Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, is a Caribbean Island with the sun, the sea, and wildlife in quiet surrounding. Over there, you’ll have an incredible experience far away from the devastation wrought by its volcano. If you’re an adventure lover, this will be the right place for you.
Things to do
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory
If you want to observe volcanic activity from a safe place, this will be the ideal site. Here you will find the right spot to start your trip. At first, you’ll see a short film detailing the recent violent history of this volcano. Then, you’ll see some haunting video filmed before the capital city of Plymouth was evacuated.
Although you will not approach the volcano, you will be able to ask the staff that accompanies you whatever you want. Finally, you’ll have an unimpeded view of the place and its surrounding áreas. You’ll see abandoned homes, the Belham River Valley and glimpses of Plymouth.
Jack Boy Hill
Another incredible option to observe the Soufriere Hills volcano is Jack Boy Hill. This is the most visitor-friendly place right next to the volcano. Over there, you can also find a snack bar and a barbecue area that can be used for events. Also, if you want to see what happens at nighttime, you can do it in this attraction. In fact, sometimes the volcano glows with pyroclastic fire and smoking bulders at night.
Belham River Valley
For the adventure lovers, here they will get a close view of what the Soufriere Hills volcano explosion left. Over there, you’ll feel and understand the scale of destruction this volcano can cause. Also, you can make a road across the hardened mud, leading to a community of still-occupied homes in Isles Bay. Finally, you’ll get to see the ruins of the clubhouse as well as the skeletal remains of trees.
How to get there
You can get to Montserrat Island from Antigua Airport (ANU). It is a 20-minute flight for $27 to 290 USD. Once there, you can only get to Plymouth and the Soufriere Volcano with special permissions. There are different helicopter tours and guided tours you can book.
When to go
You can go to Montserrat at any time of the year except for St. Patrick’s day (March 17). They don’t work on that day.
How long
To have a complete adventure and all the information about this mysterious volcano I recommend you to take around 2-3 days.
Opening and Closing Hours
- Montserrat Volcano Observatory: it opens from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m
- Jack Boy Hill: it doesn’t have a specific schedule but you’ll need around 4 to 8 hours to enjoy this attraction.
- Belham River Valley: it opens from Mondays to Saturdays at 7 a.m to 10 p.m. On Sundays it opens at 8 a.m
Planning
Since the volcanic eruption, traveling to this island has become extremely restricted. If you really want to get to know this magnificent attraction it is extremely important that you book your tour in advance. Not everyone has access to the volcano area, you must need special permission to enter it so it’s better to be with an authorized guide. Also, there aren’t many hotels on the island. However, you can go to the Gingerbread Hill and Tropical Mansions Suits.
Inside Information
In this place, you will find an island which has been divided into an exclusion zone (with the volcano) and another which you can access more easily. Keep in mind that there are no tourist buses or parking. You will only find your guide, your police on duty, some goats and chickens.
History
Around 1979 different explosions and seismic movements were registered. From them began to emerge gigantic rivers of lava out of the crater of this volcano. As a result, 15,000 of the island’s 100,000 population had to evacuate. Then, in 1995, the volcano woke up again and threw ash and mud on the old capital of the island: Plymouth. Finally, in 1997, the most important eruption occurred in which the village of Plymouth was buried and 19 people died.
Today, this volcano is kept under surveillance even though there is a hiking area around it.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Rendezvous Bay
In Montserrat, you’ll have the opportunity not only for exploring but also to visit this beautiful white sandy beach. Over here, you’ll be able to swim, snorkel and dive. Also, you can get there by kayak if you want a far more pleasant adventure.
Hilltop Coffee House & Family Center
To spend a great time with your family this is the place is a must-do. Over here, you’ll find an art gallery, a community center, and an incredible museum. You can get into the Monserrat’s culture while you have a juice or cuppa on the verandah. Also, you’ll get to know its founder, the filmmaker David Lea and you’ll see a documentary about his life.
Montserrat Cultural Center
Full of music and culture history this place will give you an unforgettable experience. You’ll start your tour by learning everything about George Martin. This man was the donator of the stately performance hall. Also, you’ll see an incredible “Wall of Fame” features bronze handprints of famous musicians who recorded at Martin’s studios.
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