Hike· Fort Duvernette (Rock Fort)· Windward Islands
Fort Duvernette (Rock Fort) Climb
13° 7.7′ N · 61° 12.2′ W
A 190 ft basalt volcanic plug just south of Young Island, topped by an 18th-century British battery whose George II and George III cannons and mortars are still in place. A stair cut into the rock leads up to 360-degree views of the cut, Calliaqua and Bequia.
Practical
Dinghy to the landing stage. Wikipedia counts 255 steps; a cruiser blog counted 225. Two batteries: a lower one about 40 ft below the summit, and the summit battery with four 24-pounder cannons and 8-inch mortars. The fort has belonged to the SVG National Trust since 1971. SVG Tourism lists a 'Boat to Fort Duvernette' service from Villa, and Young Island Resort mentions the hike. The steps are steep, so go early or late to avoid the heat. Rock Fort is also a drift dive with strong currents (see the Rock Fort dive entry).
Best for
The best short walk and view on St Vincent's south coast
Nearby
- Rock Fort Drift Dive (Fort Duvernette)0.1 NM away
- Young Island Beach0.2 NM away
- Young Island Resort0.2 NM away
- French Verandah Restaurant (Mariners Hotel, Villa)0.3 NM away
- Young Island Cut Moorings0.3 NM away
- Young Island Cut Snorkel0.3 NM away
- Bungalow (Villa Beach)0.4 NM away
- Fizzy Reef (Calliaqua Bay)0.4 NM away