montserrat volcano tour

Visiting the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat

  • Adventure & Ecotourism , Montserrat
  • Ursula Petula Barzey
  • May 27, 2015

One of the main reasons that tourists now visit the Caribbean island of Montserrat, only a 20-minute flight from Antigua, is to see the Soufriere Hills Volcano that reawakened 20+ years ago, leaving two-thirds of the island uninhabitable. In addition to the Soufriere Hills Volcano, there are actually three other Montserrat volcanoes, including the Silver Hill, the Centre Hills, and the South Soufriere Hills. Thankfully, all three of these Montserrat volcanic systems are extinct.

While the Soufriere Hills Volcano will now always be a concern for the 5,000+ people who live on the tiny Caribbean island (39 square miles) of Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory, it has been relatively quiet in recent years. In fact, the Government of Montserrat now allows tour groups to enter the Southern Exclusion Zone to see the former capital Plymouth now mostly buried under volcanic ash and described by many as a modern-day Pompeii.

Below I conduct a brief question and answer session with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory , the government organization responsible for monitoring the Soufriere Hills Volcano.  Guidance is also provided on how to visit the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat.

Montserrat: Map Outlining Volcanoes

Soufriere Hills Volcano Facts

1. what was the height of the volcano pre-eruption, and how high is it now.

The tallest peak in Montserrat before the eruption was Chances Peaks at 914m (3000ft). The highest point on Montserrat now is a dome of volcanic lava. The top of the dome is currently approximately 1084m (3556ft) above sea level, so about 170m higher than Chance’s Peak.

2. What caused the Soufriere Hills Volcano to reawaken from its slumber 20 years ago?

Volcanoes erupt when hot, buoyant magma rises to the surface from deeper within the earth’s crust. This is generally the reason for the current eruption.

montserrat volcano tour

3. What happened after the Soufriere Hills Volcano began erupting?

The Soufriere Hills Volcano began to erupt on July 18th, 1995. It is the most recent in the Caribbean and the longest to have occurred in the region in recorded history. Up to this time (2015), the eruption has had 5 phases of lava extrusion and five pauses. During active phases, the volcano creates andesite domes that eventually become unstable and collapse, causing pyroclastic flows and surges. It also generates very large explosions with ash columns that can reach more than 15 km (50,000 ft.) into the atmosphere. Explosions have also generated large pyroclastic flows that have moved more than 2 km over the sea.

The former capital Plymouth and many southern and eastern villages have been destroyed by pyroclastic flows and surges over the course of the eruption, and some areas have been subsequently buried by mudflows. On 25 June 1997, at least 19 people were killed in areas to the north of the volcano when pyroclastic surges swept through the village of Streatham and other areas. The fatalities occurred inside the exclusion at the time. While the eruption has been very destructive to Montserrat’s landscape, infrastructure, and economy, all residents and businesses have relocated to safety in the north of the island, where people continue to live and work.

montserrat volcano tour

4. How much volcanic ash, mud, and rocks covered Plymouth, Belham Valley, etc.?

The total amount of lava erupted in the whole eruption is more than one cubic kilometer (10^9 or 1 billion cubic meters), but the amount of material found in the valleys surrounding the volcano varies considerably. For example, the lower reaches of the Belham Valley contain as much as 15-20 m of primarily lahar deposits while a similar amount of pyroclastic flow and lahar deposits are found in Plymouth.

In areas closer to the lava dome, such as the top of the White River valley, on the southwest flank, more than 100 m of debris deposited by pyroclastic flows filled the upper reaches of the valley during a short two-month period of activity in October and November 2009. In February 2010, a large partial dome collapse removed 50 million cubic meters from the dome (which measured 245 million cubic meters at the time) that was largely deposited by pyroclastic flows along the coast northeast of the volcano. These deposits covered more than ten square kilometers, created one square kilometer of new land, and buried the old W.H. Bramble Airport with more than 15 m of debris.

montserrat volcano tour

5. Where is the farthest point from the Soufrière Hills Volcano that volcanic ash has reached?

During a volcanic eruption, ash can fall anywhere across the island, though it is dependent on the wind direction. However, much of the ash that erupted from the Soufriere Hills Volcano never fell on Montserrat. It is carried out to sea and across neighboring islands by the wind. Following the dome collapse on 11 February 2010, ash was blown to the southeast and was recorded as far away as NW Dominica.

6. What is the current level of volcanic activity?

At present, the level of volcanic activity is very low. There has been no surface activity, such as lava extrusion or explosions, since February 2010. The volcano is still active, however, and it is continually monitored for signs of increasing activity.

