Dominica Presents Annual Dive Festival!

Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) has unveiled a series of unbeatable packages/specials for families, divers and single travelers visiting “the Nature Island,” during Dominica’s 16^th Annual Dive Fest. Taking place July 10-19, this island wide event will encourage visitors to dive down and discover the beautiful landscapes and colorful marine life in the waters surrounding the island. Among packages and deals to travelers are:

Fort Young Hotel – Celebrate Dominica’s Dive Fest with the “Dive Fest 2009 Package” offered July 10-19. The package includes 7 nights’ hotel accommodations, full breakfast daily, 5 days of 2 tank boat dives, tanks, weights and belts, roundtrip airport transfers, marine park fees and all taxes and service charges. Rates start as low as $970 per diver. For more information visit www.fortyounghotel.com, emailfortyounghotel@mindspring.com or call 1-800-581-2034.

Anchorage Hotel & Dive Center – Save money with Anchorage Hotel’s “Dive Fest Special”. The package includes a welcome drink upon arrival, 7 nights’ accommodations, roundtrip airport transfers, 7 continental breakfasts, 5 days of diving, marine park fees and unlimited shore diving on Anchorage Reef. Rates begin at $855 per person, based on double occupancy. For further information visit www.anchoragehotel.dm, email reservations@anchoragehotel.dm or call 767-448-2638.

Calibishie Cove – Calibishie Cove Resort will be offering their guests 10% off both room rates and dive packages purchased with Cabrits Dive Center, when booking accommodations at the property during Dive Fest. Room rates begin at $125 per night, based on double occupancy. For more information visit www.calibishiecove.com, email calibishiecove@gmail.com or call 813-417-8448.

Caribbean Sea View Holiday Apartments – Caribbean Sea View Holiday Apartments will be offering a 20% discount to all guests who stay at the property during Dive Fest. Rates begin at $50 per night/per person, based on double occupancy. For additional information visit www.caribbeanseaview.com, email info@caribbeanseaview.com or call 767-449-7572.

Sunset Bay Club & SeaSide Dive Resort – Sunset Bay Club is offering one free night with their “Book for 7 pay for 6 Nights” offer. The package includes breakfast daily and 5 morning double tank dives per diver. Rates begin at $740 per person and are valid from July 1-31, 2009. For more information visit www.sunsetbayclub.com, email sunset@cwdom.dm or call 767-446-6522.

The Tamarind Tree – Save money with The Tamarind Tree’s “All Inclusive Dive Packages” special. The package includes 7 nights’ accommodations, all meals, selected drinks, airport transfers, two complimentary dive fest activities of your choice; shore diving in the afternoon and 5 days/10 boat dives (includes boat, tank, weights and guide.) This package is valid from July 9-20, 2009. Rates begin at $1,139 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information visit www.tamarindtreedominica.com, email hotel@tamarindtreedominica.com or call 767-449-7395.

Budget Rent a Car – Budget Rent a Car is pleased to offer 20% off any vehicle rental to all guests during Dominica’s Dive Fest. For more information email budgetdominica@cwdom.dm.

The Sponsors of this year’s event include, but are not limited to; Dominica Watersports Association, Sealife Camera, Oceanic, Henderson Wetsuits and Dive Training Magazine.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls, the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Most recently, Travel + Leisureannounced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Tourism Authority at 866-522-4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter:www.twitter.com/nature_island.