Discover Portsmouth

Portsmouth brings together the history of Fort Shirley and boat trips on the Indian River. Nearby, you’ll find historic buildings and the swampy river, with plants and wildlife along its banks. Culture and nature thus offer distinct focal points for your trip.

Fort Shirley and the history of Cabrits

In the wider destination of Saint John, Cabrits National Park lies on a peninsula at Dominica’s northern tip, just beyond Portsmouth. Established in 1986, the park covers 1,313 acres of protected tropical forests, coral reefs, and wetlands. Fort Shirley is part of the park and was built by the British in the 18th century as a defensive outpost. Its grounds include the ruins of the military fort and other historic buildings.

Fort Shirley’s restored officers’ quarters have been used as a venue for receptions, conferences, and talks. The Jazz n'Creole Festival takes place there every year in May or June. If you plan to visit Cabrits National Park, note that an entry pass is required: it is available on site or at any gas station. Check the pass requirements before your trip.

Boat trips on the Indian River

Experienced boatmen take visitors along the Indian River in hand-rowed boats. The trip passes wildlife and plants along the swampy riverbank, offering a different focus from a visit to the historic sites. The river provides a direct connection with nature for travelers who don’t want to devote all their time in Portsmouth to its heritage.

JC Ocean Adventures offers boat trips in Portsmouth for locals, tourists, and cruise ship passengers. Cobra Tours specializes in Indian River tours in Portsmouth. Check current availability before your trip.

More experiences in the wider destination of Saint John

The wider destination of Saint John also offers activities on the water: Wave Dancer Watersports offers kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sailing lessons, as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, at Coconut Beach in Portsmouth. Most of Cabrits Dive Center’s dive sites are in Cabrits National Park and historic Prince Rupert Bay; they can be reached by a short, scenic boat ride.

For hikers, the Waitukubuli National Trail offers another perspective on Saint John. The trail runs 115 miles from Scotts Head in the south to Cabrits National Park in the north and is divided into 14 sections. The 14th and final section ends in the park.

Portsmouth as a starting point for planning your trip

When choosing a vacation rental in Portsmouth, it may help to first decide what you’d like to focus on during your trip. River trips and the history of the fort shape the character of Portsmouth and its immediate surroundings; watersports, diving, and the long-distance trail broaden the picture of the wider Saint John area. This can help you decide whether to focus your plans mainly on experiences in and near Portsmouth or include other activities in the region.

For an overview of the wider destination: Saint John.