Information
Landmark: Fort CuylerCity: English Harbour
Country: Antigua and Barbuda
Continent: North America
Fort Cuyler, English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda, North America
Overview
Fort Cuyler sits near the mouth of Deep Bay in Antigua, a modest 18th-century fort whose weathered stone walls still hint at its storied past.Fort Cuyler may not draw the crowds of Fort James or Shirley Heights, but it gives visitors a quiet look back at Antigua’s colonial past, with weathered stone walls and a peaceful spot to wander.Fort Cuyler, likely built in the 1700s during Antigua’s British colonial era, once stood guard over the narrow mouth of Deep Bay, ready to repel enemy ships during tense military times.Named for a British officer whose story is mostly lost to history, it eventually slipped into disuse as new weapons and tactics left its stone walls and weathered cannon mounts behind.Perched on a hill above Deep Bay, the fort once gave defenders sweeping views of the coastline and the Caribbean’s bright turquoise water, letting them track passing ships and guard the bay’s entrance.Today, only fragments remain-weathered stone walls and scattered chunks of masonry-but they still whisper of Antigua’s colonial past.Around the ruins, thick green foliage frames stunning views of the bay, where the dark outline of the Wreck of the Andes lies just beneath the glittering surface.Stroll through the quiet ruins, and picture the fort alive with soldiers’ boots striking the cobblestones.When available, informational plaques or guided tours add rich details about the fort’s past.From its high perch, you can snap photos of Deep Bay glittering below, the green folds of the surrounding hills, and the endless blue of the Caribbean.After exploring, follow the path down to Deep Bay Beach for a swim, a stretch in the sun, or a snorkel over the Wreck of the Andes.To get there by car, drive about 20–30 minutes from St. John’s, the capital.You might need to take a short hike from the parking lot to reach the fort, the trail crunching under your shoes.If you’re staying nearby, you can walk there straight from Deep Bay Beach.The trail’s fairly short, though parts can be rocky or uneven, so wear sturdy shoes-you might crunch over loose stones near the fort.Bring plenty of water; there’s no place to refill, and Antigua’s heat can be relentless, especially by midday.Aim for early morning or late afternoon to dodge the worst of the sun and catch the warm, slanting light for photos.You can round out your day with snorkeling or a lazy stretch on Deep Bay Beach.Nearby, you’ll find the calm waters of Deep Bay, the snorkel-accessible Wreck of the Andes glimmering below the surface, and Fort Barrington with its larger ruins and rich history.Fort Cuyler appeals to travelers who want a quieter, less crowded slice of the island’s past.With its sweeping views, rich history, and just a short drive to Deep Bay, it’s a stop worth making for anyone tracing Antigua’s rugged shoreline.It’s not as large or polished as some of the island’s other forts, but it gives you a rare window into Antigua’s history and a chance to take in the sweep of turquoise sea and wind-carved cliffs.
