Ahoy Landlubber’, don’t miss out on the beauty that lies beneath the surface of Montserrat’s tranquil waters.
If snorkelling or diving is your passion, the coral reefs are yours to explore as our coast is teeming with a variety of tropical fish and other exotic undersea life, such as spotted rays, sea turtles and sponges.
Take a spectacular dive off one of our impressive sites like Little Redonda, a rock that reaches the surface from a depth of about 80 feet, the Pinnacles on the northeast of the island or Yellow Hole south of the Pinnacles. While at Yellow Hole explore the skeletal shell of a 19th century steel schooner which sank in 1886.
For the fishermen among you, hire one of the many available boats that can take you to fish in shallow or deep waters, and test your skills against the variety of large fish: wahoo, marlin and mahi-mahi that call these waters home.
If you prefer to meditate in peace and serenity while casting your lines then shore fishing, a popular activity in Montserrat, is for you. Visit one of our many casual fishing spots such as OldRoadBay, Little Bay and RendezvousBay and soak in the local ambiance.
Relax or explore our coast line and aqua marine seas onboard a yacht or boat. This opportunity of a lifetime offers you exquisite, breathtaking views of Montserrat, the Emerald Isle – coated in its mantle of green.
The Soufrière Hills Volcano
Witness the Caribbean’s own version of a modern day Pompeii as you take an educational tour and observe from close quarters in safety the magnificent (and still active) Soufrière Hills Volcano. As the only live volcano in the Caribbean, the allure of the island’s stellar attraction can be seen on a clear day. Imagine the clouds lifting from its summit and seeing the trail of ash and steam that sometimes rise from its crater.
After centuries of lying dormant, the volcano rumbled to life in 1995 and buried our once vibrant capital, Plymouth lying in its foothills, reducing it to a deserted shell. This historic event took Montserrat’s 12,000-strong population and reduced it to barely 4,000, as many residents went overseas to rebuild their lives.
Since then our modern day Montserrat Volcano Observatory (www.mvo.ms) and Seismograph Station on the island has been continuously monitoring the volcano and keeping watch for any activity. The Observatory provides one of the best vantage points to view the Soufrière Hills Volcano in all her glory, as well as a multimedia interpretation centre.
Nature and Adventure
Escape on an adventure through the lush, green forested “Centre Hills” renowned for its biological diversity. This moist rainforest is home to many species of wildlife like the Mountain Chicken - a type of frog, the Gecko or the Galliwasp – half-snake, half-lizard.
Listen closely and you may hear one of the thirty-four species of resident land birds and migrant songbirds that inhabit the island. If you are a birdwatcher you can get a chance to spot Montserrat’s rare national bird, the endemic Montserrat Oriole, as well as the Forest Thrush, the shy Bridled-Quail Dove, the Mangrove Cuckoo, the Trembler and the Purple-Throated Carib.
Explore historical ruins or take a leisurely walk through an old banana plantation located several hundred feet above sea level.
If you are energetic, then take one of the numerous hiking trails through the vegetation that offer stunning views of land, sea and coastline. Challenge yourself with a hike to our lovely white sand beach, RendezvousBay. For the less active, mini-trails offer the perfect route for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a family picnic in a peaceful setting.
Discover the island’s hidden charms by taking a bike through the picturesque emerald hills of the island and be taken away by the breathtaking views of the ocean. Be sure to stop at Runaway Ghaut (pronounced ‘gut’) to drink some of our pure spring water, piped from the rocks. Legend has it that once you drink from this spring you will surely return to Montserrat!
Prefer driving to riding? No problem - vehicle rental is easy and a four-wheel drive jeep will take you just about anywhere on the island. Most main roads and villages are signposted, and being the small, untroubled island, Montserrat is virtually traffic free. Driving on our twisting roads and hills is an adventure by itself, but you’ll soon get the hang of it!
Travel in safety as you explore these natural wonders knowing that Montserrat has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. The open friendliness of the people who live here will make you feel right at home, whether you’re stopping to ask directions on your way around the island or ‘liming’ (hanging out) at one of the popular night spots on a Friday evening.
