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Territory of United Kingdom

Caribbean

MontserratTravel guide

Explore Montserrat visa rulesCommon scams in Montserrat

Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, south-east of Puerto Rico. Its northern half has green forests and quiet beaches. Volcanic activity has made much of the southern half inaccessible.

Why go

  1. View the active Soufrière Hills volcano from a safe distance.

  2. Walk through lush tropical forests.

  3. Relax on quiet beaches.

  4. Explore reefs by snorkelling or scuba diving.

  5. See historic ruins at Carr’s Bay and Little Bay.

Getting there

By air

  • Fly Montserrat and BMN Air fly between Antigua and John A. Osborne Airport in northern Montserrat.
  • Antigua has flights from other Caribbean islands, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • The flight from Antigua takes about 20 minutes. The nine-seat aircraft have very limited luggage space.

By sea

  • Ferries from Antigua arrive at Little Bay, north of Brades. Check the schedule in advance, as services have been interrupted before.
  • The Antigua crossing takes about 90 minutes. Passengers are asked to check in 90 minutes before departure.

Getting around

  • Rental car

    Drive on the left. The main road has two lanes and winds along the coast. Traffic is light and there are no traffic lights. There are only two petrol stations on the island. Several businesses rent cars. Get a temporary Montserrat driving licence at the police station in Brades or Salem. Bring your home driving licence, complete a form and pay US$20 or EC$50.

  • Walking and guided walks

    Forest trails vary in difficulty. Some can be walked independently, while others need a guide. Get a trail map from the National Trust or Tourist Information. The Tourist Board has listings of local guides for land excursions.

  • Boat tours

    Diving and tour boats leave from Little Bay. Strong southerly winds and large waves can stop tours for a day or two. The Tourist Board has listings of local boat guides.

What to see and do

  • Soufrière Hills volcano

    The active volcano dominates the southern part of the island. View it from a safe distance and follow exclusion zone limits.

  • Carr’s Bay Gun Battery

    This historic gun battery is now a picnic area.

  • Carr’s Plantation ruins

    The remains of the plantation’s main house are visible at Little Bay.

  • Walk the forest trails

    Explore lush tropical forests on trails of different difficulty. Some routes require a guide.

  • Visit the beaches

    Montserrat’s beaches are quiet, and each is different.

  • Snorkel or scuba dive

    Reefs surround the island and can be explored from shore or by boat. Scuba Montserrat in Little Bay offers equipment, trips and courses.

Food and drink

  • Goat Water

    A local spicy stew made with goat meat and breadfruit.

  • The Attic

    Serves roti for lunch on Olveston Estate Drive.

  • Emerald Rose Restaurant

    Caribbean food in St. Johns. The daily menu is posted on its Facebook page.

  • Gourmet Gardens

    Offers Sunday brunch in Olveston. Eat on a garden-facing patio or inside a traditional gingerbread house.

  • La Colage

    An inexpensive choice in Sweeney’s for Creole food, fast food and local lunches.

  • Tina’s Restaurant

    Serves local lunches in a green wooden building on Brades Main Road. Lunch is listed at EC$50.

Money

Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), written as EC$

  • The Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed at EC$2.70 to US$1.
  • Accommodation prices are often in US dollars. Check which currency a price uses.
  • Bring cash, as shops may not accept debit cards and the ferry takes cash only.
  • The source lists only two cash machines on the island. The Bank of Montserrat machine cannot withdraw money from international accounts.

Typical costs

  • Flights from Antigua are listed at about US$118 one way or US$201.90 return for an adult.
  • The ferry listing, updated January 2024, gives an adult fare of EC$300. Children under 12 pay half price.
  • A temporary driving licence costs US$20 or EC$50.
  • Tina’s Restaurant lists lunch at EC$50.
  • The tourism board lists private villas from US$700 per week.
  • Gingerbread Hill lists accommodation from US$35 to US$125.
  • A weekly car rental example cost about US$250 in 2011. This is an old price.

Language

  • English, using British English with a local accent.

Staying safe

  • Travel into the Soufrière Hills Volcano Hazard Zone in the south is generally not permitted.
  • The Montserrat Volcano Observatory monitors volcanic risk and exclusion zone limits.
  • Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur from June to November.
  • Take general safety precautions, including avoiding alleyways at night.
1 common scams in Montserrat, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Don't

  • Do not feed the iguanas.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is drinkable.
  • The source states that entry vaccinations are only required when arriving from a country affected by a cholera or yellow fever epidemic.
  • Glendon Hospital is in Saint John's. Its phone number is +1 664 491-2552.
  • Lee’s Pharmacy is on Brades Main Road and opens from 9 AM to 7 PM. Its phone number is +1 664 492-3444.

Phone and internet

  • Montserrat Public Library in Brades offers computers for internet access and email. It is next to the BBC Building.

