Experience Montserrat, the lush ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.’ This jewel-shaped island emerged from its volcanic ashes to rebirth one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant islands. Sitting at the foot of the active Soufriere Hills Volcano is an island full of captivating nature, offering views unlike any other in the Caribbean.
We spoke with Montserrat island insiders for native insight to reveal the blazing charm of this volcanic island. Ignite your interest in the historic volcanic eruptions that earned the island the nickname, “Modern Day Pompeii.” Find out which events spark all the hype on the island. See which of the island’s black sand beaches offer the best view of the fiery sunset over the ocean.
Here’s why insider Cherise Aymer, the Marketing Development Officer at Montserrat Tourism Authority says Montserrat should be on everyone’s bucket list:
“Montserrat isn’t your typical destination. With its untouched natural beauty, lush green landscapes, and the warm friendliness of our people, Montserrat invites you to explore a peaceful tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re seeking soft adventure or simply looking to immerse yourself in our rich culture, you’ll feel safe on our shores and be mesmerized by the simple pleasures which are crafted just for your enjoyment.”
SECTIONS:
- Geology
- Getting Around Montserrat
- Things to do in Montserrat
- What to Eat
- Where to Stay
- Insider Tips
- Montserrat Travel Guide Resources
Geology
Montserrat is part of the Lesser Antilles, an island chain in the Caribbean known for its volcanic islands. The Soufrière Hills Volcano, the island’s main volcano, began erupting in 1995 and has continued to shape the island. A series of eruptions between 1995 and 1997 devastated large parts of the island. The volcano is still active but volcanic hazard levels are low. The volcano is monitored by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, who plays a crucial role in tracking volcanic hazards and ensuring public safety. They are equipped with advanced technology, to continuously monitor seismic activity, ground deformation, gas emissions, and other indicators of volcanic unrest.
The volcanic terrain is the ideal environment for the diverse vegetation growing on the island. The island has a lush, hilly landscape. One of its defining features is the black sand beaches formed from eroded volcanic rocks.
Montserrat is a Caribbean Island with an identity of its own, and its natural beauty is one of its biggest attractions.
Getting Around
The island is tiny—only 11 miles long and 7 miles wide. The John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) is the only airport on the island. It’s less than 7 miles from Brades and takes approximately 20 minutes to arrive via taxi. Montserrat is also a popular cruise destination for small and medium-sized cruise vessels which docks at Port Little Bay.
Popular attractions and restaurants are always just a short drive away. Bus services and taxis are popular for getting around and are readily available. Rental car services are also available—remember that they drive on the left!
One of the easiest ways to get around the island is with a tour guide service. You can hire a taxi for tours. Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share companies are not available.
Things to Do in Montserrat
Discover Montserrat’s One-of-a-Kind Beaches
Rendezvous Beach
The beauty of Montserrat’s beaches is for the “If you know, you know” crowd. They’re one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, ready to welcome visitors to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shoreline. Whether looking for a place to relax or indulge in water sports, you’re never far from the perfect beach.
Don’t expect miles of white sand shores on Montserrat. The volcanic landscape gives it a unique black sand shoreline. Montserrat insider, Cherise Aymer, tipped us off to the best beaches in Montserrat:
- Rendezvous Beach – Montserrat’s only white sand beach and popular snorkeling location
- Little Bay Beach – A local favorite with Beach bars overlooking the beach
- Isles Bay Beach – offers one of the most scenic sunset views on the island with an idyllic beach bar
- Woodlands Beach – A popular beach for locals and visitors alike.
Did you know that several Montserrat beaches were formed from volcanic rock? Pyroclastic flows from the historic Soufriere Hills Volcano eruptions between 1995 and 1997 added more than five square miles of land to the island. These are some of the most stunning beaches where vegetation and nature grow from hardened volcanic landscapes. See for yourself at these Montserrat beaches formed from the volcano:
- Lover’s Beach
- The New Beach
A Trip to the “Modern Day Pompeii”
More than two-thirds of Montserrat is designated as an Exclusion Zone to protect locals and visitors from threats of the active volcano. Sadly, this zone includes the capital, Plymouth, which was buried by volcanic eruptions. uncover the ruins of this town called the Modern Day Pompeii.
Embark on a guided tour on these forbidden grounds to see lava-burned government buildings, commercial buildings, abandoned island homes, forgotten churches, and ruins of a once thriving town.
Only certified Tour guides are authorized to conduct tours inside the Exclusion Zone.
Exciting Island Hikes
One of the best ways to appreciate the island’s natural beauty is to get out and immerse yourself in the outdoors. The island’s lush landscape is ripe with adventures that will take you to incredible views, hidden gems, and even discovering petroglyphs. Get to know Montserrat on these exciting hikes:
- Take the scenic route from Little Bay to one of Montserrat’s best beaches on the Rendezvous Beach Trail
- Hike through tropical forests to see the colorful Montserrat Oriole, the national bird
- Find 1000-year-old petroglyphs on the Dry Waterfall Trail
Replenish your thirst after a hike with a drink from the Runaway Ghaut. They say whoever drinks from this natural stream will return to Montserrat one day.
