Scotts Head between the Caribbean and the Atlantic

Scotts Head is shaped by the Scott’s Head Peninsula, also known as the Cachacrou Peninsula, which separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. The history of the cape, snorkeling on the Caribbean side, and a very strenuous hike offer different ways to plan your visit.

Peninsula and History at the Cape

An old gun emplacement still stands at the cape of Scott’s Head. In the past, the cape was the site of a battalion of the Scots Guards, which fired warning cannons when fleets approached from Martinique. From the gun emplacement, you can look across the bay toward Roseau and across the strait toward Martinique. Here, the geographical divide between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic meets a tangible military past. The two views—across the bay and over the strait—also give the landscape a clear geographical context.

Snorkeling and Hiking

To go snorkeling, you can head to the beach on the Caribbean side of Scott’s Head and swim from there to the tip. Check local conditions before setting out. Another option is a very strenuous hike that starts in Scotts Head Village and ends at Soufriere Estate. Check current trail conditions before setting out. The water route and the strenuous hike are very different experiences, helping you choose the activities that best suit your trip.

Saint Mark: Marine Reserve and Regional Destinations

In the Saint Mark destination, the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve encompasses the villages of Scott’s Head and Soufrière and extends to Anse Bateau near Pointe Michel. More than twenty named dive sites lie within the reserve boundaries. Regional dive sites include Craters Edge, Scott’s Head Pinnacles, L’Abym, Dangleben’s, and Champagne. The bay in the Marine Reserve is an extinct volcanic crater that forms a lava vent.

In Saint Mark, the “Tous sable” beach area within the Marine Reserve is designated as a recreational area for swimming and snorkeling from shore. Check local conditions before entering the water there. The reserve was ratified, among other reasons, to preserve traditional fishing practices. Dive Fest also has a long regional history: it was launched in 1994 in the southern fishing communities of Soufrière and Scott’s Head.

Other historical features in the Saint Mark destination can be found in Soufrière: the ruins of the L. Rose Lime Oil Factory are located there, and Bois Cotlette Estate dates back to the late 18th century. Bois Cotlette Tours specializes in heritage tours and offers walks through fields of sugar cane, cocoa, and coffee trees. Check current availability directly with the provider.

The Waitukubuli Sea Trail runs from Scotts Head to Dominica’s northern tip. The route is 40 miles long and has 14 sections; weather, access, and operating conditions may vary. The Soufriere Outdoor Centre offers guided expeditions and rentals for paddlers of all experience levels on the trail. Confirm current availability directly with the provider.

Discover more destinations: Soufriere.

Go to the main travel overview: Saint Mark.