Visit Montserrat

Looking for an unusual Caribbean getaway with the unique opportunity to watch a still active volcano? Head to Montserrat- an "Emerald Isle" rising from ashes and covered in lush, green rainforest. Columbus was the first to discover the island and name it 'Santa Maria de Montserrat' after the famous monastery on the mountain of Montserrat in Catalonia. Welcoming smiles, pure serenity, quietude and peace as well as perfect relaxation are what you should expect from the island. Those who have ever visited this tiny tropical paradise will perhaps agree that Montserrat is the friendliest island in the Caribbean.

Located southeast of Puerto Rico and southwest of Antigua, the pear-shaped island of Montserrat is a British territory with an area of 102 square kilometers. The island is reached by ferry or helicopter from Antigua. The highest point is Chances Peak rising to 915 meters. Montserrat is home to over 5000 residents, most being decedents of former African slaves, characterized by warm and hospitable nature. Montserrat enjoys a tropical climate with little seasonal variations, the temperature hovering between 22C and 31C year-round.

For such a tiny place Montserrat offers unique Caribbean vacations with a wealth of things to see and to. The major tourist attractions include: Montserrat's Soufriere Hills Volcano, the silver seashores with azure blue waters and the exotic black sandy beaches, most secluded and still pristine. The island offers great diving, fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking adventures and many other experiences.

Montserrat's Soufriere Hills Volcano (French "Sulphur" Hills) is a typical subduction volcano formed at the junction of the Atlantic tectonic plate and the Caribbean plate. Towering 3,000 feet above sea level, the volcano first erupted in 1995, after more than a century of slumber, destroying the former capital of Plymouth, because of which many habitants had to move overseas or the North of island. Scientists call this volcano one of the most interesting in the world.

The remarkable Montserrat's beaches, with their soft pearl-grey volcanic sand are something not-to-be-missed. Those who want to swim and sunbathe on the beaches are really blessed as they will find the most calming and leisurely experience available. The easy accessible and non-crowded Woodlands beach is one of the most popular black-sand beaches, evidence of the island's volcanic origin. The only white-sand beach that you will find on the island is the pristine Rendezvous bay. The reef off this secluded beach boasts some of the best snorkeling in Montserrat.

Another popular attraction Montserrat offers is the turtle-watching, featuring over 7 turtle species in the world, the three of which, including Green Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle and Loggerhead Turtle are found nesting on sands of the island's beaches between August and September.

Accommodations in Montserrat are very limited. You can find only one hotel - Tropical Mansion Suites, several guest houses and villas, all promising warm friendly atmosphere and excellent service with amenities such as swimming pools, wet bars and cable TVs.

Holidays in Montserrat are a unique and special experience. Scenic beauty consisting of natural landscapes and hills, historical sites, water adventures, trails to be hiked and many more will all enchant you in Montserrat.