Autumnal holiday ideas in Montserrat

A spec of an island, Montserrat enjoys a reputation to dwarf its size, attracting visitors from around the globe to its mountain rainforests, black-sand beaches and luscious climate.

Located in the Leeward Islands, it is just 16 kilometres long and nearly as wide, blessing it with over 40 kilometres of coastline – all covered with the bold colours of flamboyant trees, brilliant red hibiscus and the magical scent of blooming frangipani.

With a population of fewer than 5,000 it is also surprisingly tranquil, especially compared with some of its illustrious neighbours (including Dominica and Antigua) – allowing for an escape from life's frenetic pace.

This autumn is also a fascinating time to visit, with some interesting new developments adding activities to the already exciting allure of the island.

What's new this year on Montserrat?

First up, Montserrat has seen the opening of a new diving centre – Scuba Montserrat. This brand new dive shop, is run by Andrew Myers and Emmy Aston who bring to the island over 17 years of diving experience. Andrew started his career in the Bahamas in 1991 shooting underwater video, guiding dives and helping new divers.

Emmy became a professional diving instructor in 2004 and has certified over 200 divers to date.

As well as providing diving lessons, and personalised dive and snorkel excursions, Scuba Montserrat can also arrange beach picnics and parties, as well as volcano boat tours with locals who experienced the volcanic eruptions first hand.

For further information visit Dive Destination Montserrat.





Montserrat has also opened its first horseback riding company in recent months.

Zekie’s Horseback Riding Tours gives visitors a new way to explore the island, walking four different trips. These include the Belham Valley volcanic landscape ride, Old Road Beach ride, swimming with the horses and, for experienced riders, a rainforest ride.

Riders of all abilities are welcomed but children have to be over the age of six and accompanied by an adult. Prices start at $50 (£28) per person, with riding lessons on offer from $25 (£14) an hour, while horse rental is also possible.

International fishermen will also be angling their way to Montserrat on October 25th 2008 when the 14th Annual Fishing Tournament takes place. The competition is organised by the Montserrat Fisherman’s Cooperative and supported by the Montserrat Tourist Board.

The event takes place in the stunning waters of Little Bay, in the northwest of Montserrat, which offers sport fishing enthusiasts some fantastic chances to reel in a catch.

In spite of – and partly due to – the volcanic eruptions that have taken place on the island for the past 11 years, Montserrat’s waters feature a wide and challenging variety of game fish including marlin, tuna and kingfish.

Registration for the competition costs €125 (£98) per person on each boat, and overseas visitors are welcome to enter the tournament.

Those who do not have their own boat can contact the Montserrat Fishermen’s Cooperative by emailing mwilson@candw.ms to be put in touch with local boat owners, with the competition rules and further details to be found at Visit Montserrat.

Finally, neighbouring Antigua will be hosting the Stanford 20/20 cricket game on November 1st. The match, between the West Indian 'Stanford Superstars' and England, will see the teams compete for a mighty US $20 million (£11 million) prize.

The high-stakes match is expected to attract spectators from both sides of the Atlantic, so visitors who have not yet booked might find accommodation in Antigua is in high demand.

As an alternative, visitors are invited to take advantage of the plentiful villa accommodation and warm welcome offered in Montserrat. The island is just a 20-minute flight from Antigua and offers a beautiful and relaxing base for a Caribbean holiday.

Christmas on Montserrat

Montserrat’s December Festival is one of the highlights of the year and is an opportunity to showcase the island’s culture and performing talent.

The Festival begins on December 12th this year and climaxes on New Years Day with a big street parade involving the whole community.

Montserrat’s version of the traditional Caribbean carnival has its own unique flavour due to the island’s mixed cultural heritage and also because of its occurrence over Christmas. Each year it is very family-oriented, offering smaller, more intimate activities in a relaxed, friendly and safe atmosphere.

Among the many events taking place are masquerade performances, informal street dancing, a night of steelpan, pageant shows, a Calypso competition and also carol singing on Christmas Day.

What else is there on Montserrat?

Montserrat is perhaps most famous in the international conscience as the location of the volcanic eruption which shook the island in 1997. The event saw pyroclastic flows and surges sweep down the north-eastern flanks of the volcano causing the abandonment of the W H Bramble Airport.





However, the island has since more than recovered and now offers visitors a rare chance to view an active volcano from a safe distance – including from a vantage point at Jack Boy Hill.

Another recommended vantage point for viewing Plymouth – a modern day Pompeii, buried deep in ash and volcanic debris - and surrounding areas is Garibaldi Hill, although this requires a four-wheel drive vehicle or a steep climb to appreciate the view from the summit.

The island is also fabulous dive site for enthusiasts of all abilities.

Diveable areas abound, reaching from Old Road Bluff in the west to the North West Bluff, around the northern shore line towards Hell’s Gate in the north-east corner of the island.

Further sites then spread along the eastern shore towards the border of the Volcanic Maritime Exclusion Zone, incorportating more than 20 kilometres of coastline – all of which offer access coral, tropical fish and other exotic undersea life, such as spotted rays, sea turtles and sponges.

For further information visit Dive Montserrat.

The mountainous landscape of Montserrat hides many treasures, from lush rain-forests to fruit-laden trees of mango, papaya, coconut and banana – all of which can be explored in a variety of ways.

For example, the island features a number of walking trails suited to new and experienced walkers alike. Some of the trails are quite strenuous, so if you are not an experienced hiker and are going for the first time, it is advised you to go with a guide.

Horse baking riding, mountain biking, trekking and are all also encouraged – along with bird and turtle watching excursions.

The Centre Hills Project, which provides the last viable habitat for many species of globally threatened and endemic wildlife (including the Montserrat oriole, mountain chicken, galliwasp lizard, and several species of plants), is also worth a visit.

Where to stay

Despite its size, guest accommodation on the island ranges from intimate guesthouses and small boutique hostelries to grand oceanfront villas with pools and full staff.

Some of the best include the luxury Tropical Mansion Suites and slightly cheaper Hot Rock Hostel.

Chris O'Toole