Montserrat
Montserrat is a small volcanic island about 20 miles from Antigua. It is an independent state, but its short history as an island nation has been highly traumatic. The Soufriere volcano (Soufriere means Sulfur Mountain in French) errupted, or, rather, literally exploded in 1995. The capital, the harbour, the airport were buried under the lava and ash clouds, basically destroying the country's whole infrastructure. Today, half of the island is off limit to residents and visitors alike; the local population has slowly re-organised its life on the northern, protected, slopes of the mountain; many migrated to the UK and beyond. Montserratis were given British passports soon after the volcanic eruption
This all makes Montserrat a unique place to visit. It is also easy to get to, with regulars flights and ferries linking it to Antigua. Helicopter tours from Antigua are also popular; the views of the volcano are supposed to be stunning.
Plenty of hiking trails and other outdoor activities will fill a few days visit, most of those being centred around the volcano.
This travel Montserrat section is to be developed- input please, full credit given!!!
Till then, the Montserrat tourist board website is a good source of preliminary information!!
Ferry Schedule December 2013 to Montserrat (reproduced from Tourist Board website)
On deck runs day trips to the island in season on some of their yachts.
Fly Montserrat runs scheduled flights to and from Antigua- its is often busy!
Caribbean Helicopters offers fly over charter tours from Antigua.
Fly Montserrat runs scheduled flights to and from Antigua- its is often busy!
Caribbean Helicopters offers fly over charter tours from Antigua.