With rainforest-covered slopes, towering peaks, volcanic shores, lush mountainous areas, coral reef-adorned seas, and feisty volcanoes, Montserrat has every means to make one’s heart stop and set the grounds for an everlasting love. Dare to make the bewildering Caribbean island your playground, and indulge in things like hiking, snorkelling, trekking, cycling, sailing, and exploring the countless local attractions and places worth every second of your time. Places like the ones below!
Soufrière Hills Volcano – When “Impressive” is Just a Word
This very place is the reason the overwhelming majority of travellers heading to Montserrat get on that plane in the first place and it’s not difficult to say why. With almost 2/3 of the island being destroyed and uninhabited after the violent volcanic explosions that took place in recent history, sitting within an arm’s reach from the source of all destruction on the island makes it an even more appealing experience for some visitors. This weird location hosts an active volcano that is among the most studied ones in the world. And, although most of the island has already been rebuilt, its past is nowhere close to forgotten.
With that in mind, tourists have a chance to see the volcano up close through helicopter tours and other observation opportunities provided by the modern Montserrat Volcano Observatory in coordination with the Royal Montserrat Police Force which also helps monitor volcanic activity and approves tours or not based on risk assessment and other factors. In any case, expect fantastic views of the volcano, while you will also be able to see the ruins of a modern-day Pompeii, Plymouth, that has been left abandoned since 1995.
Woodlands Bay – The Most Magnificent Landscape
A remote shore covered in lush vegetation in a jungle-like scenery on the western coast of the island. Woodlands Bay sits quietly in seclusion, tucked away from the noise and hustle, promoting a sense of relaxation and composure. Although a totally magnificent place, you should be careful when coming here and always check the water conditions and tide information before you go because the currents can be dangerous on this part of the Montserrat coastline.
For the adventure-seeker, this will probably feel like a dreamland, where they can do anything from whale watching and diving to snorkelling. Woodlands Bay is also where hundreds of turtles every year come to make their nests and have their eggs hatched between September and December. While here, you should definitely take some time to admire the jaw-dropping vistas, both above and under the water. As for the sunsets, be prepared to be pleasantly overwhelmed by what your eyes are about to see!
Bonus place: Speaking of bays, Rendezvous Bay is another spot worth visiting as it’s the country’s only shore with blonde sand and such crystalline waters. The best way to access it is by kayak or charter boat as it is tucked into the cliffs. Or you may want to try the 11-kilometre (7 miles) trail from Little Bay if you are up for the challenge (it is a difficult trek more suited to experienced or advanced hikers and trekkers). Now, you may also want to visit the nearby caves. If you do, please refrain from getting too close as they are home to the native fruit bats, and your presence there will disturb them.
The Montserrat Cultural Centre – An Unexpected Monument
Sitting comfortably in the laps of Little Bay, a tourist hub in Montserrat on the north of the island, the Montserrat Cultural Centre speaks of the country’s music history with the loudest of words. Funded by several individuals, including Sir George Martin, the famous producer of the even more renowned The Beatles, the museum has archives from AIR Studios, the recording studio Sir George Martin founded on the island. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, elite musicians and stars like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John would come to Montserrat to perform, write, or record music with Sir George Martin, leaving their unique mark on the island and an interesting rock and roll influence.
As for those into this particular music genre, Hilltop Coffee Shop is a fantastic cultural centre, coffee shop, gallery, and non-profit museum full of rock and roll memorabilia founded by the famous filmmaker David Lea and his spouse, Clover, who felt infatuated by Montserrat during the filming of a documentary on the local volcano - Soufriere Hills.
Bonus place: For even more rock and roll heritage, you may want to visit Olveston House Restaurant nearby, where you will also be amazed by the exciting mix of British pub food with Caribbean flavours that Sir George Martin also seemed to love back in the day.
