The Best Tourist Attractions In Montserrat – The Emerald Isle

The “Emerald Isle” in the Caribbean, Montserrat, is a somber reminder of nature’s might. North of the island are verdant peaks, while south is a lunar landscape with abandoned towns and charcoal valleys scarred by 1995 volcanic eruptions.

The exclusion zone around the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and its ash-smothered surroundings covers over half the island. Tourism is guided by police into the zone, and various hilltop vantage points offer stunning views of the damaged areas, notably Plymouth, the old capital.

Montserrat’s gorgeous northern side is booming with new communities. Ecotourists and environment enthusiasts take a ferry from Antigua to explore the lush rainforest trails, see the island’s various birds, dive and swim the coral reefs, and relax on the silver-sand beaches.

Montserrat, a tropical island paradise, is a reminder of nature’s power and beauty. Read our Montserrat attractions list for the best locations to visit and things to do.

1.  Montserrat Volcano Observatory

Discover this island’s devastating volcano outbursts. Visit Montserrat Volcano Observatory, highly recommended. Scientists at the observatory record island seismic activity live for tourists.

The 20-minute Soufrière Hills Volcano movie shows how the eruption affected island life and is a highlight of a visit. The exclusion zone, abandoned capital Plymouth, and cloud-capped volcano are also visible.

A tour with a knowledgeable guide, especially someone who was personally affected by the volcano’s eruption and can compare life before and after, is the best way to enjoy a visit here. The observatory offers lectures and field trips.

2. Soufrière Hills Volcano

A 1995 eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano destroyed much of Montserrat, including Plymouth, its picturesque capital. Sun’s Montserrat Island Tours offers guided, police-escorted tours to areas of the volcano’s exclusion zone, prone to seismic activity.

If you’re touring the island alone, you may see and photograph the volcano’s destructive route from numerous vantage points. Jack Boy Hill, Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and Garibaldi Hill are examples.

Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory to learn about the eruptions and their effects on this lovely island.

3. Little Bay Beach

Little Bay Beach on Montserrat’s west coast is one of the island’s most popular stretches of beach. The tranquil waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and you can unwind on the gray-sand beach while watching vessels bob in port at the bay’s northern edge. Swimming is preferable closer to the cliff-backed end of the beach.

Beachside eateries serve fresh local seafood and beverages, and there are dive shops and places to rent water sports equipment nearby.

4. Rendezvous Bay

The tranquil beach at Rendezvous Bay, tucked between towering cliffs, is Montserrat’s solitary stretch of golden sand. Swimming, diving, and snorkeling are popular activities in the area. The hike to this peaceful stretch of shore is tedious, so most guests arrive by boat or kayak. Bring plenty of water and sunblock.

Two caverns carved into the bluff here are home to vast populations of Antillean fruit-eating bats. You might catch a glimpse of them when paddling by on your kayak.

5. Woodlands Bay

Peaceful Woodlands Bay is near the southwestern Northern Zone communities. This small black-sand beach is perfect for sunbathing, but the seas are choppy and swimming perilous. Beware riptides if you’re braving swells.

Sea turtles nest on the beach, and the rocks at the south end are good snorkeling. You can also change rooms. Enjoy a picnic and watch migratory whales from the beach’s cliffs.

6. Montserrat Cultural Centre

The Montserrat Cultural Centre is a popular tourist destination in Little Bay. Sir George Martin, an ex-Beatles producer, inspired and funded this multipurpose performing arts center.

The building, which has a crimson roof that stands out against the beautiful hillside, houses a recording studio and can accommodate up to 500 people for conferences, weddings, and cultural events.

The Wall of Fame exhibit contains bronze handprints of prominent musicians, including Elton John and Paul McCartney, who recorded music on Montserrat in the 1980s.

Official site: http://themontserratculturalcentre.ms/

7. Montserrat National Trust

Visit Montserrat National Trust headquarters when you arrive on the island. This intriguing island’s history, arts and crafts, and native lifestyle are on display in permanent and rotating displays.

Walk the botanical gardens and natural paths on your own after viewing the exhibitions. Medicinal herbs, orchids, and previous economic plants are indigenous and foreign.

The gift shop sells handcrafted goods and offers guided excursions on the island’s natural trails.

Montserrat National Museum in Little Bay, a short walk from the ferry dock, offers more information about this rocky Caribbean island. Art, antiques, and displays reveal the island’s pre-Columbian and modern past. The museum is open two days a week for limited hours. Contact the National Trust for details.

Official site: http://montserratnationaltrust.ms/

8. Montserrat Hiking Trails

Montserrat is reinventing itself to attract more tourists, and trekking is a top draw.

One of the harder hikes, the Blackwood Allen Trail offers magnificent views and a close-up look at the island’s unique vegetation. After crossing the Blackwood Allen creek, the climb offers a glimpse of the coast and northern settlements.

Popular island walks include the Oriole Walkway. This hike lets you witness Montserrat’s national bird, the oriole, and rainforest life.

The Cot hike offers stunning vistas and island history. The trail passes an old banana plantation and the ruins of an island family’s cottage. A lofty vantage point offers ocean vistas.

Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay, Montserrat’s only white-sand beach, is a hard route, while the Silver Hills trail passes the extinct Silver Hill Volcano. The walk is good for birds and has panoramic views of the island and shoreline.

0. Scuba Diving

Montserrat is ideal for divers seeking solitude and healthy coral reefs. After the volcanic eruptions, the southern reefs regrew and marine life moved north, increasing their populations. Divers witness giant sponges, brain coral heads, multicolored tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, marine turtles, and sharks.

A great dive is off Redonda, a little island 14 miles from Montserrat. Home to a green moray eel and nurse sharks.

The island’s top diving shops are Montserrat Island diving Centre and Scuba Montserrat near Little Bay.

10. Runaway Ghaut

One of Montserrat’s most well-known ghauts (pronounced “guts”) is Runaway Ghaut. These steep ravines transport rainfall from the highlands to the sea.

Hiking the short 10-minute Runaway Ghaut Trail reveals lush foliage and massive tropical trees, as well as more than 20 distinct bird species.

According to local tradition, anyone who takes the spring water from the drinking fountain here will return to Montserrat.

11. Centre Hills

Tropical rainforest covers the Centre Hills, known for their biodiversity and abundant habitats.

The endangered Montserrat oriole, the uncommon forest thrush, the bridled quail dove, and the mangrove cuckoo live here with most of Montserrat’s 34 land bird species and many migrant songbirds. The area has two bat species and various reptiles and amphibians.

This rare species wonderland is best explored on hiking paths. The Montserrat National Trust offers guided tours.

12.  Montserrat Festivals/Carnivals

Montserrat hosts winter and summer events. St. Patrick’s Week in Montserrat is special. The only country outside Ireland to proclaim St. Patrick’s Day a holiday. In the week before March 17, colorful festivities, enjoyable activities, entertainment, and competitions mark the celebration.

The July Calabash Festival and Carnival, which lasts two weeks before New Year’s, are also popular.