7. How close can people get to the Soufriere Hills Volcano today?

People are allowed to view the volcano from a safe distance of a few miles. The Hazard Level System in Montserrat controls activity around the volcano, letting people know the level of risk in various areas and the amount of access allowed. Montserrat Volcano Observatory staff occasionally go closer to the volcano in the course of monitoring the eruption.

montserrat volcano tour

How to Visit the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat

Access to Plymouth, the former capital of Montserrat, which is now a modern-day Pompeii, is restricted, and tours are only available via approved guides, some of whom are listed on the VisitMontserrat.com website.

Another option is to get in touch directly with Rueben Meade , a former Montserrat police officer who was in charge of the operations when volcanic eruptions began. Rueben is now a highly rated tour guide taking visitors around Montserrat to attractions such as the  Montserrat Volcano Observatory in Salem and viewing points in Belham Valley, Garibaldi Hill, and Jack Boy Hill. Helicopter tours of the Soufrière Hills Volcano can also be arranged from Antigua.

Overall, a visit to see the Montserrat Soufriere Hills Volcano is ideal for amateur volcanologists and really anyone who wants to see how a Caribbean island is transformed after a major volcanic eruption.

montserrat volcano tour

Share This Post!

Ursula Petula Barzey

You May Also Like

View of Fort Rodney near the top of Signal Park at Pigeon Island National Landmark in St Lucia.

History of Pigeon Island in St Lucia – 5 Thing To Do At Pigeon Island National Landmark

Cuba team marching in at the Rio 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Photo Credit: © zhukovsky via DepositPhotos.

Caribbean Olympic Athletes | Which Caribbean Country Has Won The Most Olympic Medals?

indigenous names of Caribbean islands.

Indigenous Names of the Caribbean Islands: Reclaiming the Past

Subscribe to my newsletter, get updates and stay connected to the latest offers and news from the caribbean, facebook like & comment:.

UPB at Antigua Carnival 2019.

Welcome to Caribbean & Co. founded by Ursula Petula Barzey who enjoys traveling the Caribbean in search of the best cultural and food adventures, places to stay and live/work opportunities. Launched in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards.

  • Digital Marketing
  • Weddings & Honeymoons
  • Real Estate
  • Citizenship
  • Trip Planner
  • Work With Me
  • Business Resoures

Follow On Social Media

Affiliations.

montserrat volcano tour

Copyright © 2014 - 2024. Caribbean & Co. All rights reserved.

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

montserrat volcano tour

Let me help you get the best travel experience

Montserrat Volcano Tours

Montserrat Volcano Tours

For those of you who are do-it-yourself-ers, you’ll find several facilities around the volcano made for viewing. A short distance from Plymouth is the Montserrat Volcano Observatory , the closest spot to the action. You can also view the volcano from Jack Boy Hill and Garibaldi Hill, though the second requires a four wheel drive or a difficult climb to get the views.

From Antigua , you can take a day trip to the Soufrière Hills on one of the following operators:

Carib World Travel Phone: (268) 480 2999 Email: [email protected]

Davis International Trading & Tours Phone: (268) 770 5687 or (268) 562 5818 Email: [email protected]

Jenny’s Tours Phone: (268) 461 9361 or (268) 464 4188 Email: [email protected]

Those of you on Montserrat can contact one of the following operators for a guided tour:

Avalon’s Taxi-Tours Tel: (664) 491 3432 Cell: (664) 492 1565 E-mail: [email protected]

Clifford “Shaw-Duck” Ryan, Tour Operator Tel: (664) 492 1849

Eustace A. Dyer, Tour Operator Tel: (664) 491 2721

Grant Tours Tel: (664) 491 9654 Fax: (664) 491 4854 E-mail: [email protected], or [email protected]

‘JIG’ Tours Tel: (664) 491 2752 or 492 2752 Mobile: (664) 496 2752 E-mail: [email protected]

Rose Willock Tel: (664) 491 6652 E-mail: [email protected]

Slym Tours & Taxi Service Tel: (664) 491 4479

Several hotels on Montserrat offer volcano adventure packages. You can check with the following hotels: Tropical Mansion Suites Erindell Villa Guesthouse Gingerbread Hill Carib World Travel Emerald Connection The Green Monkey Inn & Dive Shop

You can check Volcano Discovery for periodic updates on the activity of the volcano.

Montserrat Island Tours

Montserrat Island Tours

Experience the caribbean the way it used to be.

Rather then putting the usual fine print below your tour options where you may miss it… we have opted to put it at the top of the page for you.

We love showing off our island even to just one person! However, we must charge a two person minimum fee if you wish to go alone. Sometimes we might be able to pair a single person with others if those persons do not mind sharing. We cannot guarantee that there will be someone to go with you without some pre-planning. So… if you’re traveling here on your own please be prepared to pay for the cost of the tour for two.

