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Fort Barrington and Deep Bay

A hilltop fort above a bay holding a shipwreck, on the southern side of St John's harbour.

Updated 4 September 2026

Typefort and bay
WhereAntigua
Nearest citySt. John's
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowTwo to three hours
Getting thereFrom Deep Bay; steep footpath up Goat Hill to the fort
EntryFree

Fort Barrington sits on Goat Hill at the southern side of the entrance to St John's harbour, rebuilt in 1779 and named for Admiral Barrington, who took St Lucia from the French the year before, and a steep path climbs to it from Deep Bay below. In the bay itself lies the Andes, a three-masted barque that caught fire and sank in 1905 with a cargo of pitch, and its ribs stand in shallow water within snorkelling distance of the beach.

What's there

  • The hilltop fort - the 1779 rebuilding commanding the harbour entrance.
  • The Andes wreck - the 1905 barque lying in shallow water in the bay.
  • The climb - the steep path up Goat Hill from the beach.
  • The harbour view - St John's and the channel from the fort walls.

When to go

December to April is the dry season. The wreck is best snorkelled in calm conditions. The climb is hot in the middle of the day.

What to expect

The path up is steep, rocky and unshaded. The fort is unrestored with loose stone. The wreck sits in shallow water and can be murky after wind.

Nearby

St John's is northeast, and Darkwood Beach is south.

What to pack for Fort Barrington and Deep Bay

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Your own mask + snorkel - A well-fitting mask is the single biggest comfort upgrade underwater. Find on Amazon
  • Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
  • Rash guard or thin wetsuit - Sun cover on the surface and warmth on longer or deeper dives. Find on Amazon
  • A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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