Vacation In Montserrat
Montserrat , officially the Commonwealth of Montserrat, is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Islands. It is located near to the island of Antigua, approximately 35 km (22 mi) north-east of Antigua and 35 km (22 mi) south-west of Guadeloupe, off the coast of north-east Puerto Rico…
Today, there are many people in the world who are dreaming to have a vacation in astute and alluring vacation places. One of the most popular tourist destinations that attract thousands of people from all over the world is Montserrat . This place can provide you with a relaxing time and you should definitely visit this place if you want to spend quality time with your loved ones. The resorts here are amazing as you will be provided with a lot of facilities and amenities that would give you ultimate pleasure during your stay.
Montserrat (pronounced mon-sir-rat) is located in the Eastern Caribbean and is an island of many contrasts. It’s home to two distinct mountains; where the northern caldera remains steeped in mystery and the southern pit, a magical place of intrigue, magic and legend. Montserrat is rich in history, natural beauty and culture.
Montserrat is a Caribbean island, with a population of approximately 7,000 and comprising a British overseas territory. It is located in the Leeward Islands, in the Eastern Caribbean, southeast of Antigua. Because of its history and touristic importance, Montserrat has become known as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean.
Vacation In Montserrat
If you are searching for a peaceful vacation, while still getting the chance to experience many fun activities, then the Caribbean is the perfect place. The Caribbean is more than just relaxation and fun in the sun. It also houses many amazing architectural wonders you can visit as you take your next vacation.
Known as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean, magnificent Montserrat survives as a somber spectacle of nature’s awe-inspiring power. The north side of the island puckers with lush peaks, and to the south lies an eerie lunar scape of deserted settlements and blackened valleys scarred by a series of devastating volcanic eruptions that began in 1995.
Today, the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and its ash-smothered surrounds lie in an exclusion zone comprising more than half the island. Police-escorted sightseeing tours take tourists into the zone, and several hilltop vantage points provide breathtaking views of the devastated areas, including the former capital of Plymouth.
On Montserrat’s picturesque northern side, new settlements are flourishing. Ecotourists and nature lovers travel by ferry from Antigua to hike the verdant rainforest trails, spot some of the island’s many species of birds, dive and snorkel the thriving coral reefs, and sunbathe on the silver-sand beaches.
Rich in natural beauty, friendly Montserrat is a haven for those seeking a slow and peaceful slice of tropical island life and a humbling reminder of nature’s brute force.
For ideas on the best places to visit and popular things to do here, read our list of the top attractions in Montserrat.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Soufrière Hills Volcano
The Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted in 1995, devastating a large section of Montserrat, including the once-charming capital of Plymouth. Today, the volcano is part of an exclusion zone, however you can organize a guided and police-escorted tour, subject to seismic activity, to parts of this zone through Sun’s Montserrat Island Tours.
If you are traveling around the island on your own, you can also experience and photograph a sobering view of the volcano and its path of destruction from several vantage points. Some of these include Jack Boy Hill, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and Garibaldi Hill.
A trip to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory gives an excellent overview of the volcanic eruptions and their impact on this beautiful island.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Montserrat
2. Rendezvous Bay
Tucked beneath towering cliffs, the peaceful beach at Rendezvous Bay is Montserrat’s only stretch of blond sand. The bay itself is favored for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Most visitors access the area by boat or kayak since the hike to this serene stretch of coast is strenuous. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Carved into the bluff here are two caves that are home to large colonies of Antillean fruit-eating bats. You might catch a glimpse of them as you paddle past on a kayak.
3. Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Want to learn more about the volcanic eruptions that devastated this island? A visit to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is highly recommended. Scientists at the observatory monitor seismic activity on the island and share live recordings with visitors.
A highlight of a visit is watching an excellent 20-minute video on the Soufrière Hills Volcano, which shows how the eruption impacted life on the island. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding exclusion zone, the abandoned capital of Plymouth, and the cloud-capped volcano looming beyond.
The best way to enjoy a visit here is to organize a tour with a knowledgable guide, preferably someone who was personally impacted by the volcano’s eruption and can compare and contrast life before and after this tragic event. The observatory also offers lectures and field trips.
4. Little Bay Beach
On Montserrat’s west coast, Little Bay Beach is one of the most popular crescents of sand on the island. The calm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, and you can relax along the gray-sand shore and watch boats bob in port at the bay’s northern end. The best place to swim here is closer to the cliff-backed end of the beach.
Beachside restaurants sell local seafood and refreshments, and you’ll find dive shops and places to rent water sports equipment here as well.
5. Scuba Diving
Divers looking to escape the crowds and explore thriving coral reefs will love Montserrat. After the volcanic eruptions, the southern reefs were reborn, and the budding marine life drifted to the reefs in the north, boosting their populations. Divers can see everything from huge sponges and heads of brain coral to kaleidoscopic tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and sharks.
A favorite dive lies off Redonda, a small island about 14 miles from Montserrat. It’s known for its resident green moray eel and visiting nurse sharks.
Montserrat Island Dive Centre and Scuba Montserrat at Little Bay are the island’s most popular dive shops.