Cabrits Historical & Fort Shirley

For millions of years, the Cabrits have stood like silent witnesses to the passage of time.  Thousands of years ago people came to Prince Rupert’s Bay in canoes.  Hundreds of years ago, others arrived in tall ships.

The Cabrits is one of the most impressive 18th- century military installations in the West Indies and Whitchurch Tours invites you to have a historical tour of the remains of the Fort Shirley which is nestled in the Cabrits National Park.

Discover what life was like in its heyday.  Your tour begins with a short walk up to Fort Shirley with your guide.  At Fort Shirley you will have an overview of the entire Prince Rupert Bay and the Town of Portsmouth. 

Your guide will walk you through the Fort giving the full history of the Fort, which was constructed between 1770 and 1815, with over fifty military structures and 33 cannons.  It was finally abandoned in 1854.  Once on top, there are excellent views north across Douglas Bay to Toucari with Morne Aux Diables to the east and south across Cabrits swamp to the broad sweep of Prince Rupert Bay. 

Stop at the Prince Rupert Tavern where you will be served with a refreshment before ending your tour.

Practical information: 

• Language: English

• Included: At the Prince Rupert Tavern.  Choices of water or local beer or local seasonal juice or rum punch

• Remarks/requirements: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing, water, sun block

• Walking information: Over 500 meters

• Wheelchair accessible: No