Montserrat
Recommended Tours

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In spite of the ongoing volcanic activity in the south, there is plenty to see and do on Montserrat. Once here, you will get a unique feel for the way the island has adapted to the volcanic situation. You will also be amazed by the contrast between the green northern safe area and the devastated southern half of the island. Depending on how much time you have, and how mobile and energetic you are, there are several options for your visit.

Island Tour

You can tour the safe, northern occupied zone (approximately 15 square miles out of a total of 39), which is still surprisingly big, with many miles of hilly, undulating roads through villages and wooded countryside, featuring spectacular views of the steep, forested Centre Hills mountain range and the Caribbean coast. You will be able to witness the rebuilding and regeneration process, as those relocated from the south gradually settle into new homes in the safe, northern area and carry on with their lives.

You will also be able to view the volcanic devastation in Plymouth (the destroyed capital) and on the east coast from safe vantage points in the occupied zone. Four wheel drive vehicles, a guide and binoculars are recommended. Note, however, that you will not be allowed to visit the volcano itself, or the devastated areas, which form the exclusion zone and are strictly out of bounds for safety reasons. This rule should be respected.

Working closely with the Tour Guides Association, of which he is a founding member, Cecil Cassell's Emerald Tours provides several pre-arranged tours for individuals or groups, as well as customized tours that can be arranged according to your wishes. Tour guides are well informed about the island's history, geography, plants and wildlife, as well as the present volcanic situation. Lunch is included in your tour.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi. The driver will be able to point out places of interest and answer your questions; or, if you want to rent a car or jeep and travel out on your own, there are several car hire firms who can look after your needs. To make your tour more meaningful, especially if on your own, get a map of Montserrat at the Montserrat National Trust's Oriole Gift Shop.

Do not forget to stop at Runaway Ghaut, where legend has it that if you drink the water from the spring you are bound to come back to the island. Volunteers have lovingly planted ornamental shrubs along this roadside beauty spot, and there is a little path to a picnicking spot nearby.

Day Trips from Antigua

If you are staying in Antigua and only have a day to spare, why not take a day trip to Montserrat. It is surprising how much you can fit into a day, and you will be able to note the contrast between the two islands. Jenny's Day Tours provide a pre-arranged tour, which will take you around the safe part of the island to all the main points of interest. The tour includes your ferry trip to and from Montserrat, a comprehensive guided tour, a visit to the Volcano Observatory, and breakfast and lunch at two of the island's restaurants. It's a great experience to enhance your Caribbean trip.

Hiking in the Mountains

Hikes vary from leisurely to very demanding. With the volcanic southern mountains out of bounds, attention is focused on the lush, forested, mountainous Centre Hills and the more barren northern Silver Hills, which provide several stimulating hikes.

The Tour Guides, as well as Emerald Tours, feature hikes on their schedule of tours. These include a hike dubbed "The Cot," which takes you from the Salem area through a forested route in the Centre Hills to an old, ruined summer house of that name. The hike is not too strenuous, and your guides will point out several unusual plants and trees along the route.

For adventurous travelers, there are also more strenuous hikes in the Centre and Silver Hills. Forest Rangers, part of the government's Forestry Division, are available to conduct guided hikes. These hikes include the Cassava Ghaut Hike and the Katy Hill Hike hike in the Centre Hills, and the Thatch Valley hike in the Silver Hills.

These hikes are quite strenuous, so be sure you are fit and wearing suitable clothing and shoes, as you will be going up hill and down dale, scrambling through bushes at times, with your destination always "just over one more hill!" The hikes start early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day. However, a flask of water filled with ice or a plastic bottle of water placed in the freezer overnight will serve you well as the day heats up.

These hikes are very rewarding if you can manage them. The Forest Rangers have a wealth of knowledge about the trees, birds and other wildlife to be found in the mountain forests. If you keep very quiet you may catch a glimpse of Montserrat's shy national bird, the Montserrat Oriole, which the rangers attract by playing recordings or imitating its call.

The Montserrat National Trust, in collaboration with the Forestry Division, is planning to develop some of these trails, clearing the route of some of the bush, adding steps in the difficult places, along with viewing platforms and a camp site, without taking away from the wild and natural backdrop of these hikes. To contact the Forest Rangers, talk to the staff at the Montserrat National Trust, who will put you in touch.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory

A visit to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, affectionately known as the MVO, will help you understand the background of the volcanic activity that has been ongoing since 1995. Here, a team of scientists and technicians constantly monitor the volcano and keep the authorities and the public abreast of what the volcano is doing. It is their expert knowledge and experience that has allowed Montserrat to continue on its road to recovery in the northern area, in spite of the still-active volcano.

The MVO is open to visitors from 3.30p-4p daily from Monday to Saturday. You can tour the observatory and view the seismographs and other equipment as staff explain their use. There are some fascinating charts, posters and photographs on display, and the staff will answer all your questions. Groups of ten or more should contact the MVO for an appointment before visiting.

Note that the volcano cannot actually be seen from the present MVO site, since the Centre Hills lie in between. A new observatory is being built much nearer (but still at a safe distance), at Flemmings, from which to view the volcano directly. The scientists rely on equipment placed at the volcano and recorded on instruments, as well as by direct observation by helicopter, for accurate information.

Marine Tours, Scuba Diving and Fishing

Sea Wolf Diving School offers spectacular dives to view Montserrat's northwestern coral reefs, which have not been harmed by the volcano. The school’s proprietors, Wolf and Inge Krebs, both qualified PADI instructors, describe the reefs as a spectacular sight, featuring a wide variety of tropical fish, unusual corals, many varieties of sponges and sea fans. They offer a wide range of diving courses for different levels of experience, as well as rental of scuba and snorkeling equipment, and they also have a dive and gift shop.

To view the devastated coast from the sea, you can take a boat trip down the coast or around the island in the fishing boat Jumping Jack, and if you are a fishing enthusiast you can take in some fishing too. You will see for yourself the contrast between the green north and the devastated southern and eastern coastline, where you will also be able to view the active volcanic dome from a distance. Take binoculars in a watertight plastic bag for a closer look. Landing in these areas is strictly forbidden.

Shopping for Crafts and Souvenirs

There is a wide variety of attractive, locally made handicrafts, gifts and local products to be found on Montserrat. These include handcrafted leather goods, handwoven items from locally grown sea island cotton, T-shirts, volcanic souvenirs incorporating ash and volcanic rocks, handmade dolls and greeting cards, local preserves such as guava jelly and hot pepper sauce, local music CDs, books and videotapes on Montserrat, and of course, photos and postcards of the volcano.

Gift and craft shops specializing in these items include the Oriole Giftshop in Olveston, Carol’s Corner at the Vue Pointe Hotel, Paradise Photo & Art Studio at Brades, Island Craft and the Sea Island Cotton Store at Little Bay, Wade's Leathergoods at Cudjoe Head, and Luv’s Cotton Store in Salem. So combine souvenir shopping with your island tour, and wherever you are on the island, you can choose from the best Montserrat has to offer.