Roseau, Dominica: Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island with natural hot springs. It is protected by an extensive natural park system and Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park.
The incredible thing about Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park is that there are both beautifully restored historic buildings to explore & atmospheric ruins to be discovered in the surrounding forest.
Built in 1765, the fort is considered Dominica’s most important historic site. It was the scene of the famous revolt of the 8th West India Regiment in 1802 when African enslaved soldiers took over the garrison in protest over conditions there. Their action resulted in all enslaved soldiers in the British Empire being made free.
In 1782 the ramparts of Fort Shirley also gave a front row seat to one of the most famous naval battles in history–the epic Battle of the Saintes between the French & English fleets. After the fort was abandoned in 1854, the forest swallowed it up for more than 100 years until in 1982 island historian Dr Lennox Honychurch spearheaded its restoration. Since then, millions have gone into preserving this special site.
The travellers walked the trails around Fort Shirley at the Cabrits National Park. They had the whole park to ourselves, as they explored 18th century ruins hidden in the forest (including an ammunition bunkhouse still filled with piles of historic cannonballs!) and found epic views over Prince Rupert and Douglas Bays. It’s incredible how peaceful these beautiful spots are, with no one around except the birds and the brightly-spotted lizards.
The horseback riding experience on Dominica is mainly done in the north of the Island. It’s a magical way of creating memories whilst in Dominica! Enjoy a leisurely and scenic ride while exploring the historical Fort Shirley at the Cabrits National Park. Traverse Dominica’s most impressive stretch of oceanic rainforest, and swim with the horses on one of the most beautiful beaches, Purple Turtle Beach. The activity is ideal for families including children, couples, or small groups of friends.
Fort Shirley in Portsmouth, Dominica, makes an interesting visit. It is a partially restored British fort from the 18th and early 19th century, when the French and the English were fighting for control of Dominica.
The travellers hiked to Fort Shirley and in the afternoon, they took their dinghies into a lovely bay to snorkel. They saw lots of fish, including a puffer fish, a sea snake and two eels. The best part about the place is the happy and kind people. Even the beach dogs are happy. The tourists will definitely return this winter when they can explore more on their own.
