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Visitor
Activities
 Beaches
In Montserrat, the beaches are remarkable in appearance
in comparison to other islands as they all, except one,
Rendezvous Bay, have glistening, black sand as a feature
resulting from the volcanic nature of the island. They
are some of the most secluded and unspoilt beaches in
the world. 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. Woodlands Beach, Lime Kiln
Bay, Little Bay and the tiny Bunkum Bay (perfect for romantic
evenings!) are among some of the island’s notable beaches
to visit.
Shopping
There is a wide range of shopping available, dotted throughout
the island. Many of these will be fairly close to where
you choose to stay. With a little exploration, there are
many surprises in store. Boutiques selling handicrafts,
souvenirs, gear for water sports, fashion wear, T-shirts,
toiletries and spirits can be found. Best local buys include
fine souvenir items such as dolls, ceramics, tea towels
and creative ornaments small enough to carry home with
you as gifts. You can also choose a locally printed T-shirt
from a variety of amusing designs. Montserrat’s own Sea
Island goods and a variety of local jams and jellies,
drinks and spirits are also available for those who love
the tropical taste of Montserrat...
Restaurants
There are many options in Montserrat, from some of the
best West Indian cooking in small restaurants to elegant
dining in the hotels and in a lovely old West Indian home.
Everyone takes great pride in their cooking, whether it
be West Indian specialties or international cuisine. Try
not to leave without sampling the Montserratian local
dishes, such as the famed ‘mountain chicken’ (only for
the adventurous), the unique souse and, of course, the
hearty ‘goat water’, a thick brown stew of goat meat (which
is very tasty and much like mutton). All tastes and budgets
are admirably catered for. You can choose from the snackettes
and wonderfully welcoming small restaurants dotted around
the island, the occasional pizza, fast food snacks, bakeries
or bars and ‘liming spots’ all while exploring this gentle
isle during the day.
Scuba Diving
The island of Montserrat is surrounded by a shelf that
gently slopes from the coast to about 60 feet depth. Then
the sea floor abruptly drops into the abyss of the Caribbean
Sea. The shelf is covered with sand and volcanic rocks.
The rocks form the base of extensive patch reefs. The
rim of the shelf slopes down at about 45 degrees making
it easy to explore. Outcroppings of rocky material provide
substrate for deep water reef communities.
Water Temp Average 80 F 25 C - Visibility 50 to
100 ft 15 - 30 m
Hiking
 Centre Hills
With the volcanic southern mountains out of bounds, attention
is focused on the forested Centre Hills, which provide
several stimulating hikes. Forest rangers conduct the
hikes and are knowledgeable about the trees, birds and
other wildlife. You may even glimpse of Montserrat's shy
national bird, the Montserrat Oriole. This hike takes
around three hours and is quite strenuous but well worth
the effort. The Montserrat National Trust and Forestry
Division are doing some work to open up this trail. For
further information, call the National Trust, who can
put you in touch with the forest rangers. Prices depend
on number of people.
Silver Hills
In stark contrast to the lush, forested Centre Hills,
the uninhabited Silver Hills in the far north are dry
and barren, nevertheless providing a most interesting
though strenuous hike. These mountains are the island's
oldest volcanic range (long extinct). They were eroded
generations ago by sugar and cotton growing, and now grazing
goats are completing the process. There are hopes however
of revitalizing the area, and many local people hope that
this area may one day provide the site for a new airport,
opening the area for development. Take a flask of water
for this hike.
Island Attractions
Oriole Walkway Trail, Montserrat
The Oriole Walkway Trail starts at Hill Top near the Bank
of Montserrat andruns SW to Cassava Ghaut. Highlights
include an abundance of flora andfauna. Excellent views
of the Silver Hills, the northern part of the islandand
Olveston can also be seen from this trail.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Montserrat
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) located in Flemings,
Salem. TheObservatory is a colourful state-of- the art
building equipped to monitorthe volcano on a 24-hour basis.
The Observatory is strategically positionedto view the
volcano and surrounding environs including the abandonedcapital,
Plymouth. There is also a helipad on site. Educational
talks are offered.
Blackwood Allen Trail, Montserrat
The Blackwood Allen Trail located in the Centre Hills.
The hike startseither at the Grand View B & B in Baker
Hill or in Mongo Hill next to theSeventh Day Adventist
Shelter. Highlights include a variety of flora andfauna
including our national bird - The Montserrat Oriole and
the nationalflower - The Heliconia. The trail allows for
stunning views of the northernvillages and the coastline
below. The route also takes you through theBlackwood Allen
Stream where a variety of fresh water fish species can
befound.
Cot Trail, Montserrat
The "Cot" located also in the Centre Hills.
The Hike starts abovetheNational Trust Compound. Highlights
include the ruins of "The Cot",the onetime summer
cottage of the influential Sturge Family. A hike through
thelush vegetation also affords breathtaking views of
the villages belowincluding some of the Exclusion Zone.
A duck pond is located further alongthe trail.
Runaway Ghaut Trail, Montserrat
Runaway Ghaut Trail takes you westward through a winding
decent. Highlightsinclude lush riparian rain forest. A
number of fruit trees can be seenenroute. There are also
more than 20 species of birds which may be seenalong the
trail.
Duberry-Cassava Trail, Montserrat
Duberry-Cassava Trail starts in Woodlands. A short walk
will take you to apicnic area and to ruins of unknown
use and origin. This area is ideal fora relaxing afternoon
with the chirping of birds and a trickling steam in thebackground.
Rendezvous Circle Trail, Montserrat
This trail is located in Silver Hills and can beaccessed
either from Drummonds or Little Bay. Highlights of this
trailinclude captivating views of mountains and valleys
of the Centre Hills. Onthis trail you will notice the
distinct difference in vegetation to that ofother parts
of the island. The ruins of Rendezvous Village, the 1st
IrishSettlement on the island dating back to the 17th
Century can be seen on thistrail. The trail then leads
to Bantin Ghaut, which is located close to aneglected
gun battery. A challenging climb is rewarded with a dip
in theinviting Rendezvous beach below the only white sand
beach on Montserrat.
Oriole Complex, Montserrat
The Oriole Complex of the Montserrat National Trust is
located on the mainroad in Olveston. Surrounded by well-established
gardens, the Complexconsists of a reception area and gift
shop. A small reference library and videos on the history
of  Montserrat are available
for use by students and the general public. The Complex
also houses aNatural History Centre which displays interesting
exhibit about the island'shistory and heritage, biodiversity
and marine life.
Jack Boy Hill Viewing Facility, Montserrat
Jack Boy Hill Viewing Facility strategically positioned
to view the volcano and surrounding environs including
the abandoned airport and destroyed Eastern villages.
The Facility includes: - A Viewing Platform - A Concession
Area - Picnic Areas with seating - Toilet Facilities -
A telescope to zoom in on the volcano - A mini-trail -
Barbecue Grills - Landscaped Areas
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