Montserrat

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Brades (interim), officially Plymouth (Montserrat)

Population

9,341

Government

NA (overseas territory of the UK)

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

English

Calling Code

+1664

Nationality

Montserratian

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Introduction

Coastal landscape

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Volcanic eruptions on this pristine Caribbean island began in 1995 and have continued with brutal frequency. Two thirds of the population have up-and-gone and the capital city, Plymouth, was abandoned shortly before being completely destroyed. All in all, it's a pretty devastating mess.

The north side of the island, the safe side, is where the population is now centred. In some ways it resembles your average Caribbean island; that is, except for the ash rain that broods darkly in the sky. For this reason, we don't recommend going to Montserrat if you are looking for quiet times by beautiful beaches. There are other places for that. Montserrat is a chilling exploration of the destructive powers of nature. It may well be one of the Caribbean's most interesting destinations.

Brief History

Geography

Parishes

Montserrat is made up of 3 parishes:

• Saint Anthony Parish
• Saint Georges Parish
• Saint Peter Parish

Towns

• Plymouth (Montserrat) is the official capital of Montserrat. The city has been abandoned since 1995, when the nearby Soufrière Hills volcano erupted. In 1997, lava flows destroyed about 80% of the city.
• Brades is the de facto capital and has a population of about 1000 people.

Sights and Activities

Volcano Viewing

Volcano viewing is one of the big activities now in Montserrat, because it is one of the few places in the world where travellers can see an active volcano and its destructive power. Although it is not possible to visit the Exclusion Zone, which covers the entire south eastern half of the island, including the capital of Plymouth and an additional four kilometres off the shore, it is possible to see it from a distance. Some say the views of seeing a city slowly being engulfed every year more and more by mud and ash can be intense. Some of the best places for viewing are:

• Richmond Hill - When this hill is open it is possible to get clear views of the capital.
• Jack Boy Hill - Is in the north eastern area of the island and gives good views of the Exclusion Zone including the old airport, an old estate house and a few destroyed villages.

Montserrat Volcano Observatory

The Soufrière Hills Volcano has to be constantly monitored and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) does that in the town of Flemmings. The MVO provides up to date information on the volcano to the general public. There is also the Interpretation Centre, inside the MVO, that has exhibits with videos, touch screen computers, artefacts and posters that explain the geology of the area. They also explain how scientists monitor the seismic activity, gas emissions, ground deformation and environmental impacts caused by the volcano. The center is open from 10:15 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Thursday.

Diving

Montserrat has some amazing diving. The Volcanic activity that has left the southern half of the island inhabitable has made the coral strong. The underwater life has become very powerful in the last few years and there is diving to be found at all different experience levels. Another interesting diving experience is actually seeing the affects of the volcanic activity and pyroclastic flows have underwater. The main dive areas are from Old Road Bluff in the west all the way to North West Bluff, which is around the northern shore, towards Hell's Gate in the north-eastern corner. Then also along the eastern shore towards the border of the Volcanic Maritime Exclusion Zone.

Dive Sites

• Lime Kiln Bay - Is the southernmost dive site with shallow ledges that go to about 45 feet deep. There are also some nice boulders that are densely covered with sea life.
• Runaway Ghaut to Woodlands Bay - There are some very nice reefs along this shore and a cave to explore.
• Bunkum Bay and Soldiers Ghaut - This interesting reef is on a shelf slope that has a depth of 90 to 140 ft. There are also some other reefs under the cliffs. This is a good area for snorkeling.
• Carr's Bay - In the northern area of the island, this is a good place for shore dives because of some very nice boulders covered in sea life.
• Potato Hill - Although damaged during Hurricane Luis, this is still a pretty good dive site.
• Rendezvous Bay - A great diving and snorkeling location. Another highlight is the dive site is near a cave that is full of fruit bats.

Dive Shops

• The Green Monkey Inn and Dive Shop
• Sea Wolf Diving School

Other Sights and Activities

• Hiking - Go on hikes that suit any level in the jungle of the island.
• Montserrat National Trust - Go bird watching with this nice group for $25 per person.
• Biking - There are many great biking trails around the island. Contact groups like Gingerbread Hill or email Imagine Peace Bicycle Shop at ghbikes@hotmail.com to rent a bike.
• Darwin Centre Hills Project - Learn more about the natural environment of the island at this centre.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Montserrat has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celcius and average nights around 23 degrees Celcius. Most rain falls between June and October with a change of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

Getting there

By Plane

Gerald's Airport (MNI) is a small international airport that opened in 2005 to replace the old airport which was destroyed in the eruption of 1997. Currently the only regular flights are:

• Carib Aviation which flies to Antigua
• Windward Islands Airways (Winair) which flies to Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy
• Trans Anguilla which flies to Anguilla

From the 1st of June 2009, local Montserrat Airways Limited is going to operate flights with small 9-seater planes to and from Antigua and probably later on to islands like Guadeloupe, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

By Boat

From December 2008 until at least March 2009 there is supposed to be another ferry service operating between Antigua and Montserrat. They leave daily in the morning from Antigua, leaving Montserrat in the afternoon again.

Getting Around

Since years, the southern part of Montserrat has been off limits for travellers. Only scientists and other people with special permission can go into the exclusion zone. There used to be a zone which you could only enter at daylight, but even this small transition zone has been closed. There are good views however at the volcano and the former capital, Plymouth, from several places. Also, the former airport is viewable from a hilltop.

By Car

Montserrat has narrow and hilly roads, but in a good condition. Distances are small but still renting a car for a day or two is a great decision and you won't have to rely on public transport or tours. Driving is on the left.
Bikes are also available if you feel active.

By Bus

Minivans provide the bus service around the island. There is a fixed prices no matter how long you stay in the bus.
Although there are no timetables or official stops, you can flag one down and leave the bus anywhere you like.
Taxis have fixed rates as well, albeit much higher, and they can double as tour guides as well.

By Boat

Only be chartered yachts from Littel Bay.

Red Tape

Visa requirements are the same as for the United Kingdom.

Money

See also Money Matters

The currency of Montserrat is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, or EC$. It has existed since 1965 and is used by 7 other states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States as well. Only the British Virgin Islands (the nineth member) doesn't use it, but uses the US$ instead. The EC$ is subdivided into 100 cents and has been pegged to the United States dollar at US$1 = EC$2.7 since 1976. The EC$ comes in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and a coins of 1 dollar. There are notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Montserrat isn't your typical Caribbean beach destinations, and few luxurious or all-inclusive style resorts exist. Also, there aren't that many beaches. Nature and activities are of more importance on Montserrat. Still, the island has a growing amount of great hotels, guesthouses and smaller places, sometimes with a pool and great views.
Villa rental for long term stays is popular as well.
All of them are located in the northern half of the island, as the southern part is off limits since the volcanic eruption of 1997.

• Tropical Mansion Suites - one of the more luxurious hotels
• Montserrat Enterprises - Villa rental, great for long stays
• Montserrat Villas
• Tradewinds Montserrat - Villas
• Barefoot Villa
• Cassava Cottage
• Min-y-Don - private villa
• Nice Diggs Villas
• Bunkum Beach Guest House
• Erindell Villa Guesthouse
• Essence Guesthouse
• Gingerbread Hill - including budget rooms, which are better value than the hostel
• Hotrock Hostel - the only hostel on the island, with great deals.
• Sark Cottage - apartments
• The Holt - apartments
• Turtle Bay Apartments

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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