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Cabrits National Park, Dominica - Things to Do in Cabrits National Park

Things to Do in Cabrits National Park

Cabrits National Park, Dominica - Complete Travel Guide

Cabrits National Park is a stunning 1,313-acre protected area located on the northern tip of Dominica, encompassing the dramatic Cabrits Peninsula. This remarkable park combines rich historical significance with pristine tropical ecosystems, featuring the restored 18th-century Fort Shirley, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and lush tropical forests. The park serves as a gateway to understanding Dominica's colonial past while showcasing the island's incredible biodiversity. The park's crown jewel is Fort Shirley, a meticulously restored British garrison that once protected the strategic Prince Rupert Bay. Beyond its historical attractions, Cabrits National Park offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, bird watching, and marine exploration. The park's diverse habitats support over 150 bird species, numerous endemic plants, and vibrant marine life, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Top Things to Do in Cabrits National Park

Explore Fort Shirley Historic Garrison

Wander through the remarkably preserved 18th-century British fort complex featuring stone barracks, officer quarters, and cannon emplacements. The fort offers panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay and provides fascinating insights into Dominica's colonial military history through interpretive displays and restored buildings.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $5 USD per person and the fort is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures, and allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the complex.

Hike the Cabrits Nature Trails

Trek through well-maintained trails that wind through tropical dry forest, offering opportunities to spot endemic birds, iguanas, and unique flora. The trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes, with several viewpoints providing spectacular vistas of the surrounding coastline and mountains.

Booking Tip: Trails are free to access and best hiked in early morning when wildlife is most active and temperatures are cooler. Bring water, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes, and consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 to enhance your wildlife spotting experience.

Snorkel Douglas Bay Marine Area

Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in the protected waters surrounding the peninsula. The calm, clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with excellent visibility and abundant tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral formations just offshore.

Booking Tip: Snorkel gear rental costs $10-15 per day from local operators in Portsmouth. Best conditions are typically in the morning with calm seas, and guided snorkel tours cost $35-50 per person including equipment and boat transport.

Bird Watching and Wildlife Photography

Experience exceptional bird watching opportunities with over 150 species recorded in the park, including the endemic Imperial Amazon parrot, Antillean crested hummingbird, and various tropical seabirds. The diverse habitats from mangroves to dry forest provide excellent wildlife photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Best bird watching is from dawn to 9 AM and late afternoon from 4-6 PM. Local birding guides charge $40-60 per person for 3-4 hour tours, and binocular rental is available for $5-10 per day from park headquarters.

Kayak Through Mangrove Swamps

Paddle through pristine mangrove ecosystems that form part of the park's coastal protection system. These guided kayak tours offer intimate encounters with marine life, birds, and the unique mangrove environment while learning about their crucial ecological role.

Booking Tip: Kayak tours cost $45-65 per person for 2-3 hours including equipment and guide. Tours operate year-round but are best during calm weather conditions, typically morning hours. Book through certified operators in Portsmouth who provide safety equipment and experienced guides.

Getting There

Cabrits National Park is located near Portsmouth on Dominica's northwest coast, approximately 45 minutes by car from the capital Roseau. Visitors typically fly into Douglas-Charles Airport (formerly Melville Hall) which is about 30 minutes from the park, or Canefield Airport near Roseau. From either airport, rental cars, taxis, or tour operators can provide transportation to the park. The main entrance is clearly marked along the coastal road, with adequate parking available at Fort Shirley and the visitor center.

Getting Around

The park is best explored on foot via its network of well-maintained trails, with the main Fort Shirley complex easily accessible by car to the parking area. Golf cart tours are available for visitors with mobility concerns, costing around $15-20 per person. For marine activities, local boat operators in nearby Portsmouth provide transportation to snorkeling and diving sites. The park is compact enough to explore in a full day, though multiple visits allow for deeper exploration of different trails and activities.

Where to Stay

Portsmouth town center
Picard Beach area
Calibishie village
Marigot Bay vicinity
Roseau capital city
Woodford Hill coastal area

Food & Dining

Dining options near Cabrits National Park center around Portsmouth, where local restaurants serve authentic Dominican cuisine featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Creole dishes. Popular spots include waterfront restaurants offering grilled fish, conch fritters, and local specialties like mountain chicken and callaloo soup. Many establishments provide stunning bay views and use locally sourced ingredients. For a more extensive dining scene, the capital Roseau offers international cuisine alongside local favorites, though most visitors enjoy the authentic local flavors available in Portsmouth's family-run establishments and beachside grills.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Dominica

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Carmelina's

4.6 /5
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La Cassina

4.7 /5
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La Locanda - Los Jardines

4.6 /5
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La Trattoria de Claudio

4.6 /5
(1119 reviews) 2

Las Palmas

4.5 /5
(812 reviews) 2

Mamma Luisa

4.5 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Cabrits National Park is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and hiking conditions are optimal. This period offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, clearest waters for snorkeling, and best visibility for photography. However, the park is accessible year-round, with the wet season (May to November) bringing lush vegetation and fewer crowds, though afternoon showers are common. Hurricane season (June to November) requires weather monitoring, but the park's protected location often shields it from severe weather impacts.

Insider Tips

Visit Fort Shirley during the annual Independence celebrations in November for special historical reenactments and cultural performances that bring the fort's history to life
Combine your park visit with a stop at the nearby Indian River for a peaceful boat tour through another unique ecosystem, creating a perfect day of diverse natural experiences
Pack reef-safe sunscreen as the park is committed to marine conservation, and bring a reusable water bottle as the visitor center has refill stations to reduce plastic waste

Explore Activities in Cabrits National Park