Top 11 Things To Do on Montserrat Island (Emerald Isle)
Is this your first time hearing of Montserrat?
No, not the mountain range in Spain but the Caribbean Island just southwest of Antigua. Montserrat Island is part of the Leeward Islands and a British Territory. Known to many as the Emerald Isle primarily for its coastal resemblance to Ireland as well as many of its inhabitants.
When you’re visiting Montserrat you won’t find any chain restaurants, large resorts or tourist traps. Montserrat was on its way to becoming the next big tourist destination in the Caribbean, but that changed forever when the Soufrière Hills volcano eruptions took place in the mid 1990’s. In my opinion, now is the best time to visit the island as less people know about it so you can get the full authentic experience.
In this post, I’ve created a list of 11 things you must do when you are visiting Montserrat island. I will also list some helpful information for when you are visiting the Carribean island.
Montserrat Island Highlights
✅ Visit During St.Patrick’s Festival
✅ Hike to Petroglyphs
✅ Drink from Runaway Ghaut
My Favorite Things To Do On Montserrat Island In The Caribbean
There are so many different things to do on Montserrat Island from hiking to visiting the old and new city that it’ll be simple to fill your itinerary with exciting adventures.
1. Tour the Buried City, Plymouth
To have a complete understanding of Montserrat’s history, you must go on a Montserrat island tour. The tour guide Sun will give you an in-depth history lesson of the island from a true local. Sun was living on the island when the volcano erupted and his stories are incredibly moving.
I’d recommend adding on the Exclusion Zone excursion so you can visit the Buried City. The photos you may find online don’t do justice to the power of standing in a place where an entire city once stood. This tour also includes access to the Hilltop Coffee shop which is home to many artifacts and memorabilia recovered from Plymouth.
Shan’s tip: The tour with Sun includes a stop at The Montserrat Volcano Observatory. However, if you are traveling outside of the tour, the observatory is worth a visit. The Observatory is active and includes footage of the eruptions in the 1990s as well as photographs. There is also a nice little gift shop at the observatory.
2. Visit during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival occurs over a two-week period in March not only celebrating St. Patrick’s but also honoring a failed slavery uprising on the island. If you want to see the island when it is the most lively and vibrant, this is the best time to visit Montserrat.
Shan’s tip: If you are looking to visit during the Festival, it’s recommended that you book your flights and accommodations at least 6-9 months in advance.
3. Explore the Montserrat Trust Botanic Garden
The National Trust is primarily volunteer operated by locals both on and off the island. The Botanic Garden focuses on preserving plants found on the island. There is a 5 EC charge to enter on your own or you can pay 15 EC to go on a guided tour of the gardens.
Shan’s tip: If you drive a bit further south on Salem Road, you’ll find Luv’s Cotton Store. Luv’s is family owned and operated. You can find anything from homemade clothing to table runners and place mats.
4. Hike to the Petroglyphs
There are two trails that you can hike to get to the Petroglyphs. The first trail is Soldiers Ghaut which starts at the beach and is an uphill climb. This trail is only recommended to folks with good stamina and when the Ghaut is dry.
The other trail is the Dry Waterfall Trail, see more about this hike below.
Whether you take the Soldiers Ghaut or Dry Waterfall trail, it’s strongly recommended that you go with a guide as they are very easy to miss. Scriber’s Adventures is a fantastic hiking company to work with.
5. Hike the Dry Waterfall trail
The trail is fairly easy, especially when it is dry. If there has been significant rain, the trail can become quite challenging. The waterfall only runs when there has been significant rain/ during the rainy season which is typically from July to November.
Shan’s tip: If you are passionate about birds, I’d recommend hiking with Scriber or one of his guides since they’ll be more equipped with calling and finding birds than you would on your own.
6. Spend a day at the beach
All of the beaches on Montserrat Island are public, there are a couple that allow you to cook in designated fire spaces. Learn more about my favorite beaches on Montserrat Island here.
7. Try local goat water
Goat water is the national dish of Montserrat. It is traditionally served on Friday’s at almost every local spot on the island. Ask the locals which spot they recommend and get there early as they only make one batch a week.
8. Spend time at Montserrat Animal Protection Society (MAPS)
MAPS is a wonderful organization owned and operated by folks on the Island. Every Sunday they let volunteers come and walk the dogs in the shelter so they can get some exercise. Depending on what time of year you are visiting Montserrat, there are fundraising events that help give back to the organization
9. Attend an event at the Montserrat Cultural Center
The Center was funded by Sir George Martin, famed music producer from the United Kingdom. You can catch a concert, educational seminar or local festival at the Center. Check out their website for their calendar of events.
⭐️ Fun fact: Before Hurricane Hugo and the volcano eruptions, Sir George Martin had a recording studio, AIR Studio, on the island where several famous artists including Elton John, The Rolling Stones and members of The Beatles.
10. Visit The National Museum of Montserrat
The National Museum is also owned and operated by the National Trust. The Museum is small but mighty with a fantastic new exhibit on the first people of Montserrat, the Amerindians. I’d recommend carving out an hour or two to enjoy the exhibits and check out the gift shop.
There is a 10 EC fee to enter the Museum.
11. Drink from Runaway Ghaut
The Runaway Ghaut is right off the main road in Salem. Today, there is an urban legend that if you drink the water from Runaway Ghaut, you’ll return to Montserrat. Don’t leave Montserrat without drinking some of this water!
Where to eat on Montserrat Island
Be advised that most restaurants recommend calling ahead to make sure they are open and they can accommodate your group size.
- Isle Bay Beach Bar
- Attic
- Olveston House
Is Montserrat Worth Visiting?
Yes! Montserrat is an incredible country rich in history and culture. It’s a perfect place to truly unplug since it’s not as popular as many of the other islands in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for luxury, this is not the place for you.
How can you visit Montserrat island?
Traveling to Montserrat island does require quite a bit of coordination. You’ll need to travel to Antigua first before arriving in Montserrat. I recommend spending a day in Antigua just in case your flights are late. Here is a list of five things to do in Antigua for a 24 hour layover.
There are two airlines, FlyMontserrat and SVG that fly directly between Antigua and Montserrat. The flight is less than 20 minutes and the views are spectacular. If you have a fear of flying or being in small spaces, this might not be the best option as the planes seat 6 passengers in total.
Montserrat also offers a ferry service throughout the year. Be sure to check their website as they do stop service during the slow season. A roundtrip ticket is $210 USD and the ride is about 90 minutes.
Shan’s tip: If you are flying between islands, put “in transit” on your customs paperwork to help expedite your experience at the airport.
How do you travel around Montserrat Island?
I’d recommend renting a car for your time on Montserrat island so you have the freedom to travel at your own pace. Before renting a car, you’ll need to acquire a Montserrat drivers permit for 20 EC at the police headquarters. The rental car company can help you with the permit paperwork prior to your arrival. There are also plenty of taxi drivers that you can call ahead of time to help get you around the island.
Where to stay on Montserrat Island?
As of spring 2024, the only hotel in full operation year-round is the Tropical Mansion located less than ten minutes from the airport. The Olveston House also has a Bed & Breakfast with two rooms available.
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you can rent out a house via Airbnb for an extended time period. Tradewinds Real Estate and Montserrat Villas is a great starting point to explore rentals.
⭐️Fun fact: Montserrat has a great remote work program that allows you to live and work on the island for up to a year.
Final Thoughts
The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean is truly a gem that should be added to your bucket list especially if you like going to places off the beaten path. The islanders are lovely and excited to share their home with visitors.
I hope you found this blog inspiring and helpful as you make plans to visit magical Montserrat island. Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
