Portsmouth

The Basics

Located in the Saint John Parish, the vibrant town of Portsmouth served as the capital of Dominica until 1760.xa0 Most visitors use the town as a base for exploring the national park where the ruins of an 18th-century fort are surrounded by volcanoes and swamp, with coral reefs for diving offshore and jungle hiking trails leading through the undergrowth. Boat trips leave for tropical outings on the Indian River as well as off the coast to scuba dive and go whale watching.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Portsmouth is a perfect destination for scuba divers and nature lovers.
• Visit on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday to graze the popular farmers’ market for fresh produce and foods.
• Choose among the many professional outfits in town to book a whale-watching tour.

How to Get There

Portsmouth is located on Dominica’s northwest coast, on Prince Rupert Bay, about a 45-minute drive from the island’s main airport and about an hour from Roseau along the Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway.

When to Get There

The peak tourist season in Dominica runs from December through April, when the temperature is pleasant and the humidity low. The rainy season which lasts from June to November should be avoided since storms can be quite intense, especially in September and October when the chance for a hurricane is likely. For whale-watching, visit between November through May when sightings are most common.

Whale-Watching Capital of the Caribbean

Dominica's underwater drop-offs along the island’s western coast create the perfect feeding grounds for some six species of cetaceans. Incredibly, 22 of the 33 Caribbean species have been spotted here, including melon head whales, pilot whales, false killer whales, and humpback whales. In fact, Dominica is the only place in the world where sperm whales may be seen year-round.

How should I spend a day in Portsmouth?

A perfect day in Portsmouth involves time spent outdoors. Begin with a hike in Cabrits National Park to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Shirley. Then, later, head to Purple Turtle Beach for lunch, before taking part in your water activity of choice—such as snorkeling or a whale-watching trip.

How many people live in Portsmouth Dominica?

Portsmouth has a population of around 3,600 people. It’s the second-largest city in Dominica, after Roseau. It's situated in St. John Parish, on the Indian River on the island’s northwest coast. It attracts tourists who want to explore its natural wonders, including Cabrits National Park and Purple Turtle Beach.

What is Portsmouth best known for?

Portsmouth is best known for its exceptional natural beauty. It’s located next to the Indian River and offers beautiful beaches—such as Purple Turtle Beach—as well as the hiking haven of Cabrits National Park. Wildlife and watersports fans can relish snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale-watching boat trips here, too.

What parish is Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is in St. John Parish, in Dominica. The island country is divided into 20 administrative parishes, and around 6,500 people live in St. John Parish. Around half of the population of St. John Parish is based in the main settlement of Portsmouth, which is Dominica’s second-largest town.

What is the best time of year to visit Portsmouth?

The best time of year to visit Portsmouth, Dominica, is between December and April when it's drier and less humid. The rainier months tend to be August, September, and October, and these months also have a higher likelihood of storms and hurricanes.

Is visiting Portsmouth worth it?

Yes, visiting Portsmouth is worthwhile, especially for hiking, snorkeling, and whale-watching. Dominica's waters are home to around 22 of the 33 whale species known in the Caribbean. For hikers, Cabrits National Park is a top choice, and it's where travelers can explore the 18th-century ruins of Fort Shirley.