Montserrat
Montserrat
British Overseas Territory
Montserrat is a mountainous Caribbean island, part of the Lesser Antilles chain and a British Overseas Territory. Its Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in the 1990s, causing significant damage to the south of the island and leading to the creation of an exclusion zone. The north of the island is largely unaffected, and has black-sand beaches, coral reefs, cliffs and shoreline caves.
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory has exhibits on the eruption, plus views of the volcano and the former capital, Plymouth. Northwestern Little Bay is the island’s new capital, and has a popular beach. Rendezvous Beach is a picturesque stretch of white sand, reachable by boat or a steep hike. Nature trails in the central hills have panoramic views of the forest and coast. Divers can see coral, tropical fish, sea turtles and volcanic boulders. Many of the island’s early settlers were Irish, and St. Patrick’s Day is enthusiastically celebrated.
Things to do
Based on traveler visits and local insights
Soufrière Hills
Volcano bordered by destroyed villages
Active volcano known for recent eruptions & multiple destroyed or abandoned settlements nearby.
The complex andesitic Soufrière Hills volcano occupies the southern half of the island of Montserrat.
The Soufrière Hills volcano is an active, complex stratovolcano with many lava domes forming its summit on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Many volcanoes in the Caribbean are named Soufrière. These include La Soufrière or Soufrière Saint Vincent on the island of Saint Vincent and La Grande Soufrière on Guadeloupe. Wikipedia
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Observatory and volcano
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is a volcano observatory which is located on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where the Soufrière Hills volcano has been actively erupting since 1995. The
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is a volcano observatory which is located on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where the Soufrière Hills volcano has been actively erupting since 1995. Wikipedia
Woodlands Beach
Beach
Situated in the west coast of Montserrat, Woodlands Beach is the most appropriate place to host picnics, parties or barbecues. While providing a serene environment for outdoor activities, Woodlands Beach also offers you a pavilion equipped with concrete benches and tables all under a shade, running water and toilet facilities. This Pavilion overlooks the beach and is perfect for day and evening gatherings, as it an indoor kitchen facility and is equipped with electricity on demand.
Although the waters can be rough at times, this beach is the most favorite venue for an intimate outings, turtle watching and swimming.
The pavilion can be rented out at a very minimal fee through the Montserrat National Trust that manages and maintains the area. Contact the Montserrat National Trust for advanced bookings and further information.
Carr's Bay Beach
Beach
Carr’s Bay – Beach goers can tour the remains of a fort, a war memorial, and a replica of the Plymouth Clock Tower. Despite the recent work to remove portions of the mountain nearby, this is still a popular spot for fishermen and divers. Scuba divers and snorkelers can swim around the beautiful reefs located on the southern portion of Carr’s Bay Beach
Rendezvous Bay
Beach
Rendezvous Beach – Montserrat’s only white sand beach can be reached via a short boat ride from Little Bay or by a pretty intense one-hour hike. The reward is having a nice swim in a very secluded spot.
Centre Hills
Centre Hills is a forest reserve on the island of Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean Sea.Wikipedia
Chances Peak
Mountain
Chances Peak is the culminant point of the active complex stratovolcano named Soufrière Hills. It is the highest point in Montserrat, a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean Sea. Chances Peak is on a destructive plate margin. Wikipedia
Fox's Bay Beach
Beach
Foxes Bay – This beach has been truly off the radar as it has been inaccessible due to the exclusion zone. However, now that is possible to enter Zone B you can enjoy this beautiful unspoilt peace of paradise again.
Isle's Bay Beach
Wide beach for fishing & turtle nesting
Created by past lava flow, this large beach offers fishing, swimming & a nesting area for turtles.
Isle Bay Beach/Old Road Bay – We have the volcano flows to thank for this extension of the beach. Take a trek from one end of the beach to the next and enjoy seeing how nature has destroyed and remade this lovely bit of coastline.
Lime Kiln Beach
Lime Kiln Bay – You never have to worry about overcrowding at Lime Kiln Bay. It is not advisable to swim there alone as waters can be rough at times.
Jack Boy Hill
Jack Boy Hill Viewing Facility strategically positioned to view the volcano and surrounding environs including the abandoned airport and destroyed Eastern villages. The Facility includes: - A Viewing Platform - A Concession Area - Picnic Areas with seating - Toilet Facilities - A telescope to zoom in on the volcano - A mini-trail - Barbecue Grills - Landscaped Areas
Bottomless Ghaut Beach
Beach
This new beach at Bottomless Ghaut is a marvelous creation, showing the force of nature. First, you have to find, and then clamber your way down the least steep part of the rocky slope leading to the beach. Once there, you will be enthralled by the deep black shade of the sand.
Bunkum Bay Beach
Beach
Bunkum Bay – Another hidden gem of a beach is usually covered in rocks. A great hideway spot located in the St. Peters district.