Day of Discovery Image

Copyright © 2024 | Montserrat Island Tours

  • Enable Accessibility

User Picture

  • 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
  • | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
  • | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
  • View All Results
  • Preferences
  • Latitudes Rewards
  • Special Offers
  • Personalised Recommendations
  • Make reservations before you cruise
  • 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Shore Excursion Details

Montserrat volcano tour, st. john's, antigua.

montserrat volcano tour

Added to Favourites!

  • 1 3/4 hrs Estimate Duration

montserrat volcano tour

Behold the breathtaking beauty of the still-active Soufriere Hills volcano on neighboring Montserrat from a helicopter with tiered seating that ensures a great view. As you fly high above the turquoise sea between the islands of Antigua and Montserrat, the pilot will describe the devastation from the volcano since 1995, when it erupted for the first time in centuries. The volcano eventually buried the capital of Plymouth in ash and forced it to be abandoned. Much of southern Montserrat lies within the Exclusion Zone, an area that is considered too hazardous to enter except by flying overhead. From the comfort of the helicopter, you will enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the Exclusion Zone, the volcano and the destruction from past eruptions. Few experiences are quite so memorable. Be sure keep looking down on the way to and from Montserrat as whales and sea turtles are often spotted.

  • Observe a still-active volcano on Montserrat from high above in a helicopter.
  • See the widespread destruction that the volcano’s past eruptions have caused.
  • Look for whales and sea turtles in the waters between Antigua and Montserrat islands.
  • Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

montserrat volcano tour

Flight Tours

Activity level:.

Image Title

  • 3 Challenging

Sun's Montserrat Island Tours - Day Tours

montserrat volcano tour

  • See all photos

montserrat volcano tour

Similar Experiences

montserrat volcano tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

olsondo

Sun's Montserrat Island Tours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes

This Stunning Island Is Called the 'Emerald Isle of the Caribbean' — and Has an Active Volcano and Black-sand Beaches

Here's where to eat, stay, and play on the beautiful Caribbean island of Montserrat.

Derek Galon/Getty Images

Montserrat is an ideal location for travelers looking to commune with nature instead of tourist crowds. The tiny volcanic island in the Caribbean is home to lush slopes brimming with flora and fauna, an active volcano called Soufrière Hills, remote black-sand beaches , and welcoming, proud people with a distinctive heritage.

It's also known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean because of its resemblance to the coast of Ireland. Many of Montserrat’s residents even have Irish ancestry, and it's the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. This celebration includes honoring an attempted rebellion by enslaved Africans against European colonizers in 1768.

Though often remembered for a devastating volcanic eruption in 1997 that buried the capital of Plymouth, Montserrat remains a thriving, wildlife-rich island that has rebuilt and restored itself based on its strong cultural traditions. Here are just a few ways to explore.

Getting to Montserrat  

Westend61/Getty Images

Montserrat is located in the Eastern Caribbean. There are no nonstop flights from the U.S., so most international passengers fly into neighboring islands Antigua and Barbuda (V.C. Bird International Airport). From Antigua, there are two airlines that offer flights to Montserrat: FlyMontserrat and SVG Air . The flight takes about 20 minutes. 

Best Time to Visit Montserrat 

For sunny weather and near perfect beach days, plan to visit between mid-December and mid-April. The late season between August and October can often provide cheaper flights and accommodation options, but the weather can be quite humid during this time, with an increased risk for tropical storms. 

Best Things to Do on Montserrat

Bob Oliver/Getty Images

Hikers can enjoy nine hiking trails in the northern part of the island, mainly in Centre Hills. Rewards along the way include spotting 34 species of birds that inhabit the island, including Montserrat’s endemic oriole, the endangered mountain chicken (a type of frog), and the rare galliwasp, a half-snake, half-lizard creature. During May to December, turtles migrate onto the island’s black-sand beaches to nest. A number of PADI-trained dive operators offer snorkeling excursions through the island’s vivid coral reefs. Visitors can also see the island’s active volcano, Soufrière Hills, from various points, including Garibaldi Hill, Jack Boy Hill, and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory . And during the Buried City tour , you can view buildings that were buried by volcanic material due to the 1995 eruption.

At the end of July, the Cudjoe Head Fest celebrates the island’s African ancestry with a steel band performance, carnival events, local performances, and a display of goods produced in the village. Book lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the annual Alliouagana Festival of the Word , a literary event that draws award-winning writers and readers from around the globe. 

Best Places to Stay on Montserrat

Courtesy of Visit Montserrat

Forget the typical all-inclusive hotel on Montserrat. What you’ll find here instead are intimate bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, and villas with sweeping ocean views. Located on a foliage-filled hilltop and just a five-minute drive from the airport, Tropical Mansion Suites has 16 rooms, each with their own private balcony and ocean views. Or, witness the majestic Soufrière Hills volcano from Olveston House , once owned by famed Beatles producer, the late Sir George Martin. Guests here can also have a glass of wine on the spacious veranda and admire the kaleidoscopic garden surroundings.

