A recently restored battery demonstrates how Fort Shirley protected Prince Rupert Bay, the best anchorage on Dominica. The bay itself has a long history. In 1493 one of Columbus' ships entered the bay, and by 1535 the Spanish made it station along their official treasure ship route.

Check out the map to see how the fort sits on a volcanic headland, strategically overlooking the bay. Construction of the fort began in 1765 after France ceded Dominica to the British at the Treaty of Paris. The French won it back in 1778, only to cede it again five years later at the Treaty of Versailles. At it's height the fort housed over 600 men, but in 1854 it was finally abandoned as the British and French made up.

Today the fort is a public park open for all to visit. Pack and lunch and enjoy the view.

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Comfort Cottage, 1 King Bed, Garden View | Terrace/patio

Kootney Resorts

Picard

Rebecca

The Champs

Picard

Matthew

Secret Bay

Portsmouth

"The stay was good overall. The property is very beautiful and well maintained. The villas are huge and well appointed. Very nice place to stay. We enjoyed it very much. However there were some major problems which will prevent us from coming back here. We had several issues, some of which were addressed and some were not. You are in the jungle, so there are ants. Pretty much anything on the counter (including the nightly treat they leave) are infested with ants in about 5 minutes. Told them...

Jonah

Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa by IHG

Portsmouth

Clint

13.857.301 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Picard Beach Cottages

Picard

Jamie Lee

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Top Saint John Parish Hotel Reviews

Atlantique View Resort & Spa

6/10 Okay

"The staff were great, very friendly and accommodating throughout our stay. However, the hotel itself needs some major improvements, especially the room. The AC was leaking, leaving a puddle of water on the floor, and there weren’t enough towels to soak it up. The couch and chairs were very worn out, when you sit down, you sink right into them, and the tables and counters were peeling at the bottom. There were several other small issues that could use attention as well. Overall, it’s a very beautiful hotel with so much potential, and we still enjoyed our stay thanks to the wonderful staff. "

Ocean Oasis Hotel Dominica

10/10 Excellent

"This hotel is amazing!!! Very beautiful, wonderful location. The staff is amazing!!!"

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Our top choices for Saint John Parish beach hotels

Kootney Resorts

The Champs

Secret Bay

Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa by IHG

Picard Beach Cottages

Top Saint John Parish Hotel Reviews

Atlantique View Resort & Spa

Ocean Oasis Hotel Dominica

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