Redonda Island – A Diver’s Paradise
This one is, hands down, the most popular dive spot in Montserrat, seducing visitors with its natural appeal and spectacular aquatic world featuring stunning coral reefs and fantastic wildlife. Resting between Montserrat and Nevis Island, Redonda Island owes much of its marine life to the volcanic activity in Montserrat, which turned the waters surrounding it into a welcoming place for various types of sharks, spotted eagle rays, brain corals, green moray eels, and many more. In other words, the uninhabited and secluded Redonda Island feels like an earthly haven for divers, either beginners or experienced.
Centre Hills – Unique Natural Beauties
Whether you are a hiker, bird-watcher, wildlife lover, or nature enthusiast, Centre Hills will find a way to leave you speechless. This, of course, makes sense, given that Montserrat is, in fact, an isolated tropical island. As such, it is the most ideal place to provide a home to endangered species and an impressive abundance of wildlife. Accompanied by a fantastic backdrop featuring tropical rainforests draping sugary shores and the effects of the volcanic activity on the island, be prepared for exquisite experiences as you even make acquaintances with the native Montserrat Oriole, the national bird!
For more bird-watching and nature-related ventures, we suggest taking the Oriole Walkway Trail and opting for a tour so that you are introduced to the lands where the Montserrat-exclusive yellow-shouldered bird, the native reptile species of Plymouth Anole and Montserrat Galliwasp, and more than 120 more invertebrate species live. Another hiking trail of moderate difficulty that also pleases with its surrounding terrain, is Blackwood Allen Nature Trail.
Runaway Ghaut – Where History Meets Divine Scenery
Runway Ghaut is a deep ravine and a place where the island’s colonial past meets the verdant greenery. The spot that became a skirmish site between the French and British during the Caribbean colonial era is nestled close to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and plays a vital role in the sustainability of the rainforests within the country as it carries rainwater out to the ocean, enabling for rich flora and fauna to thrive. According to legend, the fresh waters of Runaway Ghaut are particularly sweet and possess magical properties that will keep those who drink water from the gorge returning to Montserrat time and time again.
With rainforest-covered slopes, towering peaks, volcanic shores, lush mountainous areas, coral reef-adorned seas, and feisty volcanoes, Montserrat has every means to make one’s heart stop and set the grounds for an everlasting love. Dare to make the bewildering Caribbean island your playground, and indulge in things like hiking, snorkelling, trekking, cycling, sailing, and exploring the countless local attractions and places worth every second of your time. Places like the ones below!
Soufrière Hills Volcano – When “Impressive” is Just a Word
This very place is the reason the overwhelming majority of travellers heading to Montserrat get on that plane in the first place and it’s not difficult to say why. With almost 2/3 of the island being destroyed and uninhabited after the violent volcanic explosions that took place in recent history, sitting within an arm’s reach from the source of all destruction on the island makes it an even more appealing experience for some visitors. This weird location hosts an active volcano that is among the most studied ones in the world. And, although most of the island has already been rebuilt, its past is nowhere close to forgotten.
With that in mind, tourists have a chance to see the volcano up close through helicopter tours and other observation opportunities provided by the modern Montserrat Volcano Observatory in coordination with the Royal Montserrat Police Force which also helps monitor volcanic activity and approves tours or not based on risk assessment and other factors. In any case, expect fantastic views of the volcano, while you will also be able to see the ruins of a modern-day Pompeii, Plymouth, that has been left abandoned since 1995.
Woodlands Bay – The Most Magnificent Landscape
A remote shore covered in lush vegetation in a jungle-like scenery on the western coast of the island. Woodlands Bay sits quietly in seclusion, tucked away from the noise and hustle, promoting a sense of relaxation and composure. Although a totally magnificent place, you should be careful when coming here and always check the water conditions and tide information before you go because the currents can be dangerous on this part of the Montserrat coastline.
