The bubbles at Champagne Reef, Dominica, originate from geothermal activity beneath the ocean floor. Volcanic fumaroles (vents) release gases, including carbon dioxide and other gases, into the water, creating the "champagne" effect of bubbles.
This reef is unique in that volcanic gas bubbles up through vents in the rocks and coral making it look like bubbles in champagne.
But thanks to its volcanic origins, Dominica also has unusual sites like a reef that bubbles, a hot pool in the ocean, as well as a boiling lake.
You can snorkel and scuba dive here and the closer you get to the streams of bubbles, the warmer the water gets. Oceanic animals aren’t the biggest fans of the warm water, but the reef right next to where the gas bubbles are released is vibrant with barrel sponges, anemones, hard and soft corals, lots of colorful fish, and even the occasional Hawksbill turtle.
