The island and its history in a nutshell
The island was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Colombus and was named Montserrat, because of its terrain similarity with a monastery in Spain. Montserrat has been under British control since the mid 17th century except for two brief periods of French influence.
The pear shaped island measures about 39 square miles or 100 square kilometres. It is approximately 12 miles (19 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide. The neighbouring islands of Redonda and Nevis can be seen from the West; Antigua from the North-East; and Guadeloupe from the South-East.
Because of the Soufriere Hills volcano eruptions since 1995, the south of the island cannot be entered (exclusion zone)
Temperatures are between 70°F and 90°F or 21°C and 33°C . The driest part of the year is generally between February and July. You’ll never get too hot thanks to the cooling tradewinds blowing from East to West. Unpolluted air is guaranteed. The tap provides fresh spring water from the mountains and is perfectly safe to drink.
Nowadays population: about 5000.
Montserrat takes part in the OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States), uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as currency and is also a member of the Caricom.
The XCD (most people use EC$) has a fixed rate against the USD: USD 1.00 = XCD (EC$) 2.67.
HIKING
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Trail to "The Cot":
Explore some of the heritage of Montserrat on a visit to the site of an old banana plantation up the hill. The trail ascends by a track, to the ruins of "The Cot". Nice views of the surrounding villages and greenery are guaranteed. |
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The Centre Hills trail (The Oriole walk):
Is situated more or less in the centre of the island, between the Soufriere Hills in the south and the Silver Hills in the north and is renowned for its biological diversity, rich habitats and vegetation. It is a tropical birdwatcher’s paradise but also amphibians and reptiles are also found here. Runaway Ghaut:
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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. |
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Trail to Rendezvous Bay (from Little Bay):
A must do for beach lovers! The bay retains a completely natural and untouched quality as the only white sand beach on the island with excellent swimming and snorkelling. The walk follows a steep mountain trail (a good physical workout) and when you reach the beach you can enjoy a refreshing swim. The trail starts behind the ferry terminal at Little Bay (follow the fence on the slope of the hill to your left and than further walk up the hill). |
BEACHES
Montserrat’s beaches are remarkable: for swimming and sunbathing they provide the most calming and leisurely experience available, all without harassment and removed from the population of resorts and other commercial activity. Nature at its best!
A short description of the West coast beaches, from North to South up to the Exclusion Zone).
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Rendezvous Bay: the only white sand beach of Montserrat (it takes about an hour’s hike to reach it). A must do for beach lovers! |
| Little bay: has lost some of its charms due to the new developments… Still very good snorkelling when sea permits. | |
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Carr’s Bay: nice to snorkel when the sea is calm |
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Bunkum Bay: a tiny beach, depending on the time of the year it only has rocks instead of both, sand and rocks. |
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Woodlands Bay: a nice peaceful beach with shower and toilet facilities. Picnic tables are available. |
| Lime Kiln Bay: depending on the time of the year it only has rocks instead of both, sand and rocks. Good for snorkelling when the sea is calm. Shower available. | |
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Old Road Bay – Isles Bay:
Here nature created a new long stretched beach with a greyish look. The new beach was formed with “mud” streams (sand and stones) coming down from the volcano during heavy rainfalls.
A must see and must walk, to experience the force and recovery (green growing in the wild) from Mother Nature. Sea bathing is very nice at Isles Bay (no stones) and a gentle sand slope is going in the sea. |
BOAT RIDE
Go sports fishing or take an unhurried boat ride to view the coastal areas of the island, while observing the Maritime Exclusion Zone, including devastated Plymouth and surrounding villages.
SUBA DIVING
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Green Monkey dive centre is the only dive centre to explore the underwater beauty of Montserrat. Refer to www.divemontserrat.com for more info. |
THE ORIOLE COMPLEX
Located on the main road in Olveston. Houses a nice gift shop. The Philatelic Bureau is also located in the Oriole Complex. Tour the museum and botanical gardens maintained by the Montserrat National Trust which are also located here. Refer to them if you want detailed info about the fauna and flora of Montserrat.
MONTSERAT VOLCANO OBSERVATORY (MVO)
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Do not leave Montserrat without visiting the observatory. Get a tour on Tuesday & Thursday between 3:30 and 4:00 - call 491-5457 for info. See the scientists and monitoring equipment at work. If you don't want to do the tour you can just drive up there anytime and get views of the volcano, Plymouth, and the panoramic Belham Valley. |
JACK BOY HILL
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At Jack Boy Hill you have a beautiful spot to watch the volcano on the east side. It overlooks the devastated old airport and eastern villages. |
SEE PLYMOUTH FROM DISTANCE
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Go on a trip that is hard to believe, sad but yet very interesting to experience the force of Mother Nature… Cross over what used to be Belham Bridge (you’ll need a 4x4 jeep). You are going to pass the villages evacuated since 1996. Drive through Cork Hill, Weekes and go up to St George’s Hill. Here you will see the Soufriere Hills volcano as close as you can. Than, return to Cork Hill, pass Delvins and see Fox’s Bay. On your return take a look at Richmond Hill. Here you are at the front door of Plymouth. The wind still blows the fine volcano ash on the streets. See how the greenery survived the ash deposits. Also capture, from distance, the sad views of the ruins and completely covered parts of a once glorious capital… |
HELICOPTER VIEWS
http://www.caribbeanhelicopters.com
Caribbean helicopters based at Antigua provide tours of Montserrat. A must do in our opinion.
A truly impressive tour….
The Essence can arrange an island tour or a trip to any of these destinations according to your wishes. We want to make your stay in Montserrat as pleasurable as possible!
Further information on Montserrat please refer to the Montserrat Tourist Board web site.