For the adventure-seeker, this will probably feel like a dreamland, where they can do anything from whale watching and diving to snorkelling. Woodlands Bay is also where hundreds of turtles every year come to make their nests and have their eggs hatched between September and December. While here, you should definitely take some time to admire the jaw-dropping vistas, both above and under the water. As for the sunsets, be prepared to be pleasantly overwhelmed by what your eyes are about to see!
Bonus place: Speaking of bays, Rendezvous Bay is another spot worth visiting as it’s the country’s only shore with blonde sand and such crystalline waters. The best way to access it is by kayak or charter boat as it is tucked into the cliffs. Or you may want to try the 11-kilometre (7 miles) trail from Little Bay if you are up for the challenge (it is a difficult trek more suited to experienced or advanced hikers and trekkers). Now, you may also want to visit the nearby caves. If you do, please refrain from getting too close as they are home to the native fruit bats, and your presence there will disturb them.
The Montserrat Cultural Centre – An Unexpected Monument
Sitting comfortably in the laps of Little Bay, a tourist hub in Montserrat on the north of the island, the Montserrat Cultural Centre speaks of the country’s music history with the loudest of words. Funded by several individuals, including Sir George Martin, the famous producer of the even more renowned The Beatles, the museum has archives from AIR Studios, the recording studio Sir George Martin founded on the island. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, elite musicians and stars like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John would come to Montserrat to perform, write, or record music with Sir George Martin, leaving their unique mark on the island and an interesting rock and roll influence.
As for those into this particular music genre, Hilltop Coffee Shop is a fantastic cultural centre, coffee shop, gallery, and non-profit museum full of rock and roll memorabilia founded by the famous filmmaker David Lea and his spouse, Clover, who felt infatuated by Montserrat during the filming of a documentary on the local volcano - Soufriere Hills.
Bonus place: For even more rock and roll heritage, you may want to visit Olveston House Restaurant nearby, where you will also be amazed by the exciting mix of British pub food with Caribbean flavours that Sir George Martin also seemed to love back in the day.
Redonda Island – A Diver’s Paradise
This one is, hands down, the most popular dive spot in Montserrat, seducing visitors with its natural appeal and spectacular aquatic world featuring stunning coral reefs and fantastic wildlife. Resting between Montserrat and Nevis Island, Redonda Island owes much of its marine life to the volcanic activity in Montserrat, which turned the waters surrounding it into a welcoming place for various types of sharks, spotted eagle rays, brain corals, green moray eels, and many more. In other words, the uninhabited and secluded Redonda Island feels like an earthly haven for divers, either beginners or experienced.
Centre Hills – Unique Natural Beauties
Whether you are a hiker, bird-watcher, wildlife lover, or nature enthusiast, Centre Hills will find a way to leave you speechless. This, of course, makes sense, given that Montserrat is, in fact, an isolated tropical island. As such, it is the most ideal place to provide a home to endangered species and an impressive abundance of wildlife. Accompanied by a fantastic backdrop featuring tropical rainforests draping sugary shores and the effects of the volcanic activity on the island, be prepared for exquisite experiences as you even make acquaintances with the native Montserrat Oriole, the national bird!
For more bird-watching and nature-related ventures, we suggest taking the Oriole Walkway Trail and opting for a tour so that you are introduced to the lands where the Montserrat-exclusive yellow-shouldered bird, the native reptile species of Plymouth Anole and Montserrat Galliwasp, and more than 120 more invertebrate species live. Another hiking trail of moderate difficulty that also pleases with its surrounding terrain, is Blackwood Allen Nature Trail.
Runaway Ghaut – Where History Meets Divine Scenery
Runway Ghaut is a deep ravine and a place where the island’s colonial past meets the verdant greenery. The spot that became a skirmish site between the French and British during the Caribbean colonial era is nestled close to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and plays a vital role in the sustainability of the rainforests within the country as it carries rainwater out to the ocean, enabling for rich flora and fauna to thrive. According to legend, the fresh waters of Runaway Ghaut are particularly sweet and possess magical properties that will keep those who drink water from the gorge returning to Montserrat time and time again.