Scotts Head Drop Off - Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

The Cathedral is one of our picks for a relaxed dive with interesting topography, especially if the wind’s coming from the south. Tucked into the northern side of the Poor Knights, it's pretty sheltered. We love finning along the rocky reef, where the kelp fronds sway in the gentle surge, casting shifting shadows on the sand below. Keep an eye out for a Spotted Stargazer peeking from the sand, or a Lemon Sole camouflaged against the seabed. The real draw, though, is the wall on the outer edges, dropping to 24 meters, with plenty of nooks and crannies for small pipefish and inquisitive Southern reef squid. Visibility averages 17 meters, which is good enough to take in the schools of Pacific sardines shimmering in the light, or the occasional Bronze Whaler cruising by in the blue. It’s a great site for photographers who enjoy macro life and the interplay of light and shadow.

Location
Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, Dominica, Caribbean
Coordinates
15.215800, -61.373200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Soufriere/Scott's Head

Best Time to Dive in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

The warmest water temperatures in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve occur in January, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.2°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • March: 27.2°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • April: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • May: 27.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • June: 27.2°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • July: 27.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • August: 27.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • September: 27.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • October: 27.2°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • December: 27.2°C (air: 25.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Nearest Dive Centres to Scotts Head Drop Off

Marine Life in Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve

Home to 271 recorded species including 215 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 14 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 sea urchins, 3 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Scotts Head Drop Off

Based on average water temperature of 27.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Scotts Head Drop Off?
The maximum depth for diving at Scotts Head Drop Off is 21m (approximately 70ft). This vibrant wall dive is full of life, with marine activity observed from 5m (15ft) down to its deepest points. It's an excellent site for recreational divers to explore within these depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Scotts Head Drop Off?
Divers at Scotts Head Drop Off will explore an amazing, colorful wall filled with crevices and cracks. It's renowned as a fantastic macro site, teeming with small creatures like lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. While primarily known for its abundant macro life, occasional sightings of rays or turtles have also been reported.
Is Scotts Head Drop Off considered a difficult dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Scotts Head Drop Off is classified as an intermediate dive site. While it offers incredible sights, divers should be comfortable with potential currents if they venture outside the bay. This makes it an ideal spot for divers with some experience looking for a rewarding exploration.
What are the best months or time of year to dive at Scotts Head Drop Off for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or time of year to dive at Scotts Head Drop Off for optimal conditions. However, Dominica generally offers good diving year-round, with specific conditions varying by season. For more general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Scotts Head Drop Off?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated as 'required' in the data, Scotts Head Drop Off is categorized as an intermediate dive site. This suggests that divers should possess a certification level and experience that aligns with intermediate conditions, such as comfort with potential currents and navigating a wall dive. We recommend divers have sufficient experience to safely enjoy the site's features.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Scotts Head Drop Off?
At Scotts Head Drop Off, divers can generally expect excellent visibility, averaging around 24m (80ft). Regarding current conditions, you may encounter currents if you venture outside the bay area. Within the bay, conditions are typically calmer, making for a pleasant dive experience.