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Cabrits National Park: Where History Meets Nature

Explore Dominica's Cabrits National Park: Discover historic Fort Shirley, lush trails, vibrant reefs, and breathtaking Caribbean scenery.

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Cabrits National Park, located on a peninsula north of Portsmouth, Dominica, is a protected area encompassing tropical forests, coral reefs, and wetlands. The park is known for Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison, and offers hiking trails with scenic views.

A brief summary to Cabrits National Park

  • HGPG+G8F, Portsmouth, DM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, which can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
  • Check with locals for the best snorkeling spots and current conditions.
  • A light raincoat or poncho is recommended, especially during the rainy season (June to October).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Portsmouth, head north along the main road. The walk is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) and should take around 20-30 minutes. Follow the signs for Cabrits National Park. Be mindful of traffic and wear comfortable shoes. There is a user fee of US$5 (EC$13.25) once at the park entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses (minibuses) travel frequently between Portsmouth and areas near Cabrits National Park. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Cabrits National Park turnoff. From the turnoff, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to the park entrance. Bus fare is typically around EC$2-3 per person. Be aware that bus schedules can be infrequent on Sundays and public holidays. There is a user fee of US$5 (EC$13.25) once at the park entrance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park is a short taxi or ride-share journey. Taxis are readily available in Portsmouth. Agree on a fare before starting your trip, expect to pay around EC$20-30 for the one-way trip to the park entrance. The ride is approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a user fee of US$5 (EC$13.25) once at the park entrance.

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Discover more about Cabrits National Park

Cabrits National Park, established in 1986, is located on the northern tip of Dominica, near Portsmouth. The park spans 1,313 acres (5.30 sq km) and aims to protect both the cultural heritage of Fort Shirley and the surrounding natural environment. The name 'Cabrits' comes from the French, Spanish, and Portuguese word for 'goat,' referencing the animals once abundant in the area. The park's geography is defined by two volcanic hills, East Cabrit (140 m) and West Cabrit (171 m), remnants of an ancient volcano. These hills are connected to mainland Dominica by material swept in from Douglas Bay and Prince Rupert Bay. The diverse landscapes include tropical dry forests, coral reefs, and wetlands, supporting a variety of plant and animal life. Fort Shirley, constructed in 1765 by the British, served as a military outpost to defend Dominica. The fort was expanded by the French between 1778 and 1784 and housed over 600 men. It was abandoned in 1854 and later restored starting in 1982. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including officers' quarters, barracks, and ramparts. Fort Shirley is also historically significant as the site of the 1802 West India Regiment Rebellion, where African soldiers revolted against British colonial rule. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails with panoramic views, snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, and bird watching. The park also hosts cultural events and festivals.

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