Set on three acres on a secluded mountainside, Gingerbread Hill is all about self-sufficiency and sustainability, including the use of recycled materials, hydroponic gardens, and trees where guests can pick their own fruit. Four self-serving acommodation types feature hand-painted tiles and wraparound verandas. For more private accommodations, Montserrat has a number of villa options , too. Many include concierge services, daily cleaning, and in-house cooks. 

Best Places to Eat and Drink on Montserrat 

If you have a chance to try Montserrat’s traditional national dish, goat water, don’t miss it. The hearty stew consists of goat meat chunks, eaten hot with a crusty bread roll. There are also a number of fruits found on the island that make for delicious juices, including soursop, mango, blackberry, guava, tamarind, gooseberry, and West Indian cherry, which has a similar taste to apples. 

Olveston House offers an international menu created by award-winning chef Sarah Sweeney. Caribbean-infused British dishes like pork tenderloin are served in a tropical garden setting on a wraparound porch. A popular dessert on the menu is the Eton Mess, made of meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries. On Friday, enjoy the lively pub night, and on Wednesday, a BBQ feast — both great for rubbing elbows with islanders.

Michael Runkel/Getty Images

Overlooking Little Bay Beach, Summer Breeze features a variety of curries and other fusion dishes alongside rotis and paninis, all best accompanied by a strong rum punch. The garlic shrimp and king fish with curry are house favorites.

Montserrat Island Boating

Montserrat Boat Tour: Experience Our Volcano Paradise By Sea

Patrick

The island of Montserrat boasts some of the most uncommon landbased adventures you’re likely to find anywhere in the Caribbean. There’s so much to do; from hiking to soaking in sunsets on black sand beaches to braving bush rum and so much more! But to truly grasp all the island has to offer, you’ve gotta see it by sea with a Montserrat boat tour!

Why a boat tour?

Well, let me ask you a question. How do you first connect with a destination? How do you initially sever ties with wherever you’ve come from and sink, body, mind, and soul into your new surroundings?

For Steve and I, we have a simple solution. Since our usual destinations are rather small Caribbean islands, we hop in a car and drive around the entire island. We have no destination other than to return to where we started. But along the way, we stop at roadside bars for some old talk, we brake for fishermen to peruse the catch of the day, we soak in our new surroundings and sometimes even soak in the secluded beaches we find along the way.

Usually, this activity fills our whole first day. While also filling us with a sense of place.

The difficulty with this approach on Montserrat is the fact that access to nearly half of the island is restricted thanks to the active Soufriere Hills Volcano. While it’s very safe to visit Montserrat , they don’t take any unnecessary chances. And while that’s wonderful for those concerned about volcano safety, it also meant we couldn’t follow our usual itinerary.

Enter Buffy

Luckily, we knew a guy who knew Mr. Hubert Buffonge. (Montserrat is a small community, after all! Everybody knows everybody.) And Mr. Buffonge, better known as “Buffy” (pronounced Boofee ), is the proud proprietor of Buffy Tours; our pick to help us fulfill our goal of circumnavigating the other Emerald Isle!

So, there we were standing on the pier at Little Bay beneath the warm Montserratian sun as Buffy puttered towards us. What came next was an eye-opening few hours on the water that I’ve tried to capture in the photos below.

Take a look:

Buffy and his boat

Experience your own Montserrat boat tour

After a few hours on the water, I stepped back onto the pier at Little Bay with a whole new perspective on the island of Montserrat . The villages hugging cliffs, the striking rock formations, the verdant hills, the abandoned ruins within the exclusion zone, and, of course, the smoking Soufriere Hills Volcano towering above.

To see this uncommon side of a truly uncommon destination, don’t hesitate to give Buffy of Buffy Tours a call +1 664 492 1570 . Or drop him an email . And be sure to say, Uncommon Caribbean sent you!

See you on the water!

Last updated by Patrick Bennett on 02/08/2020 .

Related Posts

volcano travel made safe in Montserrat

Volcano Travel Made Safe – How Montserrat Makes It Happen

Black Sand Beaches Montserrat

Montserrat Island’s Beautiful Black Sand Beaches

Woodlands Beach Montserrat Island

Woodlands Beach Montserrat Sunset for All The Right Reasons

Barton Bay Beach, Montserrat

Barton Bay, Montserrat – The Caribbean’s Most Uncommon Beach

Air Studios Montserrat

Air Studios Montserrat: Explore Legendary Rock and Roll Ruin

Bush Rum Montserrat

Bush Rum: Learn From Our Cautionary Tale On Montserrat

Get lost with us..

