🇲🇸ModeratePopular Route

Montserrat

Montserrat (UK Territory)

The "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" features a dramatic volcanic landscape, lush rainforests, and fascinating tours of the exclusion zone.

35 nm
5–6 hours
Best: November – May
Soufrière Hills VolcanoBuried city toursIrish heritage
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About Montserrat

Montserrat earns its "Emerald Isle" nickname twice over — Irish settlers brought their culture to the island in the 17th century, and the lush volcanic landscape is a brilliant, tropical green year-round.

The island was transformed in 1995 when the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, burying the capital Plymouth under metres of ash and pyroclastic flow. Today, the exclusion zone around the volcano is open for guided tours — a surreal walk through the buried city, where church steeples poke through hardened ash and the clock on the cathedral tower is frozen in time.

Outside the exclusion zone, Montserrat is thriving. The new capital Little Bay is developing rapidly, the rainforest trails are spectacular, and the island has attracted a community of recording artists drawn by AIR Studios (founded by George Martin, originally built for The Beatles).

Must-See Attractions

1

MVO Exclusion Zone Tour

A guided jeep tour into the volcanic exclusion zone past the buried capital Plymouth.

2

Runaway Ghaut

Lush rainforest gorge with a cool river — local legend says those who drink from it will return to Montserrat.

3

AIR Studios

George Martin's iconic recording studio — tours available by appointment.

Sailing Route from Antigua

Course

250° magnetic from St. John's Harbour

Waypoints

  1. 1Clear Five Islands
  2. 2Steer to leave Redonda 2nm to N
  3. 3Approach Little Bay from north

Hazards & Notes

  • • Redonda — uninhabited island, give wide berth
  • • Montserrat exclusion zone extends 3nm S of the volcano

Timing Tip

Tidal streams minimal — passage can be made at any state of tide

Anchorages & Marinas

Little Bay

20–40 ft

Moderate — new harbour under development

Check in at the port authority. Good dinghy landing.

Old Road Bay

25–50 ft

Good in NE – E winds

Rolling in swells from NW. Best overnight anchorage. Sunset views of the volcano.

Marinas

  • Little Bay (government dock)
  • Old Road Bay anchorage

Insider Tips

  • Book the exclusion zone tour in advance — guides have limited availability

  • Bring cash — ATMs are limited and card acceptance is sporadic

  • The hike to Lawyer's Mountain gives extraordinary views of the volcano

  • St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with week-long festivities — a unique Irish-Caribbean mashup