Background

Cabrits National Park: Where History and Nature Converge

Explore Dominica's Cabrits National Park: Where volcanic landscapes meet colonial history and Caribbean beauty.

4.6

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 its natural beauty and historical significance, particularly Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British garrison.

A brief summary to Cabrits National Park

  • HGPG+G8F, Portsmouth, DM

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
  • Carry water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike the longer trails.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth exploration of the park's history and ecology.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Roseau, take a public bus towards Portsmouth. The bus ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Once in Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park is a short taxi ride or a 30-minute walk north of the town. Bus fare from Roseau to Portsmouth is approximately EC$10. A taxi from Portsmouth to the park entrance should cost around EC$20-30.

  • Walking

    From Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park is located north of the town. The walk to the park entrance is approximately 30 minutes, following the main road north. Taxis are readily available in Portsmouth if you prefer not to walk. The walk is mostly flat, with a slight incline as you approach the park entrance.

Unlock the Best of Cabrits National Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cabrits National Park

Cabrits National Park, established in 1986, is situated on a peninsula north of Portsmouth, Dominica, and spans 1,313 acres. The park was created to protect both the cultural heritage of Fort Shirley and the surrounding environment. The name 'Cabrits' is derived from the French, Spanish, and Portuguese word for 'goat,' a reference to the animals that once roamed the island. The park's geography is dominated by two volcanic hills, East Cabrit (140 m) and West Cabrit (171 m), remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. These hills offer panoramic views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea. The area also includes coral reefs, tropical forests, and wetlands, supporting diverse ecosystems. 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 during their occupation. It housed over 600 soldiers and featured more than 50 buildings. The fort was abandoned in 1854 but underwent restoration starting in 1982. Today, Fort Shirley is used for events and tourism. The park offers several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The East Cabrits Trail is a 1.7-mile trail that offers views of Douglas Bay. The West Cabrits Trail leads to the summit of West Cabrits, where visitors can explore historical ruins. The Douglas Bay and Swamp Trails are shorter, easy trails that meander through wetlands and coastal areas. Cabrits National Park also marks the northern end of the Waitukubuli National Trail, a 115-mile hiking trail that traverses the length of Dominica.

Popular Experiences near Cabrits National Park

Popular Hotels near Cabrits National Park

Select Currency