Start page

  • Volcano news
  • Volcanoes Today
  • Which volcanoes are erupting now?
  • Volcano Glossary
  • Latest VAAC advisories
  • Earthquakes
  • Latest Quakes
  • By Country/Region
  • Find quakes
  • Report a Quake!
  • Global Seismic Activity Level
  • Volcanoes & Earthquakes App
  • Destinations
  • Support us to maintain this site!  

Volcanoes & Earthquakes - new app for Android

Guaranteed tours

Soufriere hills volcano tours, soufriere hills volcano (montserrat) - smithsonian / usgs weekly volcanic activity report for 6 september-12 september 2023 (continuing activity), soufriere hills volcano (montserrat, west indies): small rockfall followed heavy rainfalls.

The location of the rain gauge in relation to the lava dome (image: Montserrat Volcano Observatory)

  • Montserrat news page

More on VolcanoDiscovery

Reykjanes crisis

Support us - Help us upgrade our services!

  • Improved multilanguage support
  • Tsunami alerts
  • Faster responsiveness
  • Design upgrade
  • Detailed quake stats
  • Additional seismic data sources

VolcanoDiscovery Home

montserrat volcano tour

Helicopter Tour and Charter Booking Information:

268-786-5765 

email: admin @bhheli.com

Island Tours, Aerial Photography, Montserrat Volcano Tours, and Private Charters

Blue Harbour Helicopters Ltd.

Antigua and barbuda.

 Explore Antigua and Barbuda from a unique vantage point! Our expertise lies in providing our clients with an unforgettable adventure through pilot-guided excursions of Antigua, Barbuda, and the captivating Montserrat volcano. 

Montserrat Volcano Tour

Full island tour, half island tour, private charters, blue harbour helicopters ltd. photo gallery.

Copyright © 2024 Blue Harbour Helicopters Ltd. - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder

montserrat volcano tour

  • Montserrat History & Facts
  • Musical Pedigree
  • National Dish
  • Festivals & Events
  • Road Map & Guide
  • Travel Advisory
  • Getting Around
  • B&B and Guesthouses
  • Arts & Craft
  • Bar Hopping
  • Bird & Turtle Watching
  • Food & Restaurants

Places To See

  • Tie the Knot
  • Water Sports
  • Wellness Breaks
  • Remote Workers Stamp

montserrat volcano tour

  • Island Guide
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Many encounters and experiences in Montserrat involve interactions with the island’s outdoor environment and natural history. Not all require a guided tour, and they’ll certainly leave many lasting impressions.

Contact a member of the Montserrat Tour & Taxi Association to book a guided tour:

montserrat volcano tour

The Soufrière Hills Volcano

The Soufrière Hills Volcano is a composite volcano characterised by dome-building eruptions. Its last major eruption, prior to the current one, is thought to have been about 400 years ago. The current eruption began in 1995 and continues to the present day. Two-thirds of the island was rendered uninhabitable, with over 50% of the population opting to emigrate to the UK, US and Canada. Enjoy breathtaking views of the summit from safe vantage points, cloud cover permitting.

The deserted town of Plymouth is Montserrat’s star attraction – the only volcanic-buried town in the Americas. Its ghost town feel is attributed to its eerie quiet, the absence of animals and birds, the subtle usurping of the town by the volcanic ash, even in its resting phase. Most poignant are the belongings left behind: in businesses – typewriters, invoices and stationery; in homes – aging toys, cradles, books, clothing. Plymouth is located in the island’s Exclusion Zone (Zone V) and is only accessible with a certified tour guide. Tours & Taxi Association

montserrat volcano tour

Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is responsible for scientific monitoring of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. It was established in response to the current volcanic eruption which began in July 1995. A team of experienced scientists and technicians continually monitor the volcano using a variety of techniques, including seismology, ground deformation and gas emissions. A 20 minute video is shown about the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. There are educational kiosks and a souvenir shop. For further information visit www.mvo.ms

Jack Boy Hill

Jack Boy Hill serves as the vantage point for panoramic viewing of the volcano, the hidden town of Trants, including what remains of the island’s old airport, and the Atlantic Ocean. Here the landscape is at its grittiest and harshest. An on-site telescope allows you to examine it close up. Although small, the park’s bountiful bougainvillea and seating throughout give it a romantic feel. Make a day of it by planning a picnic or a serenade.

montserrat volcano tour

Centre Hills

The Centre Hills forest is home to several globally endangered bird, reptile and plant species. In some cases, the entire population can only be found within this small ecological system. Species near extinction include the Montserrat Oriole, Montserrat Galliwasp, the Mountain Chicken, the Forest Thrush and two bat species – the Yellow-shouldered Bat and White-lined Bat. Eight out of the nine major hiking trails are found in the Centre Hills. Guided tours can be arranged with Scriber’s Adventures and The National Trust .