Where to stay

  • The tourism board lists private villas from US$700 per week. Ask whether the total includes accommodation tax and service charges.
  • Essence Guest House in Old Towne offers rooms and an apartment. English, French and Dutch are spoken.
  • Gingerbread Hill in St. Peters offers simpler accommodation and a fully equipped suite, listed at US$35–125. There is also a separate villa.
  • Grand View Bed & Breakfast in Cudjoe Head has seven rooms and a covered patio. Meals can be ordered in advance.

Outdoor adventures in Montserrat

Montserrat has forest walks, quiet beaches and reefs for diving and snorkelling. You can watch birds in Centre Hills and see the active Soufrière Hills volcano from distant viewpoints. Access to volcanic hazard areas is restricted and can change.

  • Centre Hills hiking trails

    HikeCentre Hills

    Choose from eight trails. Get a map from the National Trust or Tourist Information. Guided walks and printed guides are available through the Montserrat National Trust or private operators.

    • Some forest trails need a guide to help you find the way.

  • Jack Boy Hill volcano viewpoint

    More to doEastern Montserrat

    Visit the observation area on Jack Boy Hill to see the volcano and ash flows covering the old airport.

    • The southern volcano hazard zone is generally closed to visitors.
    • Check the Montserrat Volcano Observatory's access map before travelling near hazard areas.

  • Volcano boat tours

    More to doMontserrat coastnear Little Bay or Old Towne

    About 2 hours

    Arrange a boat tour with Hubert ‘Buffy’ Buffonge in Little Bay or Danny Sweeney in Old Towne. Scuba Montserrat in Little Bay also offers volcano boat tours.

    • Boats cannot stop or let passengers ashore in Plymouth.
    • Strong southerly winds and large waves can cancel departures from Little Bay for a day or two.

  • Montserrat reef diving

    Scuba divingReefs around Montserratnear Little Bay

    Contact Scuba Montserrat in Little Bay for diving trips, equipment or a full diving course. Diving is available from shore or by boat.

    • Strong southerly winds and large waves can cancel boat trips from Little Bay.

  • Redonda diving

    Scuba divingRedonda, 15 miles northwest of Montserrat

    Redonda is an offshore diving destination. Ask a local dive operator about arranging a visit; no specific Redonda service is listed.

  • Montserrat reef snorkelling

    SnorkellingReefs around Montserratnear Little Bay

    Snorkel from shore or by boat. Scuba Montserrat in Little Bay offers snorkelling and equipment.

    • Strong southerly winds and large waves can disrupt boat departures from Little Bay.

  • Centre Hills birdwatching

    WildlifeCentre Hills

    Explore Centre Hills with a printed guide or arrange a guided visit through the Montserrat National Trust or a private operator.

    • Some forest trails need a guide to help you find the way.

  • Clear-bottom kayaking with Scuba Montserrat

    KayakingLittle Baynear Little Bay

    Contact Scuba Montserrat in Little Bay, which offers clear-bottom kayaks.

  • Northern Montserrat beaches

    BeacheNorthern Montserrat

    Visit the beaches in the northern part of the island. No individual beach routes are given.

    • Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur from June to November.

  • Montserrat Volcano Observatory observation deck

    More to doOlde Towne, northwest of the volcanonear Olde Towne

    Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory's observation deck for a view of the volcano. The deck and Visitors Centre open Monday to Thursday.

    • Check the observatory's access map before travelling near volcanic hazard areas.

Airports, metros and trains in Montserrat

Airports with scheduled flights

  • MNIJohn A. Osborne AirportGerald's ParkMain international airport

People and safety in Montserrat

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian94%
  • No religion5%
  • Other2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 55 of 101 countries can visit Montserrat easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required55
  • eVisa46

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Americas18 of 19 countries
  • Africa19 of 54 countries
  • Asia3 of 10 countries
  • Europe1 of 4 countries

Questions

Is Montserrat part of United Kingdom?

Montserrat is a territory linked to United Kingdom, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United Kingdom.

Does a United Kingdom visa let me visit Montserrat?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover Montserrat. Check the Montserrat visa page for your passport.

Where is Montserrat?

Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean, south-east of Puerto Rico. It is a British Overseas Territory.

What is the weather like?

Temperatures average 24–32°C throughout the year, with cooling breezes. Rain is more common from July to November.

How can I get there from Antigua?

Flights take about 20 minutes, while the ferry crossing takes about 90 minutes. Check the ferry schedule before travelling.

Can I drive with my home driving licence?

You need a temporary Montserrat driving licence. Take your home licence to the police station in Brades or Salem, complete a form and pay US$20 or EC$50.

Should I bring cash?

Yes. Shops may not accept debit cards, the ferry takes cash only, and the Bank of Montserrat cash machine cannot withdraw money from international accounts.

Will I need to book dinner ahead?

Few places open for dinner, and most require reservations. This helps them make sure fresh food is available.

Can I visit the volcano?

You can view it from a safe distance. Entry to the southern Volcano Hazard Zone is generally not permitted, and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory monitors the limits.

Do I need a guide for hiking?

Some trails can be walked independently, but others require a guide. Get a map from the National Trust or Tourist Information.

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