Soufrière Hills Volcano and Observatory
Region: Southern exclusion zone
Nature
An active volcano erupting since 1995. Limited tours offer distant views of the pyroclastic dome and lava dome.
Tourism in Montserrat
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Plymouth Old Town (Buried City)
Region: Southwest of island
Cultural Heritage
The former capital buried in volcanic ash, with abandoned buildings called the 'Pompeii of the Caribbean'.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
Region: Near Freetown
Modern Architecture
State-of-the-art volcanic monitoring facility with educational displays and live camera feeds of crater activity.
Rendezvous Bay
Region: Northwest of island
Nature
The island's only white sand beach, a remote paradise ideal for snorkeling.
Woodlands Beach
Region: West coast
Nature
A local beach with black sand cove and beautiful cliff scenery.
Oriole Walkway Trail
Region: Centre Hills
Nature
A hiking route through tropical rainforest where the endemic Montserrat oriole can be observed.
Montserrat Cultural Centre
Region: Little Bay
Modern Architecture
A multipurpose hall built with George Martin's donation, hosting concerts and conferences.
Jack Boy Hill Lookout
Region: East coast
Nature
A scenic viewpoint overlooking the buried old airport and volcanic dome.
Carr's Bay and Little Bay Development
Region: West coast
Modern Architecture
Construction site of the new harbor and commercial district, where future capital concepts can be observed.
Runaway Goat (Ghauts) Spring
Region: South of Brades
Nature
A mineral-rich spring with a legend that drinking from it ensures return to Montserrat.
Suggested itineraries
Volcano and Culture 3-Day Tour
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: MVO visit, Jack Boy Hill, Plymouth perimeter boat tour, Local steelpan experience
For short-term travelers. Relax at northern beaches on arrival day, concentrate volcano-related sites on day two, and shop at cultural center and market on final day.
Hiking and Beach Enjoyment 5-Day Tour
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Oriole Trail, Centre Hills forest, Rendezvous Bay kayaking, Cultural Night
For nature lovers. Early morning hiking for bird watching, afternoon beach or kayaking, and evening calypso or reggae live music.
Travel tips
- John A. Osborne Airport accepts only small aircraft. Connecting via Puerto Rico or Antigua is common.
- Wear masks outdoors when volcanic ash is present and keep electronics in sealed bags.
- Carry a flashlight as street lighting is minimal at night.
- Rainy season (June-November) requires caution for squalls and hurricanes; travel insurance is recommended.
- Cash is mainly East Caribbean Dollars, but US dollars are widely accepted.
- ATMs are limited to Little Bay and Brades; withdraw sufficient cash in advance.
- Entry to exclusion zones requires guided permission tours only.
- Mobile phones use GSM/LTE; international roaming charges are high, so prepaid SIM is economical.
- Tap water is generally potable, but mountain spring water is more popular.
- Local bus service is infrequent; rental car or taxi is more convenient.