Hilltop Coffee House and Welcome Centre

If you ever wondered about the pop music scene in the ‘80s, this is a great place to get some interesting stories. So many of the iconic albums from that era were recorded right here in Montserrat at the famed Air Studios. View memorabilia of the artistes like The Police, Stevie Wonder, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Montserrat’s national hero, Arrow, who sang Hot! Hot! Hot! Stop by and spend some time with David Lea over some good coffee or a cold fruit drink. Waffle Saturdays are always a treat!

montserrat volcano tour

From Little Bay, you can either kayak or take a 30 to 50 minute hilly hike to discover the island’s only white sand beach. There is rich coral and marine life that make for good snorkeling. From here, with a tour guide, you can access our colony of Antillean fruit-eating bats. Thousands of bats are on display, divided into two caves: one with females with their young, the other with males. Sounds like a romantic date!

The Montserrat National Trust

The Montserrat National Trust located in Salem is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the island’s historical sites and natural environment. It houses a café, gift shop, history centre and library and is home to the island’s botanical garden, which is dedicated to conserving indigenous plants and trees. It also features a nursery, orchid house and medicinal garden. For further information visit www.montserratnationaltrust.ms

montserrat volcano tour

Garibaldi Hill

One of the most breathtaking and dramatic views of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and Plymouth is from atop Garibaldi Hill. From the other side of this high perch you can see Isle’s Bay and Old Road Bay, as well as Old Towne and Salem. Don’t forget your camera!

To visit, contact one of our Taxi Operators

Bransby Point

The earliest records that show the existence of a gun battery at Bransby Point were from 1693. Located northwest of the capital, Plymouth, it was destroyed by the French in 1712 in one of their many skirmishes with the British – common at that time in the Caribbean. When Montserrat was restored to Britain in 1783, the French spiked the cannons and destroyed the guardhouse. The battery was never reactivated, but it was restored 200 years later in 1983, only to be damaged again in the volcanic eruptions in 1995 and 1997. Bound on either side by Fox’s Bay and Barton Bay, Bransby Point provides amazing views of Old Towne to the north and Soufrière Hills Volcano and Plymouth to the south.

montserrat volcano tour

National Museum

Located in Little Bay within walking distance from the Ferry Terminal, the Montserrat National Museum displays artefacts and exhibits on the island’s history and culture from the pre-Columbian era to modern day.

Hike to the Petroglyphs

The most amazing thing happened in 2016. Hikers on the Soldier Ghaut Trail discovered Petroglyphs credited to the first known people on Montserrat, the Amerindians. These markings in the rock are thought by archaeologists to be between 1000 and 1500 years old. They are a must see!

montserrat volcano tour

Rendezvous Beach Picnic or Party

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island’s only white sandy beach with a nice picnic basket filled with local goodies. Or make a truly magical memory and have a day tailored to suit your desires! Access to the beach is by boat, kayak or a short 30-50 minute hike.

Runaway Ghaut

Montserrat has some of the purest water you can hope to find anywhere. Make a stop at Runaway Ghaut and take a drink of the natural spring water to form that unbroken bond with the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. Also enjoy a short 10-minute hike to explore the flora and fauna, just beyond the seats. Rent a car or ask your taxi driver to make sure you get to live the legend.

montserrat volcano tour

Day of Discovery

This tour lasts 6-7 hours, and it is a fabulous way to see Montserrat for a day or to begin your holiday. In addition to the regular guided tour, your guide will show you other points of interest at your request. The tour includes admission to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the National Museum, complimentary drinks and door to door service from your accommodations.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam posuere varius magna, ut accumsan quam pretium vel. Duis ornare

logo

CalvinAir Helicopters

Experience the caribbean like never before....

montserrat volcano tour

Based in Antigua, we offer fully-narrated aerial tours as well as custom charter experiences. Licensed as both an Air Operator as well as an Approved Maintenance Organisation, our operation maintains hangar facilities at V.C. Bird International Airport. With two additional heliports, one near the cruise ship pier in St. John’s and the other just outside of Jolly Harbour, we are conveniently situated and poised to deliver first-class service from every location.

Boasting safety, luxury and the latest technology, our Airbus EC130‘s spacious, climate-controlled cabin comfortably accommodates the pilot and up to 6 passengers. Its raised, forward-facing, theatre-style seating and absence of partitions to block the view, gives guests spectacular visibility from every seat.

CalvinAir Helicopters

Montserrat Volcano Tour

Fly to the island of Montserrat for an up-close look at the infamous Soufrière Hills Volcano.

Experience this 45-minute, pilot-narrated, aerial adventure over the sparkling Caribbean waters to the island of Montserrat. Here, at the centre of the ‘Exclusion Zone’, an area where access is strictly managed, is the active and explosive Soufrière Hills Volcano. Rising to an impressive 3,000 feet and dominating the island, the volcano towers above the Tar River Gorge and Delta.

