Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Soufriere Scottshead Marine Reserve (SSMR) is situated at the southwestern end of Dominica. The area covers the village of Scott’s Head and Soufriere and extends to Anse Bateau, close to the village of Pointe Michel. Prominent across the entire area is the Cachacrou Peninsula, which separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean.

Significance of Soufriere Scottshead Marine Reserve

An old gun emplacement in the area is reminiscent of the olden days when battalions of Scots Guards fired cannons as warnings to enemy ships coming from the direction of Martinique to the channel. This point also provides an unhindered view to Roseau, the capital city of Dominica.

The Soufriere Scottshead Marine Reserve is a huge volcanic crater that is submerged with lots of coral reefs, underwater fumaroles, great drop-offs, big cliffs, and big pinnacles that rose from the sea-bed. The entire region is great for scuba-diving and snorkeling and visitors can hire diving gear from diving operators. Some of the major diving sites include –

• Craters Edge
• Scott’s Head Pinnacles
• L’Abym
• Danglebens
• Champagne

The SSMR was set up in 1987 and administered by a Local Area Management Authority (LAMA) established in 1998. Divers may have to pay a nominal fee to use the water resources for diving and snorkeling purposes as well as for boat rides.