Saint John: Fort Shirley and Cabrits National Park

Saint John in Dominica combines historic Fort Shirley with the landscapes of Cabrits National Park and activities around Portsmouth. Here, the range of experiences extends from an 18th-century British military outpost to coastal and underwater activities and the northern end of the Waitukubuli National Trail. When planning your trip, the first question to consider is whether culture and history, watersports, diving or hiking will be your main focus. You can use these interests as a starting point when choosing a hotel.

Fort Shirley and Cabrits National Park

Fort Shirley is part of Cabrits National Park and is located on a scenic peninsula north of Portsmouth. The British established the military outpost in the 18th century. The national park is on a peninsula at the northern end of Dominica, just beyond the town of Portsmouth. Established in 1986, it encompasses 1,313 acres of protected tropical forests, coral reefs and wetlands. The fort’s military history and several protected landscapes thus sit side by side in the same park. If you are interested in both, you will find historical and natural perspectives on this place.

The extensively renovated Officer’s Quarters serve as a venue for weddings, receptions, concerts and other events. Confirm specific event dates in advance. Dominica’s Jazz n'Creole Festival is held annually at Fort Shirley in May or June. Check the dates for the year of your trip if you would like to plan your stay around the festival.

Watersports and experiences in Portsmouth

At Coconut Beach in Portsmouth, Wave Dancer Watersports offers lessons in kiteboarding, windsurfing and sailing, as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. The offerings include both instruction on the water and opportunities to get out on the water independently with rented equipment.

Most of the Cabrits Dive Center’s dive sites are in Cabrits National Park and the historic Prince Rupert Bay. They can be reached by a short, scenic boat ride. This is a different way to experience the bay and the national park from the activities at Coconut Beach.

In Prince Rupert Bay in Portsmouth, PAYS offers cruise guests a new, 100-foot-long pier with a 20-foot-long side access. PAYS can also arrange water and land tours, as well as taxis, through certified member tour guides. For planning purposes, the independent offerings include lessons and equipment rentals at Coconut Beach, dive sites in the bay and national park, and tour and taxi arrangements through PAYS.

Hiking and practical information

The Waitukubuli National Trail runs for 115 miles from Scotts Head in the south to Cabrits National Park in the north. It has 14 sections, with the 14th and final section ending in the park. Saint John is therefore connected to the northern endpoint of a route that crosses the island. Visitors and non-residents need a trail pass to enter or hike the Waitukubuli National Trail in Dominica. As conditions on individual sections may change, check the information for your planned section before hiking.

An entry pass is also required to visit Cabrits National Park; it is available on site or at any gas station. Check the pass requirements before your trip. The trail pass and the national park entry pass apply to different visitor requirements.

More nature destinations in Dominica

Dominica’s natural landscapes also include Morne Trois Pitons National Park in the central and southern highlands. It protects 6,857 hectares. The park is home to Boiling Lake, a large hot spring with a water temperature of about 95°C; Freshwater Lake, one of Dominica’s largest lakes, is also there. On the northern edge of the national park, Emerald Pool is a 40-foot waterfall. These examples offer a different focus from the landscapes of Cabrits National Park.

The hike to Boiling Lake is one of the most challenging on Dominica; a guide must be hired in advance. This comparison can help with trip planning: Fort Shirley and the activities around Portsmouth offer their own mix of experiences, while Boiling Lake involves a challenging guided hike in the central and southern highlands.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Portsmouth, Saint Luke, Saint George, Saint Mark, Saint David, Saint Peter Parish, Saint Paul Parish, Saint Patrick.

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