4-Day Montserrat Volcano Explorer: Plymouth & Soufrière Hills

Tour Overview

Explore the fascinating Caribbean island of Montserrat on this 4-day volcano explorer tour, from the buried city of Plymouth (the modern Pompeii) to the active Soufrière Hills Volcano, the beautiful black sand beaches, and the lush rainforests. Known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean for its Irish heritage and lush green landscape, Montserrat offers a unique blend of natural beauty, volcanic landscapes, and resilient culture.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Montserrat & Brades

Arrive at John A. Osborne Airport (Montserrat), or take a ferry from Antigua (approximately 1.5 hours). Transfer to your hotel or guesthouse in the safe northern part of the island (Brades, Salem, or Olveston). Explore Brades, the de facto capital of Montserrat since the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano in 1995, with its government buildings, banks, shops, and restaurants. Visit the Montserrat National Trust (a museum and cultural center documenting the history, culture, and natural heritage of Montserrat), the Little Bay (the new capital being built, with its beautiful beach and marina), and the nearby Carr’s Bay and Little Bay beaches. Evening welcome dinner with Montserratian cuisine including goat water (a spicy goat stew, the national dish), saltfish, ducana (sweet potato dumplings), and fresh seafood. Overnight in Montserrat.

Day 2: Plymouth Exclusion Zone & Volcano Viewing

Morning take a guided tour of the Plymouth Exclusion Zone (the former capital of Montserrat, which was buried by volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows during the 1995-2010 eruptions of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, often called the modern Pompeii). The exclusion zone is only accessible with an official guide and requires a permit. Drive through the abandoned streets of Plymouth, seeing the buried buildings, the former government buildings, the old courthouse, the police station, the hospital, the schools, and the former port, all partially buried under layers of volcanic ash and mud. Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) at the edge of the exclusion zone, where scientists monitor the Soufrière Hills Volcano 24/7. Learn about the 1995 eruption and the ongoing volcanic activity, see the monitoring equipment, and enjoy the stunning views of the volcano and the buried city from the observation points. Visit the Jack Boy Hill viewing point (with its stunning views of the volcano, the pyroclastic flow deposits, and the former airport which was destroyed by the eruption). After lunch, visit the Soufrière Hills Volcano viewing areas (the volcano is currently in a state of calm but is still considered active, with its lava dome visible from various viewing points). Visit the nearby areas that were affected by the eruption, seeing the volcanic deposits and the recovering landscape. Evening return to the safe zone. Dinner with local cuisine. Overnight in Montserrat.

Day 3: Nature, Beaches & Hiking

Morning explore the natural beauty of Montserrat. Visit the Centre Hills (a lush rainforest area in the center of the island, home to the endangered Montserrat oriole (the national bird), the mountain chicken frog (one of the largest frogs in the world, critically endangered), and many other species of birds, reptiles, and plants). Take a guided hike through the rainforest, enjoying the beautiful scenery, the diverse flora and fauna, and the stunning views. Visit the Silver Hill (the highest point on the island at 403 meters, with its panoramic views of the island and the ocean). After lunch, visit the beautiful beaches of Montserrat: Woodlands Beach (a beautiful black sand beach in the safe zone, with its calm water and stunning views, the most popular beach on the island), Little Bay Beach (a beautiful beach with its calm water and the new marina), Carr’s Bay (a beautiful beach with its historic ruins), and Bunkum Bay (a secluded beach with its beautiful scenery). Visit the Rendezvous Beach (a beautiful white sand beach on the eastern side of the island, accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean). Take a boat trip around the island, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, the volcanic cliffs, and the beautiful coves. Visit the tidal pools at Carr’s Bay for swimming and snorkeling. Evening enjoy a beach barbecue with fresh seafood and local cuisine. Overnight in Montserrat.

Day 4: Culture, History & Departure

Morning explore the culture and history of Montserrat. Visit the St. Patrick’s Church (a historic church in Lookout, built by the Irish settlers who came to Montserrat in the 17th century, Montserrat has a strong Irish heritage and is the only country outside of Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday). Visit the Montserrat Cultural Centre (a beautiful cultural center in Little Bay, built with funding from George Martin (the Beatles’ producer), who had a home and recording studio (AIR Studios) on Montserrat before the eruption). Visit the ruins of the old AIR Studios in the exclusion zone (if accessible) or learn about the island’s musical heritage (many famous artists recorded albums at AIR Studios Montserrat in the 1970s and 1980s, including the Rolling Stones, Dire Straits, Elton John, and Paul McCartney). Visit the National Museum and the various historic sites on the island. After lunch, do some last-minute shopping for local crafts, Montserratian products, and souvenirs. Visit the Montserrat Distillery (if open) for a tasting of local rum. Transfer to John A. Osborne Airport or the ferry terminal for your departure. Concluding your 4-day Montserrat volcano explorer tour.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses