Discovering Montserrat – the Caribbean’s “Emerald Isle”

Last updated on April 30th, 2026 at 06:39 pm

If you’re looking for a Caribbean destination that’s off the beaten path but full of character, Montserrat deserves a spot on your radar. Often called the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” thanks to its lush green hills and Irish heritage, this tiny island offers something you won’t find in more crowded destinations.

Montserrat isn’t your typical beach-resort hotspot—and that’s exactly its charm. Here, you’ll find quiet black-sand beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and hiking trails that wind through tropical forests with fabulous views. The island’s history is just as fascinating as its scenery, shaped by the powerful Soufrière Hills volcano, which transformed much of the southern region into a modern-day Pompeii in the 1990s.

What makes Montserrat stand out is its authenticity. There are no big crowds or overbuilt coastlines—just friendly locals, rich culture, and a slower pace of life that invites you to stay a little longer than planned. Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring abandoned villages, or enjoying fresh Caribbean cuisine, Montserrat delivers a travel experience that feels genuine and unforgettable.

It is a fascinating place and definitely interesting to explore so read on and add these things to your Montserrat ‘to do’ list!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

How to get to Montserrat – Fly to Antigua – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight
Then fly from Antigua to Montserrat and back with  ABM/SVG Air or Fly Montserrat.

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or Tripadvisor, or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use all three.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are some great options in Montserrat:

• Scenic Hiking Trail Adventure of Montserrat
• Private CMV Jeep Off Roading Tour in Montserrat
• Montserrat Photo Walk with Local Photographer
• Private Jet Ski Tours

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!

Fun Facts about Caribbean Montserrat

For a bit of interesting background info…

• Its the Irish island! It doesn’t matter what color your eyes, hair, or skin are if you come from Montserrat, you’re considered Irish. As I was told, more than once, “We’re all Irish here.”
• When you arrive you get a shamrock stamp in your passport – they really are fully Irish in spirit!
• St Patrick’s day is the biggest event of the year – it lasts for a whole loud and crazy week and those that have left Montserrat fly in from all around the world to be home for it! In fact, this is the only ‘country’ outside of Ireland, where St Patricks Day is a public holiday.
  Why? Putting a long story short, colonists in the sugar trade not only brought African slaves to the island, but Irish ones too. Many of the black slaves, not having surnames, took Irish names, and the rest is history.
• Why the explosive past? The south of the Emerald Isle was once a green and pleasant land with patchwork fields, small farmhouses, and rural roads with a lush Caribbean backdrop all gently sloping to the sea. The farmland looked straight out of England (but with sun). That was, until the 1990s when the Soufrière Hills volcano had a massive eruption or two, followed by more over the next few years.
• Following the volcano erupting, two-thirds of the island is now considered uninhabitable. The volcano is monitored 24/7 by expert scientists.
• Before the explosions Montserrat was a real upmarket ex-pat hangout!
• Sir George Martin had a recording studio here and everyone who was anyone in the 1980s music world recorded here before the volcano blew up.
  Look at this line up……. Dire Straits, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Duran Duran, Black Sabbath, The Tourists (later Eurythmics), Little River Band, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Lou Reed, Michael Jackson, Rush, Sheena Easton, and Jimmy Buffett!!

The 10 best things to do in Montserrat!

1. Visit the Pompeii of the Caribbean on a volcano tour

Absolutely top of the list of the best things to do in Montserrat – and definitely very unique is a volcano tour! You can only visit on a tour. Visit part of what was once the thriving capital of the island – Plymouth.

Your guide will take you to places on the edge of the old city that are half buried by the volcano – but you can still get into and walk around. Most of the land and buildings were swallowed up in the lava and ash – like the church where only the spire remains above ground. It is eerie and fascinating all at once.

I also loved driving around and poking my nose into the very 1970s upmarket housing area close by on Richmond Hill. The homes were not impacted by the eruption but the area is in the exclusion zone so they are abandoned. Oh would I love to have one of them to do up in the original style!! Gorgeous.

You can take this Private CMV Jeep Off Roading Tour in Montserrat. I can’t comment but it does have very good reviews. So do check with them.

We went with Sunny from Montserrat Island Tours and had a really good time of it. Sunny is passionate, but also has been on the island since forever and knew Plymouth before the eruptions. Important to note that to get to the thick of things in terms of the eruption areas, you need someone that has a permit to take you into Zone V – Sunny has this. He has also worked at the Observatory (see 2) and so really knows a lot of ‘volcano stuff’ through hands on work. (P.S. I’m not getting paid for this – it was just really good!)

2. Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory

The Volcano Observatory is a great place to take photos of the volcano, and to see the valley between the observatory and the volcano. The exhibits are relatively basic but very informative. Don’t miss the 20 min documentary film – its very good!

3. Visit the Hilltop Cafe

Actually you should probably start here because Dave will tell you many a tale about the island and it’s glory days.

Those were the upmarket days before the eruptions when George Martin has his AIR recording studio on the island. His knowledge of the music recorded in AIR Studios is mighty good – and as for his collection of memorabilia – it is absolutely not to be missed.

Even better you can have plenty of tasty treat while you are browsing and listening. And if that’s not enough, you can stay with them on Gingerbread Hill.

4. Stay or eat with the ghosts of superstars in Sir George Martin’s Olveston House

Olveston House is a plantation-style guest home which you can visit, dine at or stay. It rivals the top of the list for the best things to do in Montserrat because it was once the temporary home of many many superstars!

Sir George Martin bought Olveston House in 1980 and had many of his famous artists staying here while they recorded in his AIR Studios. Think The Beatles, Police, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Michael Jackson…….

One of the absolute highlights of Olveston House, is the line up of original photos taken by Linda McCartney of Paul and John – mostly taken around 1982-3. A glimpse into their ‘real’ lives. Plus you can see some of the Golden Discs they won!!

5. Go hiking and look for the endangered Mountain Chicken Frog

Of course on Montserrat there is some pretty nice hiking on offer. You don’t need a guide but it might make at least one of these walks more interesting for you! Scriber offers guided walks ont hese trails.

You may see the rare and national bird – the Oriole while you are walking. And you might see the Mountain chicken frog – an endangered frog found only on Montserrat and Dominica. As it was nearly extinct on Montserrat there has been a lot of work to preserve the species and get them thriving again.

Download the AllTrails app and try and get onto a couple of these trails. AllTrails links are given for each:

Blackwood Allen Trail – the top of the list! This walk has a stream with fish, as well as a chance to see the Oriole (national bird) and the Heliconia flowers (national flower). Its not hard for great views and the bonus of the stream. Better still, learn as you go and don’t get lost on this Scenic Hiking Trail Adventure of Montserrat. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours return.

Dry Waterfall Trail – You can combine this one with the Blackwood Allen Trail to make a longer hike. Cool! On its own it takes about 1 hr 45 mins.

Runaway Ghaut Trail – from the road its about 1.5 hours to go up the mountain, back down to the sea and back up again. This is a really lush green Ghaut with huge banyan trees, and plenty of fern trees. The little spring at the road is a tourist attraction – they say if you drink from it you will return. (I did, and did return, so it must be true!) Its not much other than clean water and a bit of fun before or after your walk. This is the only one not on AllTrails but I have linked to the start point.

Jackboy Hill Trail – about 1 hour one way. You get great views from the lookout. You can combine it with the Katie Hill tail to make a longer walk.

Oriole Walkway – This is another very green walk, with plenty of bright tropical flowers as you go, and the added bonus of the chance to see an Oriole (the national bird) and the mountain chicken frog. Sadly, not for me, but it was still a lovely walk and one not to miss. It starts up behind the Hilltop Cafe and there is a panoramic view at the end. You can get a bus back down! It takes about 1 – 1.5 hours one way.

Duberry-Cassava Trail – a short walk in Woodlands to a picnic area, some ruins and a stream. Just nice to stretch the legs a little bit. About 45 mins one way.

Rendezvous Beach Trail – about 1.5 hours return walking time, but take your swimwear and sunblock! You’re most likely going to spend more time there than just the walk! the walk is an up and down one with a few harder spots but nothing major. If you cant find the trail head just ask a local – its not too obvious!

6. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or jetski in beautiful clear water

There are a few beaches on Montserrat but in my humble opinion, these are the best! One way to get a good look at some of them is on this Private Jet Ski Tour. Check them out, then decide where you will relax later!

Rendezvous Beach – the one and only white sand beach on Montserrat. It takes about 45 mins to walk there – from Little Bay you climb quite steeply over a saddle, then down into the valley and beach. It not only has white sand but is a prime snorkelling spot. Watch out for the prickly bushes and take water and sunscreen. But, there’s an easy way. Either hire a kayak or get a ride on a snorkeling tour with Scuba Montserrat.

Lime Kiln Beach – this is an important nesting beach for sea turtles on Montserrat. It is a very pretty short walk through a picnic area and under almond trees to an even prettier beach! Better for shore diving than swimming but pretty and a great place for a picnic or chill out.

New Beach -literally a new beach from the impact of the eruption! You have to climb down a rocky slope to get to the beach but its just cool because its new! Not for swimming – lots of currents.

Isles Bay – Apart from walking along the beach I didn’t get much further than the chilled out vibe at the Hanks Isle Bay Beach Bar. What more is there to say!

Woodlands Beach – big and beautiful! It’s a black sand beach that is also good for turtles, swimming and snorkeling. Sometimes a bit of current but generally a favorite and its easy to see why.

7. Go diving and explore Montserrat’s underwater world

There are 50 dive sites on this little island! You can learn to dive or be as experienced as you like. No – I cant dive due to my ears so snorkelling has to do it for me. But just check out these pictures of what’s on offer with Scuba Montserrat.

8. Who can resist turtles?

Not me no matter how often I’ve seen them. Montserrat has Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles and from May to December they nest on the beaches around the island. The best beaches are Isle’s Bay, Old Road Bay, Lime Kiln Bay, Woodlands Beach and Bumkum Bay.

There are guides on the island for turtle viewing, but if you are going to go alone, be aware – no bright lights, keep your distance and be respectful of the turtles. Guided turtle trips can be taken with Scriber or John Jeffers (+1 664 496 3886).

9. Drive to the east to the Jack Boy Hill Lookout

I found it an fascinating drive to the eastern side of the island and from the spectacular views from the lookout you can see the new land created by the eruption and imagine where the old airport used to be. This gives you the ‘back side’ view of the volcano and there is a little trail to follow as well as a telescope to zoom in on the devastated area. The power of nature!

10. Eat at a truly local cafe

The island has about 30 places to eat so clearly I cant talk about them all, but given the melting pot of African, Irish, and Caribbean it would be sad to not go very local and try some of the tiny cafes as well as the ‘fancier’ places.

My absolute favorite was “The Attic” near Olveston – the rotis are simply fabulous darling!! So are the quesadillas to be fair. They also have the absolute best fruit drinks from ginger beer to tamarind to gooseberry juice – and I’m pretty sure I tried them all!

JJ’s Cuisine is great for cheesecake, and Emerald Rose in St Johns or The People’s Place for the real local deal of Goat Water and Souse.

Dishes you will hear about, and hopefully try, are Goat water, lobster burgers, coconut scallops and saltfish! Of course the fresh juices made from local fruits like mangoes, guavas, soursop, and tamarind are perfection.

The Isles Bay Beach Bar is worth a mention – not so much for the food which is mostly standard bar food, but for the vibe – it has been nominated often for the Best Caribbean Beach Bar. Can’t really go wrong with that!

finally – don’t forget Olveston House. Its worth at least one meal (which are very good) just to be in the house and see some of the Beatles!

11. Find out more about the island at the Montserrat National Museum

The Montserrat National Museum is small but impressive for such a small place and population. You learn a lot about the interesting history and culture of the island. I don’t know if I was just lucky, but the staff were great too and explained a lot to us!

12. Learn from a local – and get some great shots while you are at it!

If you like to chat to locals and learn about them and their lives, and like to take photographs, then this Montserrat Photo Walk with Local Photographer is for you. You walk around the Little Bay area with your photographer guide for approximately 2 hours, and will receive 20 portrait photos after the walk. Fun and interesting!

Frequently Asked Questions about Caribbean Montserrat

Q: How do I get to Montserrat?
A: Fly to Antigua – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight
Then fly from Antigua to Montserrat and back with  ABM/SVG Air or Fly Montserrat.

Q: What money do they use in Montserrat?
A: Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$) and you can use credit cards in some places e.g. for car rental. You need cash for small stores and eateries though.

Q: Is it safe in Montserrat?
A: Very safe in terms of crime. The volcano is fully monitored so you are kept safe from it too.

Q: Are there good beaches in Montserrat?
A: Yes, but they’re different from typical white sand Caribbean beaches. Montserrat has a mix of black-sand beaches and white sand beaches. They are much much quieter than most Caribbean beaches – very pleasant!

Q: What language do they speak in Montserrat?
A: English

Q: When is the best time to go to Montserrat?
A: Montserrat has a tropical climate with average year round temperatures between 24 and 32C (76 to 88 F). There is also a very pleasant constant breeze keeping you from getting hot and sweaty! The rainy season and hurricane season is June – October. So visit from November to June to avoid hurricanes. And if you want be there for the wild St Patricks Day celebrations – around March 17th is your time!

Q: Can I drink the water in Montserrat?
A: Montserrat has great drinking water and it is perfectly safe to drink from the tap. 

Travel Tips for Montserrat

Transport – there are buses that run along the main road. There is no timetable but you just wait and wave one down when you see it. It is a good idea to take a tour to get to know aobut the island, but then to rent a car for some of the time you are here just to explore!

Driving – is on the left-hand side of the road, and a valid driver’s license and a temporary Montserrat driver’s license are required. Its easy to get this from the Police Station.

Respect the volcanic exclusion zone – parts of the island remain restricted due to volcanic activity. Always follow local guidance and only visit these areas with authorized tours.

Bring cash – some places accept cards, but smaller shops and restaurants prefer cash. (Eastern Caribbean dollars are used).

Book accommodation in advance – options are limited compared to larger islands, so book ahead.

Talk to locals – some of the best recommendations will come from the people who live here – and they are often very interesting to chat to.

Money saving tips for Montserrat –
1. Check if your accommodation does free pick up from the airport or harbor to save a taxi fare.
2. Try the local buses – its fun and cheap, but walking is a good option too.
3. Stay somewhere with self-catering and eat at the very local small cafes and restaurants to save money on food.
4. Enjoy the outdoors – there are some lovely walks and beaches on the island as well as great snorkelling. It all comes free – although, of course, you can do a snorkel trip, diving, jetski trip etc.

Where to Stay in Montserrat

There are not as many options in Montserrat as in a big resort area or city but there are still enough to satisfy most people. These are highly rated hotels and villas:

Medium range – Daily View, or JACU Villa or Luxury Spacious Villa with Aircon or Gingerbread Hill

Budget – Daily Spot Apartment or Old Town Studio with Separate Affiliated Pool House

For a full villa – Paradise Villa or Royal Grande – At Mango Villas or JACU Villa or Luxury Spacious Villa with Aircon

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