Mark Read

Montserrat

Montserrat is one of the Caribbean's most dramatic islands, not only in terms of its soaring peaks and rainforest-covered hillsides, but also due to the cataclysmic eruptions of the Soufrière Hills Volcano that took place in the late 1990s. Hundreds of successive eruptions devastated the tiny island, leading to the abandonment of the capital Plymouth and the removal of the entire population from the island's lower two-thirds, the repercussions of which are still felt today.

Two decades later, this modern-day Pompeii is slowly recovering. The population is growing, and sand-mining and geothermal energy provide new sources of income. Tourists are returning too, a trickle to be sure and mostly for volcano-related day trips, but those who stay are drawn by the slow rhythm of life, friendly locals, fabulous hiking and birdwatching, and the blessedly tranquil ambience of the old Caribbean, where gated communities and cruise ships are yet to arrive.

Explore Montserrat

H
Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center
A must-see on any Montserrat visit, this nonprofit cafe founded by filmmaker David Lea and his wife Clover does multi-duty as museum, art gallery,…
R
Rendezvous Bay
Montserrat’s only white sandy beach is a lovely (though totally facility-free) crescent perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It can only be…
M
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Scientists at the MVO keep track of the volcano’s every belch and hiccup. At the interpretation center, an 18-minute documentary by local filmmaker David…
J
Jack Boy Hill
After about a 3-mile drive south along the east coast (from where the main road reaches the coast), the badly battered road turns into the hills and leads…
R
Runaway Ghaut
Ghauts (pronounced 'guts') are steep ravines that send rainwater rushing down from the mountains into the sea. The most famous on the island is Runaway…
N
National Museum of Montserrat
This modest little museum presents exhibits on aspects of island culture and history from Amerindian times to the present, including photos and dioramas…
W
Woodlands Beach
About halfway down the western coast, this easily accessible dark-sand beach is often footprint-free but has little shade. A covered clifftop picnic area…
B
Belham Valley
Now buried under mud and volcanic debris, Belham Valley used to be home to an 18-hole golf course, a bridge and a three-story building. After heavy rain,…
I
Isles Bay
This small beach at the mouth of the Belham River is great for swimming and is home to a popular beach barn and restaurant. It gets busy with locals on…

H
Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center
A must-see on any Montserrat visit, this nonprofit cafe founded by filmmaker David Lea and his wife Clover does multi-duty as museum, art gallery,…
R
Rendezvous Bay
Montserrat’s only white sandy beach is a lovely (though totally facility-free) crescent perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It can only be…
M
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Scientists at the MVO keep track of the volcano’s every belch and hiccup. At the interpretation center, an 18-minute documentary by local filmmaker David…
J
Jack Boy Hill
After about a 3-mile drive south along the east coast (from where the main road reaches the coast), the badly battered road turns into the hills and leads…
R
Runaway Ghaut
Ghauts (pronounced 'guts') are steep ravines that send rainwater rushing down from the mountains into the sea. The most famous on the island is Runaway…
N
National Museum of Montserrat
This modest little museum presents exhibits on aspects of island culture and history from Amerindian times to the present, including photos and dioramas…
W
Woodlands Beach
About halfway down the western coast, this easily accessible dark-sand beach is often footprint-free but has little shade. A covered clifftop picnic area…
B
Belham Valley
Now buried under mud and volcanic debris, Belham Valley used to be home to an 18-hole golf course, a bridge and a three-story building. After heavy rain,…
I
Isles Bay
This small beach at the mouth of the Belham River is great for swimming and is home to a popular beach barn and restaurant. It gets busy with locals on…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Montserrat.

See
Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center
A must-see on any Montserrat visit, this nonprofit cafe founded by filmmaker David Lea and his wife Clover does multi-duty as museum, art gallery,…
See
Rendezvous Bay
Montserrat’s only white sandy beach is a lovely (though totally facility-free) crescent perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It can only be…
See
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Scientists at the MVO keep track of the volcano’s every belch and hiccup. At the interpretation center, an 18-minute documentary by local filmmaker David…
See
Jack Boy Hill
After about a 3-mile drive south along the east coast (from where the main road reaches the coast), the badly battered road turns into the hills and leads…
See
Runaway Ghaut
Ghauts (pronounced 'guts') are steep ravines that send rainwater rushing down from the mountains into the sea. The most famous on the island is Runaway…
See
National Museum of Montserrat
This modest little museum presents exhibits on aspects of island culture and history from Amerindian times to the present, including photos and dioramas…
See
Woodlands Beach
About halfway down the western coast, this easily accessible dark-sand beach is often footprint-free but has little shade. A covered clifftop picnic area…
See
Belham Valley
Now buried under mud and volcanic debris, Belham Valley used to be home to an 18-hole golf course, a bridge and a three-story building. After heavy rain,…
See
Isles Bay
This small beach at the mouth of the Belham River is great for swimming and is home to a popular beach barn and restaurant. It gets busy with locals on…

Guidebooks

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