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Montserrat travel guide

The tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat is a lively place – in part, for the wrong reasons. In 1995 its resident volcano rumbled into life; by 1997, capital Plymouth was sitting under metres of ash and half the island was declared off-limits

The volcano continues to burble, adding an extra frisson of excitement to visiting Montserrat. And visiting is still very worthwhile. The island that once marketed itself as 'the way the Caribbean used to be' is still a fascinating, traditional, undeveloped spot.

As the south of the island remains an Exclusion Zone, sightseeing is restricted to the north (you can see the sights in a day, or take longer to just relax). Drive the rugged coast, take hikes into the rainforest (home to around 90 species of bird) and stop off at the Volcano Observatory, to watch the trouble-making peak rumble on.

Or take to the water: diving off the coast of Little Bay, the island's new main hub, you'll find virgin reefs and pristine waters rich in marine life.

Wanderlust recommends

1. Go diving – Due to low visitor numbers and various restrictions, Montserrat’s reefs remain pristine, and offer some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
2. Turtle watch – In August and September, green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on Montserrat’s black-sand beaches; join a trek with the local National Trust to see them.
3. Take in the view from Jack Boy Hill – This look-out on the east coast offers fascinating views south across the lush interior to the mud flows and ash-covered remains of the volcano-devastated island below.
4. Visit the volcano – The Montserrat Observatory continues to monitor the island’s volcano (and volcanic activity across the Caribbean). Experts are on hand to explain it all, while lookouts give good views.
5. Sip rum in Little Bay – The island’s new hub is developing apace. Wander around the busy market, pier and local rum shops.

Wanderlust tips

Take local advice on the status of the volcano – the safety situation
can change quickly. Do not enter any off-limits areas.

Montserrat trips