Discover Montserrat in the Caribbean

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Ask anyone who visited Montserrat in the Caribbean, and they will tell you it is the experience of a lifetime. A tiny island with an Irish heritage is home to pristine volcanic black sandy beaches, lush rainforests and unspoiled landscape. The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean is everything is cruise-ship neighbour Antigua is not. It is smaller, it is a lower-key, and its top attraction is an active volcano. It offers more than just sipping cocktails in all-inclusive bars by the water. It has something you won’t find anywhere else, though.

If you thought this island was, volcanically speaking, you got that right. Due to the Soufriere Hills Volcano’s eruptions, the island is today half fertile and half unhabitable. It is also home to many rare animals and plants.

LIFE IN MONTSERRAT

You may not know it, but life on this idyllic island changed forever when the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted. The island’s two-thirds (including the former capital Plymouth) became devastated by the volcano’s eruptions. As a result, the vast majority of the 12,000 population relocated. Either to the undeveloped north, or overseas to the United Kingdom. The economy, tourism and people’s daily lives were affected by the loss of the port in Plymouth and Bramble airport.

Pompeii in the Caribbean — *It might not be safe to visit the south, but there are various safe points from which you can see the devastation.*

More than two decades later, this tropical paradise is slowly recovering. The island is leveraging an abundance of naturally occurring geothermal resources and volcanic sand mining. Apart from that, volcano tourism is also the key to the island’s future. Everyone will tell you that the Soufriere Hills Volcano has become a top attraction, fascinating travellers who want to see two-thirds of the isle covered by ashes. The visitors can even fly over an active volcano in a helicopter.

WHY VISIT MONTSERRAT IN THE CARIBBEAN

There are many reasons why you should explore it. The majority of visitors come here on a day trip from Antigua. Those rare travellers who have visited the isle know that it’s quite an unspoilt paradise. Montserrat is an ideal getaway for Eco trekkers, nature lovers, or anyone, who want to see how the island has transformed after a major volcanic eruption.

With a vast network of hiking trails, the island’s diverse landscape is perfect for experienced hikers and beginners alike. This ecotourist haven offers unique adventure holidays in the Caribbean, more than just sun, sand and beaches. It’s a destination for travellers who want to immerse and connect, whether with nature or each other. Also, this little-visited Caribbean island is the prime destination for dark tourism.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Bear in mind that there is strictly controlled access to the restricted zone. Therefore, the best way to explore it is on a guided tour. Not only you can access ”the exclusion zone V” with a tour guide, but also you will learn more about the island.

You can find exclusion zone V on the island’s south end. It includes the buried city of Plymouth, St George’s Hill and also the Soufriere Hills.

Exploring the exclusion zone is, in fact, an unmissable experience because you can get a closer look at the active volcano and its lost capital city.

As a result, it gets very busy for St. Patrick’s Day in March.

WHERE IS MONTSERRAT ISLAND?

The pear-shaped island, located in the Caribbean Sea, is a part of the Leeward Islands. Its nearest neighbours are Antigua (55km), Guadaloupe (86km) and Nevis (62 km).

GETTING THERE

If you plan a trip here ahead, your arrival will be smooth and easy. Here is some information to help you with planning.

1. FLYING

With a new airport, Montserrat is more accessible than ever. However, due to its small size, you will need to fly first to Antigua because there are no direct international services to Montserrat. You will need to take a 20-minute connecting flight from the island’s closest neighbour Antigua.

TIPS:

you can arrange Helicopter tours of the volcano from Antigua.
don’t forget to take your passport with you as a short flight from Antigua is international.

2. ARRIVE BY SEA

Flying is not your only option, though. You can travel here also by ferry – it runs from Antigua (Bryson’s Pier at Heritage Quay in St. John’s) to Little bay in Montserrat and back. A 90-minute ride operates five days a week. Bear in mind that, there might be schedule changes depending on weather and sea conditions. The fares for the ferry are EC$300 return (EC$150 one way) for adults. Additionally, those travelling by a private vessel may dock their boat at the Port of Little Bay.

Tip:

Leaving Antigua by ferry is a little bit of a hassle, though. Make sure you arrive early at the port of your departure to allow enough time. To get through immigration, customs and security requirements, come at least one hour in advance of your scheduled departure time. Plus, don’t forget to bring your passport!

GOOD TO KNOW:

When you depart to Montserrat from Antigua, you will need to pay the Antigua departure tax at the time of check-in. Similarly, when leaving, you will need to pay the Montserrat departure tax (EC$45 per person) and also the Antigua arrival tax.

SAFETY

Although the level of volcanic activity is very low at present, the Soufriere Hills Volcano is still active. Therefore, it’s continually monitored for signs of increasing activity. As a result, access to the restricted zone is strictly controlled. Tours are only available via approved guides. You won’t be able to access the volcano.

Plymouth - a modern “Pompeii of the Caribbean” — *Roadside signs advise when you are entering a particular exclusion zone. A map of the isle outside the airport terminal shows the Exclusion Zone.*

Nowadays, you can view the volcano from a safe distance of a few miles. The Hazard Level System controls the volcano’s activity. The system informs people of the level of risk in various areas. Also, it tells how long you can stay in the area. Those who would like to visit Plymouth – a modern “Pompeii of the Caribbean” should know that it is possible. But, you can visit it only with police permission and with a certified guide.

Montserrat island - Plymouth — *Scattering of roofs and the top floors of the tallest buildings are everything you can see from Plymouth.*

East Caribbean Dollar is pegged to the US dollar at the US $1 =EC$2.7.

Besides Montserrat, the EC$ is also the currency of:

Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Grenada
St. Kitts & Nevis
Dominica
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines

It is important to remember that you must drive on the left side of the road.

RARE FINDS

Thanks to the black sand beaches, Montserrat has never been a popular travel destination for travellers. But, it is their loss. The island’s unique characters, fascinating culture and gorgeous coast are well worth at least a few days’ exploring. With the volcano, no longer a symbol of fear, it’s an ideal destination for everyone who wants to experience the Caribbean the way it used to be – unspoiled by mass tourism. Beautiful landscape and unpolluted night skies make this tropical paradise an unforgettable holiday destination. No matter where your travels take you, you will be sure to go home with more experiences than souvenirs.