Pointe du Gouvernail

Best months: Dec–Apr

Protected Area

Cabrits

Why dive here

With 256+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and manta rays - Pointe du Gouvernail offers some of Cabrits & Northern Coast's richest diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.

Best timeDec–Apr

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Manta Rays · 256+ species recorded

Water27-30°C · warmest August, September, October

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Pointe du Gouvernail, up on Dominica’s northern coast, often gets overlooked for the Soufriere Bay sites, and that’s a real shame. We love it because it’s got this wild, untamed feel, a proper contrast to the manicured reefs you sometimes find elsewhere. Dropping in, you often hit a gentle slope, maybe 10-15 metres, covered in big barrel sponges and gorgonians that sway with the surge. Keep an eye out for Dusky Jawfish peeking from their sandy burrows; we’ve spent ages just watching them. Our favourite part is the way the reef juts out, catching a bit more current, which means more action. That’s where you’ll often find schools of Balao shimmering in the blue, or maybe a curious Sharpnose Pufferfish eyeing you up. It’s not a site for massive pelagics, usually, but the smaller stuff is just fantastic – Goldspot Gobies and Chalk Bass are everywhere if you slow down and look closely. It’s a great spot for macro photographers who appreciate healthy, vibrant reef life without the crowds.