Cabrits

Cabrits is a prominent headland on Dominica’s northwest coast, forming a peninsula that projects into the Caribbean Sea and guards Prince Rupert Bay near the town of Portsmouth. The area is part of Cabrits National Park, a protected landscape established to conserve both natural habitats and cultural heritage.

The name is believed to derive from the French cabri(s), meaning goats, reflecting historical livestock on the promontory. The terrain includes rugged cliffs, tropical and dry forest zones, and coastal ecosystems with mangroves in sheltered inlets and nearby coral reefs along the shoreline.

The Cabrits area houses Fort Shirley, an 18th-century British fortress used to monitor and defend the bay during colonial conflicts with France. The fort and other ruins reflect the island’s colonial history and constitute a key cultural resource within the park.

Cabrits National Park was established in 1991 to protect the peninsula’s biodiversity and cultural resources. The landscape supports forest habitats, coastal and marine ecosystems, and a diversity of birds, reptiles, and plants. The park also serves as a sanctuary for migratory species and helps protect Prince Rupert Bay’s marine life.

The site is a popular destination for ecotourism, hiking, and cultural tours. Visitors typically explore Fort Shirley, traverse forest trails, and enjoy views over Prince Rupert Bay. The park is managed by the government of Dominica with involvement from local communities and conservation organizations.