Today we reached Cabrits Bay on the Isle of Dominica where guests visited the Syndicate Trail. The loop through the forest allowed our guests to walk among the native plants and animals that make this trail a unique treasure, home to the endemic parrots that can only be found on the island. Local guides enhanced our trip by providing information on the local population, history, traditions, music, food, and religion. During lunch on the ship, we were joined by Dr. Lennox Honychurch. The esteemed historian joined our group and led a tour of historical Fort Shirley. With the help and support of international institutions, students, and the local government, Dr. Honychurch began the project in 1986. The result is a remarkable reconstruction of the architecture from the 18th century in the Caribbean. Originally built in 1765, Fort Shirley served an important purpose for the defense of Cabrits Bay. The fort protected the bay from invaders and served as a garrison as the British protected the safe passage of sugar to Europe. Our day ended with guests taking their first swim and snorkel from Purple Turtle Beach. Later that evening, Sea Cloud sailed away towards our next destination.
1/28/2025
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Sea Cloud
Dominica
Named by Columbus because he landed on a Sunday, Dominica is known as the nature isle. It remains almost unspoiled. We next had an informative one-hour ride to the rain forest atop Morne Diablotin (or to use its Kalinago name Waitukubuli – “she whose body is so long”. The mountain was shrouded in clouds. Once in the forest we saw an endless variety of plants and trees. We returned to Sea Cloud for lunch and for a brief talk by our local guide, Dr. Lennon Honeychurch. Next stop, our snorkeling destination at Purple Turtle Beach, and yes one guest did see a turtle. After our snorkeling adventure, Lennox took us on a guided tour of 18th century British Fort Shirley. He was the principal advocate for the fort’s restoration. The fort is massive and spreads across most of the 200 acres of the Cabrits’ headland. It has only been possible to recover a small part of the original. Strangler vines and jungle cover the rest of the compound as you can see from Rich Reid’s photo of the commandant’s house. Our day ended with a great meal, and tomorrow on to Iles des Saintes.
