Fort Shirley gives Saint John a distinctive historical connection. The British built the defensive outpost in the 18th century. The fort is part of Cabrits National Park, which is located on a peninsula at Dominica’s northern tip, just beyond Portsmouth. This brings a specific historic site and a protected area with several landscape types into focus. Portsmouth is an important geographic reference point: the town lies just beyond the park.
Cabrits Between Nature and History
Established in 1986, Cabrits National Park encompasses 1,313 acres of protected tropical forests, coral reefs and wetlands. Fort Shirley adds its own historical dimension to this natural setting. InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is surrounded by Cabrits National Park.
The Waitukubuli National Trail also ends here: the 115-mile route runs from Scotts Head in the south to Cabrits National Park in the north and comprises 14 segments. The 14th and final segment ends in the park. This makes Cabrits both a protected area and the northern destination of a long island route. If you are planning a hike, check the current conditions for each segment.
Fort Shirley as a Cultural Venue
The Officer’s Quarters at Fort Shirley have been extensively renovated and serve as a venue for weddings, receptions, concerts and other events. Fort Shirley also hosts Dominica’s Jazz n’Creole Festival every year in May or June. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the specific event dates in advance; the period given here is not a substitute for a current schedule.
Water Sports and Diving in Portsmouth
At Coconut Beach in Portsmouth, Wave Dancer Watersports offers kiteboarding, windsurfing and sailing lessons, as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Cabrits Dive Center focuses on dive sites: most are in Cabrits National Park and historic Prince Rupert Bay and are accessible by a short, scenic boat ride. The water activities described therefore differ in how you access them: beach-based lessons and equipment rentals are complemented by dive sites reached by boat.
In Prince Rupert Bay in Portsmouth, PAYS offers cruise passengers a new 100-foot pier with a 20-foot side access. PAYS can also arrange water and land tours, as well as taxis, through certified member tour guides. This provides another way to find your bearings locally and arrange tours or a taxi through the provider.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
An admission pass is required to visit Cabrits National Park. It is available on site or at any gas station; check the pass requirements before your trip. If your visit depends on the Jazz n’Creole Festival, it is also worth checking the latest dates. These tips help with planning without conflating the destination’s different highlights: Fort Shirley offers history and events, the national park protects natural habitats, and Cabrits is also the northern end of the Waitukubuli National Trail.
Discover more destinations: Portsmouth, Saint Andrew Parish, Saint Patrick, Saint George, Saint Luke, Saint Paul Parish, Saint Mark, Saint David.
For the main travel overview: Dominica.
