Head Marine Reserve protects many of the island’s signature dive sites.
It has been a strong year for the destination. In August 2026, Travel + Leisure readers named Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean and No. 9 in the world in the magazine’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.
Diving is central to Dominica’s marine tourism, with volcanic formations, reefs and walls suited to every level of diver.
Looking ahead, construction is under way on Dominica’s new international airport in the island’s northeast, which the Government expects to complete in 2028. The airport is designed to handle both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, opening the door to direct flights from key markets, including North America and Europe.
Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) lies in the Eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Air travelers can connect to Dominica from Miami on American Airlines and make regional connections on Contour Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, LIAT Air, Sunrise Airways and WINAIR from the surrounding hubs of Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, Trinidad, St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If traveling by sea, travelers may connect to Dominica on the FRS Express ferry service from Guadeloupe, Martinique and St. Lucia.
