This January went spent a week diving in Scott's Head Bay, Dominica. I was amazed to see healthy coral reefs in the Caribbean. I counted more than 3 dozen species of sponges over 6 days. The black volcanic sand provided a great habitat for macro subjects as well. The picture below shows how many sponges can be found clustered together on the reef.

I especially wanted to find and photograph a batfish as I had never seen one before. I spent a late afternoon searching the shallow waters off the pier at the Fort Young Hotel. Near the end of the dive, a shortnose batfish came along in the sand and allowed close up shots without leaving.

There are impressive geographic reef formations in Dominica. The shot below is from Scott's Head Point. The shallow reef splits open to deeper water and allows exploration of a dramatic overhanging wall covered in coral and sea fans.

Dominica is a volcanic island and has multiple hot springs above and below the water. The photo below is from a site called Champaign. Hot gases escaping from below the seabed provide a warm bubble bath at the end of a great dive.