Best Viewpoints of the Soufriere Hills Volcano
Jack Boy Hill viewing facility
Affectionately called Lady Soufriere, this landmark volcano sits as the crown jewel of the Emerald Isle, reaching a height of 3,445 feet above sea level. All around the island, you can find breathtaking vistas of this active stratovolcano.
For visitors hoping to capture photos of the volcano, our island insider, Stedroy Cabey, a British-Montserratian actor, recommends visiting these spots:
- Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
- Jack Boy Hill
- St. George’s Hill
- Garibaldi Hill
Bonus: take a boat tour to cruise around the island’s southern tip for a view only accessible by water. Check out Buffy’s Boat Tours, Scuba Montserrat and Shamrock Moorings for the island’s best coastal tours.
Attend Annual Montserrat Festivals
The best time to visit is during one of the popular annual festivals. These highly-anticipated events give the thousands of families displaced from the island a chance to reunite with their homes. It’s also a chance for the locals to show their island pride. Each festival offers a unique experience, from celebrating the island’s Irish heritage to showcasing local crafts and the vibrant Caribbean culture.
Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss annual festivals:
- St. Patrick’s Festival (March) – the biggest Afro-Irish festival in the Caribbean celebrates Montserrat’s Irish heritage with live music, food, and more. It’s the only place outside Ireland that designates St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday.
- Calabash Festival (July) – This summer festival kicks off around the anniversary of the volcanic eruptions. It’s a rebirth of the island showcasing local vendors selling artisan crafts, jewelry, clothing, bags, instruments, the ever-growing Produced in Montserrat Expo (P.R.I.M.E), and more!
- Montserrat Carnival (Mid December – January 1) – the island hosts its own Caribbean carnival at the end of every year. Put on your colorful carnival costumes and dance your way through the parade and parties.
What to Eat
Goat Water
Pack your appetite for your trip to Montserrat! It’s a small island with big flavors drawing culinary influences from its African and Irish heritage, combined with homegrown ingredients right from the island.
No experience is complete without sinking your teeth into the island’s signature delicacies. Island Insider Cherise Aymer recommends goat water, Montserrat ducana , and hearty chicken / fish soup.
Our Island Insider Stedroy Cabey chimes with, “Being in Montserrat gives me that life with the food,” when discussing a list of his favorite restaurants, which include:
QQPR+4P9, Brades Rd, Brades, Montserrat
Loblolly Lane, Salem, Montserrat
QQ4H+4F4, Mayfield Valley View Rd, Woodlands, Montserrat
Isle’s Bay Beach
Garibaldi Hill, Montserrat
Marine Village, Little Bay Montserrat
Where to Stay
Lime Tree Cottage
Put away your rewards points and status upgrades—in Montserrat, there are no major chain hotels. Instead, you’ll discover enchanting accommodations riddled with island charm. No need for hotel loyalty programs when all guests are treated like VIP status members. That’s the kind of warm Caribbean hospitality you can expect when visiting Montserrat.
The Island of Montserrat offers accommodations for every traveler. Boutique family-owned hotels. Escape to tropical luxury villas surrounded by therapeutic nature on a wellness retreat. Discover charming guesthouses showcasing the best of Caribbean style. Wake up to a delicious saltfish and Johnny Cakes breakfast at local B&Bs. Long-term visitors can find cozy stays on Airbnb and Vrbo. The Remote Worker Stamp lets foreigners stay in Montserrat for up to one year!
Insider Tips
Once you visit, you’re considered family. Save this Montserrat travel guide for these insider tips when planning your trip.
- Understand departure tax. Yes, you technically must pay to leave. There is a fee of USD 21 payable upon leaving the island. Some airfare ticket prices include this fee.
- Local currency. Although many places will accept US dollars, Montserrat uses the East Caribbean Dollar. Credit cards and debit cards can be used at the Bank of Montserrat and Supermarkets to access funds. Some restaurants also accept debit cards. It is recommended to exchange money before arriving in Montserrat).
- Language. English is the official language in Montserrat, spoken with a Caribbean accent. Many islanders also speak a local Montserrat dialect language.
- Prepare for Island time. Plan flexibility into your trip itinerary. Things may not be as prompt as you’re used to, but it’s a subtle lesson in relaxing and enjoying your moments on the island.
Montserrat Travel Guide Resources
Bookmark this travel guide for these travel resources.
+1 664 491 4703
QQRQ+9Q6 Hubert Buffonge Building, Brades, Montserrat
+1 246 227 4000
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown Wildey Business Park 14006 Barbados