In 1997, a series of eruptions made two-thirds of the island uninhabitable. This tour allows you to experience the massive destruction as you fly over a collection of evacuated villages, the previous location of the WH Bramble Airport, and the charred remains of the former capital, Plymouth, which is now partially buried under forty feet of ash.

Witness the smoke and steam of a live volcano up close… all from the safety of a helicopter. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

This 45-minute trip costs US$320.00 per person

montserrat volcano tour

Antigua Island Tours

Skim the majestic shorelines of Antigua and see all it has to offer on these exhilarating aerial experiences.

Exploring the island’s beauty from the comfort of our helicopter is the perfect way to see all that gorgeous Antigua has to offer. Island tours are available in half-island or full-island intervals. Whichever one you choose, we promise unparalleled views of Antigua’s best sights, all while flying over the pristine Caribbean waters surrounding our island’s famous white, powdery beaches. Ascend through the lush interior and see if you can spot some of our historic sugar mills which dot the island.

Some highlights of these tours include: • St. John’s • English Harbour • Dickenson Bay • Nelson’s Dockyard • Shirley Heights • Jolly Harbour • Cades Reef • Fort James A full island tour of approximately 26 minutes costs US$199.00 per person and a half island tour of approximately 15 minutes costs US$120.00 per person

montserrat volcano tour

Photos thanks to Roddy Grimes-Graeme of Aquafilms, Mike Reyno of Vertical Magazine and Caribbean Helicopters

www.calvinair.com

Follow calvinair helicopters on facebook, follow calvinair helicopters on instagram.

Sea Cat Discoveries

Nelson's dockyard.

IMAGES

  1. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    montserrat volcano tour

  2. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    montserrat volcano tour

  3. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    montserrat volcano tour

  4. Soufriere Hill Volcano, Montserrat

    montserrat volcano tour

  5. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    montserrat volcano tour

  6. How the Remarkable Caribbean Island of Montserrat Thrived After A

    montserrat volcano tour

VIDEO

  1. Volcanic Activity January 8, 2010

  2. 2023 Montserrat Volcano Tour (3/5/23)

  3. Montserrat tour🇪🇸 #mountains #explore #barcelona a#travel

  4. Montserrat Tourism Highlights

  5. Montserrat volcano

  6. Montserrat Tour😇#explore #barcelona #minivlog #travel #viral

COMMENTS

  1. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    Fly over the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and witness its smoke and steam from a helicopter. See the devastation caused by the 1997 eruption and the former capital of Plymouth buried under ash.

  2. Montserrat Island Tours

    Experience the Caribbean the way it used to be with Sun, a passionate guide who shares his knowledge and stories of Montserrat's volcano and nature. Book a private tour to explore the Soufriere Hills Volcano, the Emerald Isle, the black sand beaches, the rain forest and more.

  3. Our Volcano

    Experience the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and the buried city of Plymouth on Montserrat. Learn about the volcanic history, monitoring and risks from certified guides and scientists.

  4. Visiting the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat

    The Soufriere Hills Volcano began to erupt on July 18th, 1995. It is the most recent in the Caribbean and the longest to have occurred in the region in recorded history. Up to this time (2015), the eruption has had 5 phases of lava extrusion and five pauses. During active phases, the volcano creates andesite domes that eventually become ...

  5. Montserrat Volcano Tours: Caribbean Logue

    Montserrat is the home of the Soufrière Hills volcano, which is one active geothermal hot spot. Volcano tours are an exciting way to spend a day in the islands. The volcano destroyed Plymouth, the abandoned capitol of Montserrat that is otherwise known as the Pompeii of the Caribbean, in 1997. For those of you who ...

  6. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    45 minute tour $295 USD. The excursion commences at our headquarters situated on Anchorage Rd., a brief distance away from the capital city of St. John's. Following a safety briefing, you will be accompanied to the helicopter to embark on your thrilling journey to Montserrat. Departing from this point, you will soar above the picturesque Deep ...

  7. Soufriere Hills Volcano

    This is a must do on a visit to Montserrat. We took a tour with Sun of Montserrat Island Tours. It's a simply fascinating place. It's hard to imagine what once was there. We did get a good view of the volcano itself. To understand what happened, I would recommend a visit to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

  8. Tours

    Rather then putting the usual fine print below your tour options where you may miss it... we have opted to put it at the top of the page for you. We love showing off our island even to just one person! ... $70 USD per person - Tour includes the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and captures breathtaking views of our volcano. Of course, a ...

