Portsmouth combines historic buildings nearby with trips on the Indian River for travel planning. Water sports and dive sites add to the options in the Saint John destination. If you are looking for a hotel in Portsmouth, these different highlights can help you plan your stay.
Fort Shirley and Cabrits National Park
In the Saint John destination, Cabrits National Park is on a peninsula at Dominica’s northern tip, just beyond Portsmouth. Established in 1986, the park covers 1,313 acres of protected tropical forests, coral reefs, and wetlands. The park contains the ruins of the 18th-century military fort Fort Shirley, as well as other historic buildings. The fort was a defensive outpost built by the British.
The comprehensively restored officers’ quarters are used for events including weddings, receptions, conferences, lectures, and concerts. Fort Shirley also hosts Dominica’s Jazz n'Creole Festival annually in May or June. If you would like to plan around an event, check the dates and availability in advance. An admission pass is required to visit the national park; it is available on site or at any gas station. Check the current pass requirements before traveling.
Hiking and trips on the water
The Waitukubuli National Trail runs for 115 miles from Scotts Head in the south to Cabrits National Park in the north and comprises 14 sections. The 14th and final section ends in the park. If you plan to hike a section, check current trail conditions.
Near Portsmouth, visitors can travel along the Indian River in hand-rowed boats with experienced boat guides. Along the way, they pass wildlife and plants on the swampy riverbank. JC Ocean Adventures is located in Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth and offers boat trips for locals, tourists, and cruise passengers. Cobra Tours specializes in tours on the Indian River. As operator information may change, check the current availability of trips before traveling.
Upstream on the Indian River, visitors can stop at the Bush Bar. It offers a house rum drink, smoked fish, other drinks, juices, and local cuisine to try. Check whether these offerings are available before your visit.
Water sports and getting around
In the Saint John destination, Wave Dancer Watersports at Coconut Beach in Portsmouth offers kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sailing lessons, as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Most of the Cabrits Dive Center’s dive sites are in Cabrits National Park and historic Prince Rupert Bay. They can be reached by a short, scenic boat ride.
For cruise passengers, PAYS offers a new 100-foot-long pier with a 20-foot-long side access point in Prince Rupert Bay in Portsmouth. In the Saint John destination, PAYS can also arrange water and land tours, as well as taxis, through certified member tour guides. Alongside river trips, these options include other activities and services to consider when planning your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Saint John.
