Montserrat
Montserrat, also known as the Emerald Island in the Caribbean, is a volcanic island not far from Antigua. The mountainous island offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean. Montserrat is not as visited as some of its neighbors probably due to darker colored beaches, but it offers towering peaks, rainforest-covered slopes, and feisty volcanos. The island is probably most known for the volcanic eruption in 1995 but is also well known for its coal reefs, beautiful and fascinating black-sand beaches, cliff hikes with spectacular views and its many wonderful caves along the coastline. These caves house many species of bats.
Back in 1995 Soufriere, the volcano, began erupting and it destroyed everything on its path including the capital. Today the only way to visit the area is by a tour guide. Visit the volcano observatory first so you can have a full idea of what went down and the history. You can also view the volcano from Jack Boy Hill, a picnic spot popular with hikers.
Montserrat is also one of the British Overseas Territories in the West Indies and there is a strong Irish influence, and it greets you the moment you arrive and get a little green clover stamped onto your passport.
Plymouth is the former capital but subsumed by the volcanic eruption back in 1995-1997. Today the town is referred to as “Pompei of the Caribbean”. In the city you can see buildings and hillside homes covered in ashes with just the tops visible.
Little Bay is the only port on Montserrat and is the new capital even thou the town is still developing. Boats are coming in and out the whole day, there are several bars and restaurants, a dive center etc.
The National Museum of Montserrat shows exhibits which is telling the history and culture of the island.
Beaches
Rendezvous Bay is the only white sand beach on the island. The bay can only be reached by boat/kayak or by trekking over the Rendezvous Nature Path, which gives you the most fantastic views. The bay has clean white sand and crystal clear water, and behind is the green hills. A beautiful and unspoiled place, where you can swim, snorkel or hike.
Little Bay Beach is one of the most popular crescents of sand on the island. The calm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, and you can relax along the gray-sand shore and watch boats bob in port at the bay’s northern end. Beachside restaurants sell local seafood and refreshments, and you’ll find dive shops and places to rent water sports equipment here as well.
At Old Road Bay nature created a new long stretched beach. A very nice and peaceful beach with shower and toilet facilities. Picnic tables are also available. The new beach was created by “mud” streams coming down from the volcano during heavy rainfalls. A must see to experience the force and recovery of nature. Sea bathing is very nice at Isles Bay beach close to Hank’s bar and at Old Road beach close to Old Towne.
Woodlands Bay is one of the charming beaches of Montserrat. It is an easily accessible small black sand beach with contrasting turquoise waters. Backed by lush cliffs and rocks draping towards the frothing Caribbean waters, this secluded beach is best known for snorkeling and beachcombing along the dark volcanic sands. Walk along the driftwood bob, enjoy a picnic, spot the turtle tracks or pods of migrating whales; this treasured beach is a fine place to settle down for a beautiful sunset in the serene nature.
At Carr’s bay Beach you can still find unspoiled beaches away from the big tourist crowds. A remarkable stretch of the Caribbean Sea near Little Bay, Carr’s Bay beach is an ideal spot for history lovers and sunbathers. With the swaying palm trees, inviting warm waters with a bit of black sands, the beach provides the most calming and leisurely experience. Beachgoers can explore the giant reefs and underwater boulders at the south end of the beach; explore the remains of a fort, a war memorial, and the replica of Plymouth Clock Tower.
HIKING
There are several beautiful hikes and all have different things to offer, from fascinating vegetation, birds and spectacular views.
Trail to “The Cot”:
Explore some of the heritage of Montserrat on a visit to the site of an old banana plantation. The trail ascends by a dirt road, used by farmers, to the ruins of “The Cot” mostly hidden by greenery up the hill. Nice views of the surrounding villages and greenery are guaranteed.
The Oriole walk:
Is situated in the center of the island. The hike starts in St. Peters at Hilltop and goes uphill to the top of Lawyers Hill and descents to Woodlands. It is renowned for its biological diversity, rich habitats, and vegetation. It is a tropical birdwatcher’s paradise; one can spot the Oriole national bird but also amphibians and reptiles.
The Dubarry / Cassava walk:
A relative flat walk in the forest that follows the west coast road at a higher altitude. It starts where the Oriole walk ends in Woodlands and goes to Runaway Ghaut and leads through the old Dubarry Estate ruins.
Silver Hills Trail:
Situated at the northern tip of Montserrat and presents a very diverse appearance. The hike begins at Drummonds, winds its way through dry forest and open fields over the Silver Hills and returns to Drummonds. Breathtaking views of land, sea and coastline abound.
Trail to Rendez-vous Bay (from Little Bay):.
The trail starts behind the ferry terminal and customs building at Little Bay, just follow the fence on the slope of the hill to your left and then further walk up the hill. The trail follows a steep mountain trail and when you reach the beach you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Jack Boy Hill Viewing Point should be on your bucket list. From sobering views of the active volcano, abandoned airport, ruined Eastern villages to the stunning ocean vistas, visitors can zoom in on the volcano from the on-site telescope. Once you trek up to the serene hill, you can also spend some time relaxing under the shaded picnic tables and soak in the views from the cozy little park. Be a leisurely picnic or inspiring vistas; this well-maintained viewpoint offers the best views of the majestic nature of Montserrat.