Why Montserrat Island should be on your list

7000 Caribbean islands, there is only one known as the Pompeii in the Caribbean. It is a tiny Montserrat island. There are plenty of reasons to head here, but sipping drinks in all-inclusive resorts is not one of them. In fact, this tropical paradise offers so much more than just sun, sea and sand. It has volcanic black sandy beaches and rainforest-covered mountains. It also has beautiful untouched reefs and even an active volcano. This eco-lovers paradise is a perfect destination for adventurous travellers who love getting off the beaten path.

If you are one of those rare travellers who have visited the island, you know that it is one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean. If not, locals will tell you that it’s one of the least visited Caribbean islands. Wherever you go, you will see that this island retains its villagey character. It’s unspoilt by mass tourism and, therefore, finding a quiet beach is not hard. 

Visiting this half lush and half volcanic isle was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences in our lives. Here are the reasons why it should also be on your radar!

 

TOP THINGS TO DO IN MONTSERRAT ISLAND

 

1. Visit the Soufriere Hills Volcano

 

Did you know Montserrat Island is home to the only active stratovolcano in the Caribbean? As you may know, the volcano reawakened to life after 350 years of lying dormant and had a major eruption in 1995. It buried the capital of Plymouth and a significant portion of the southern part of the island in volcanic ash. The once-vibrant capital has become the Caribbean’s own version of a modern-day Pompeii. Moreover, the still-active volcano has put the island on the map as the prime dark destination in the Caribbean. For that reason, Soufriere Hills Volcano is today one of the top attractions.

 

SAFETY

Although the level of volcanic activity is very low at present, the volcano is still active. For that reason, it is continually monitored for signs of increasing activity. The access to the restricted zone is strictly controlled. Therefore, tours are only available via approved guides. Bear in mind that access to the volcano itself is strictly forbidden.

 

2. Go to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory

A Volcano Observatory is one of the top attractions.

 

If you would like to take a closer look at the volcano, then head to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Here you can get amazing views of the volcano, Belham Valley and Plymouth from the observatory’s viewing deck. However, beautiful views are not the only reasons why you should visit this unique place. The observatory also offers information about the volcano’s impact on the island. 

 

Visiting the Volcano Observatory is one of the best things to do in Montserrat. Once here, take an educational tour and watch a 20-minute documentary about the volcano. Also, you can learn more about the effect of the eruption on the island. Afterwards, do not forget to stop at the souvenir shop.

 

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Fly over the “exclusion zone” of the Soufriere Hills volcano with Helicopter tours from Antigua.

 

3. Pay a visit to Richmond hill and Springs Resort Hotel, Plymouth

Nothing, no number of documentaries can quite prepare you for your next stop. After a visit to the observatory, drive to Richmond Hill. It was once an upper-middle-class neighbourhood on the island. Here you will stop at the abandoned hotel. In the past, it was one of the best hotels on the island. Today visiting the ruins of the hotel is one of the top attractions. 

Wander through the hotel and get some stunning views of trapped Plymouth in the exclusion zone. See the former capital of the island, which is nowadays famous as modern-day Pompeii.

 

A visit to Montserrat Springs Resort Hotel is, without doubt, one of the best things to do in Montserrat.

 

4. Discover the buried city of Plymouth

As you already know, a series of eruptions in the 1990s had an enormous impact on this island. Two-thirds of the island has become uninhabitable, including the south-coast capital of Plymouth. Nowadays, the island’s capital is also completely destroyed. It’s buried under metres of volcanic rocks, pyroclastic flow and even mud.

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Nowadays, it is possible to view the volcano from a safe distance of a few miles. The Hazard Level System controls the volcano’s activity. Moreover, it does let people know the level of risk in various areas and the amount of access allowed.

 

It should be noted that it is possible to visit Plymouth – the modern Pompeii of the Caribbean. However, you may explore it only with police permission and accompanied by a certified guide.

 

5. Island’s mystique nature, hiking and birdwatching

Just when you think you know everything about this paradise, it will surprise you with something different: unique wildlife. It is like stepping into another world. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore it and there is certainly a lot to see. Entering the dense rainforest around Centre Hills is an excellent experience for nature lovers.

What makes Centre Hills unique is its biological diversity. Yes, that is right, the moist rainforest is home to many unique species. Here you can see the island’s national bird, the Montserrat oriole. Other regional endemic species that you can spot here are a mountain chicken (a large frog) and even a galliwasp (half-snake and half-lizard). Therefore, hiking the rainforest around Centre Hills is one of the best things to do in Montserrat.

The best way to see abundant wildlife is with an experienced guide who will know where to spot birds and also other creatures.

 

6. Beaches

The island’s beaches may not have the Instagram factor, but they surely deserve your attention. As a result of the volcanic eruption, it’s home to secluded volcanic black sandy beaches. The only exception is Rendezvous Bay Beach. So, anyone in search of a white-brown sand beach needs to visit Rendezvous Bay Beach. It is tucked in a cove with a forested cliff serving as the backdrop.

Little Bay Beach, located on the island’s west coast, is one of the most popular beaches on Montserrat island. The beach dotted with several bars and restaurants along the beach is one of the more popular ones. Besides, Little Bay Beach is a perfect place for sunbathing and then hanging out for lunch or drinks while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The calm waters are great for swimming, or for relaxing by the sea.

 

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None of the beaches gets crowded. But, there are minimal facilities at most of the beaches (none have beach chairs). It is good to know that Little Bay is the island’s most developed beach. This is the place where you will also find dive shops, or you can rent water sports equipment. 

 

7. Enjoy diving and snorkelling

Those seeking their thrills underwater can take advantage of the serene places which it can offer. Diving and snorkelling are the best things to do in Montserrat because the island has healthy reefs. See swarms of colourful tropical fish and other exotic undersea life. And, if lucky, you can even spot giant turtles. It is a beautiful experience for any visitor. Plus, the sea has comfortable temperatures all year round.

 

8. Legend of the Runaway Ghaut

The deep ravines (or ghauts as Montserratians call them) carry rainwater to the sea from high in the mountains. The local legend goes that if you drink the spring water from this tap, you will come back here time and again. Therefore, drinking from the Runaway Ghaut is one of the top things to do in Montserrat.

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The water is extremely safe to drink. The Runaway ghaut is one of the island’s most famous ghauts. You can find it on the side of the road north of Salem. It`s not clearly marked, though. Therefore, make sure to tell your guide to include it in his tour.

 

9. Food 

With the Caribbean and British influence, Montserratian cuisine is extraordinary indeed. Dishes can be simple as roasted or grilled chicken or fish. Then there is the Montserratian classic Goat water, the island’s national dish, usually available only on certain days of the week.

 

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If you are looking for a relaxing lunch, try The Attic bar & restaurant, located in Olveston. The Attic is a classic Caribbean restaurant, a popular spot with both the locals and tourists alike. The menu features a mix of traditional Caribbean dishes and American dishes (chicken roti, goat water, chicken, the fish special or quesadillas). Try amazing homemade fruit beverages, from ginger beer to starfruit. Our favourite was mango juice, the best we have ever had!

 

10.Visit the National Museum

If after lunch you want to see some exhibits, head back to Little Bay. Here you can find the National Museum of Montserrat. It is one of the attractions – and for a good reason. It may be relatively small, but this museum is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the island’s background.
The museum presents some pre-Columbian life artefacts, items from slavery days, sugar plantations, even photos of Plymouth before eruptions. Unfortunately, the displays are a little scattered. This is because many things from the island`s history were lost during the volcanic eruptions in the past. However, it gives you a taste of Montserrat’s history.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

The National Museum is on the Main Road in Little Bay. It’s worth noting that the museum is not always open. Hence, you need to book your visit in advance.

 

Things to do in Montserrat Island in 1 day:

• The Volcano Observatory
• Richmond hill and Montserrat Springs Resort Hotel
• the buried city of Plymouth 
• the Runaway Ghaut 
• also, visit the National Museum
• try Montserratian cuisine in one of the local restaurants
• buy some souvenirs
• have a swim in the Little Bay beach 

 

We hope the above reasons have inspired you to plan a trip here. We highly recommend you to visit the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean – you will not regret it!

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Have you ever been to Montserrat? Is it on your radar? Please leave us a comment below!

 

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Last updated: 18/08/2024