Cabrits National Park
Cabrits is a peninsula on Dominica's northwest coast, where the ruins of Fort Shirley stand above Prince Rupert Bay. Forest trails and lookouts run across the headland.
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Cabrits National Park covers a peninsula on the northwest coast of Dominica, beside the town of Portsmouth. The park centers on Fort Shirley, a British military post built in the 18th century on a headland above Prince Rupert Bay. Barracks, walls and gun positions stand among dry forest and grassy slopes, and visitors come for the ruins and bay views.
The park suits people who like history, coastal scenery and walking at their own pace. Paths lead through the forest and up to lookouts over the bay. Allow about half a day, and bring water and sun protection, since the open ground gives little shade. The drier months are the easiest time to walk, and the month guide below shows the ratings. The wet season, from June to November, brings heavier rain and hurricane risk.
Cabrits National Park in five
- Carry East Caribbean dollarsCarry East Caribbean dollars (XCD) for small vendors and tips rather than relying on cards.Money and costs
- Set up a local SIM or eSIMDigicel and Flow are the main mobile networks. An eSIM from home works if your phone supports it. Set it up before you land at Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM).Phones and eSIM
- Book your airport transfer in advanceDouglas-Charles Airport (DOM) is on the east coast and Portsmouth is on the northwest coast, so the drive crosses the island.Getting around
- Wear closed shoes and a hatThe fort ruins and trails are uneven and open to the sun. Bring closed shoes, a hat and more water than you think you need.
- Get travel insurance that covers hikes and boat tripsSome policies exclude activities. Check that your cover includes hiking, any boat trip to Indian River, and medical evacuation.Travel insurance
Things to do in Cabrits National Park
See all attractions in Cabrits National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Check current entry rules before you fly
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- A service charge is sometimes added to bills
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCooler, drier
- FebruaryDrier season
- MarchDrier season
- AprilDrier, warming
- MayRains picking up
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustPeak storm risk
- SeptemberPeak storm risk
- OctoberStorm season
- NovemberStorm season
- DecemberCooler, drier
Right now in Cabrits National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 13 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 92%
Portsmouth
07:25 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°27°92%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Tue30°26°49%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 49%.
- Wed31°25°45%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Thu31°24°27%Thursday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Fri31°24°35%Friday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Sat32°25°31%Saturday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 31%.
- Sun32°24°24%Sunday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 24%.
Updated 06:29 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Cabrits National Park
Rules for Cabrits National Park, checked
- Ask the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division about current rules for the national park before your visit.
- Declare food, plants, seeds and animal products on arrival, because Dominica's customs and agriculture rules apply.
Plan around Cabrits National Park
The island, its regions and how the park fits into the trip
Read the guideGetting around DominicaAirport transfers, car hire and the road to the northwest
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, card use and the East Caribbean dollar
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for your passport and what to check
Read the guideWhere to stayPlaces to sleep before and after the park
Read the guidePhones and eSIMLocal SIM options and eSIM set-up before you land
Read the guideCabrits National Park FAQ
Where is Cabrits National Park?
It is on the Portsmouth peninsula on Dominica's northwest coast, next to the town of Portsmouth.
How long do I need at Cabrits?
Allow about half a day for Fort Shirley and the main trails. Add time for Indian River, a mangrove river near Portsmouth, if you want a boat trip.
Is there a fort at Cabrits?
Yes. The ruins of Fort Shirley, a British military post, sit on the headland above the bay.
What should I wear to Cabrits?
Closed shoes for uneven fort paths, a hat, sun cream and more water than you expect to drink, because there is little shade on the open grounds.