  9. Montserrat Volcano Helicopter Tour

    Montserrat Volcano Helicopter Tour. Activity provider:Blue Harbour Helicopters. New activity. From $390 per person. Check availability. Take a helicopter to experience the volcano of Montserrat! This 45 minute tour will take you to the Soufrière Hills where you will witness the still active lava dome and pyroclastic flows.

  10. Soufriere Hills Volcano Boat Tour

    By far the most popular water-based tour in Montserrat! Take an exhilarating cruise along the west coast from Little Bay all the way to the Buried City of Plymouth - the modern day Pompeii. Learn about how the island was created and about Montserrat's natural history. You will experience amazing views and discover up close how the island is actually growing!

  11. Montserrat Volcano Tour

    13/4. hrs Estimate Duration. Flightseeing Tour. Behold the breathtaking beauty of the still-active Soufriere Hills volcano on neighboring Montserrat from a helicopter with tiered seating that ensures a great view. As you fly high above the turquoise sea between the islands of Antigua and Montserrat, the pilot will describe the devastation from ...

  12. Full-day guided tour of Montserrat 2022

    After a volcano devastated the island in 1995, most of its lower half was turned into an exclusion zone. These days, however, the island is full of life with stunning beaches, mountains, and luxury villas. Take a full-day tour of Montserrat's highlights and enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch with drinks.

  13. Montserrat Volcano Observatory

    The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) located in Flemings, Salem. The Observatory is a colourful state-of- the art building equipped to monitor the volcano on a 24-hour basis. The Observatory is strategically positioned to view the volcano and surrounding environs including the abandoned capital, Plymouth. There is also a helipad on site.

  14. Home

    Montserrat's most popular tour takes you to the island's capital, Plymouth, which is like a city frozen in time. Although many of the buildings have been buried by ash and mud flows from the volcanic eruption in 1995 and 1996, some rooftops and other structures remain visible and stories abound. This tour is available only with a certified ...

  15. Soufrière Hills Volcano (Montserrat)

    Soufrière Hills volcano is a complex stratovolcano that forms the northern half of the small Island of Montserrat in the British Lesser Antilles. After 350 years of quiet, it came back into life in 1995 and started to build a new lava dome. The eruption alternated between less or more intense phases including rapid dome growth with associated ...

  16. Sun's Montserrat Island Tours

    Sun's dad, David Lea, gives a tour of not only volcano information and his baseball memories (Toledo Mudhens) but extensive history and memorabilia of Air Studios Monserrat where 76 albums were recorded by virtually every superstar from the late 1970s to 1980s. ... we highly recommend Sun's Montserrat Island Tours. Read more. Written ...

  17. How to Visit Montserrat, Called the 'Emerald Isle of the Caribbean'

    Montserrat is located in the Eastern Caribbean. There are no nonstop flights from the U.S., so most international passengers fly into neighboring islands Antigua and Barbuda (V.C. Bird ...

  18. Montserrat Boat Tour: Experience Our Volcano Paradise By Sea

    The villages hugging cliffs, the striking rock formations, the verdant hills, the abandoned ruins within the exclusion zone, and, of course, the smoking Soufriere Hills Volcano towering above. To see this uncommon side of a truly uncommon destination, don't hesitate to give Buffy of Buffy Tours a call +1 664 492 1570.

  19. Soufriere Hills volcano tours

    Soufriere Hills volcano tours | Latest news. Wed, 13 Sep 2023, 14:00. Soufriere Hills volcano (Montserrat) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 6 September-12 September 2023 (Continuing Activity) MVO reported that a very small increase in activity at Soufrière Hills during 1-8 September was characterized by small rockfalls ...

  20. Helicopter Tour and Charter Booking Information:

    Helicopter Tour and Charter Booking Information: 268-786-5765. email: admin @bhheli.com. Island Tours, Aerial Photography, Montserrat Volcano Tours, and Private Charters. Blue Harbour Helicopters Ltd.

  21. Explore Montserrat

    Experience Montserrat by sea - a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Let your boat operator customize an itinerary for you and be mesmerized by the beautiful and dramatic cliffs, coves and landscapes. Or take the popular, pore-raising Volcano Boat Tour down to Plymouth, Montserrat's capital and get a surreal view of the buried city.

  22. Places To See

    The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is responsible for scientific monitoring of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. ... The tour includes admission to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the National Museum, complimentary drinks and door to door service from your accommodations. Book Now . Montserrat Tourism Division. Hubert Buffonge Building ...

  23. CalvinAir Helicopters Montserrat Antigua Tours Discover Antigua Barbuda

    Experience this 45-minute, pilot-narrated, aerial adventure over the sparkling Caribbean waters to the island of Montserrat. Here, at the centre of the 'Exclusion Zone', an area where access is strictly managed, is the active and explosive Soufrière Hills Volcano. Rising to an impressive 3,000 feet and dominating the island, the volcano ...