Montserrat is blessed with natural beauty. On land there are lush tropical forests with trails of varying difficulty. Many can be enjoyed on your own, however, some require a guide to make the path clear. Stop by the National Trust our Tourist Information for a map charge of $10 EC currently.
One of the special things about Montserrat are the quiet beaches. You most often have them to yourself but check out each one, they are all different.
For those who love the sea, the island is surrounded by reefs. Snorkeling and scuba diving can be enjoyed from shore or by boat. Check with "Scuba Montserrat" in Little Bay for diving, snorkeling, daily diving, full courses, clear bottom kayaks, volcano boat tours and equipment (http://www.scubamontserra...)
Scuba diving is also available at nearby Redonda, an uninhabited island 15 miles to the west of Montserrat. There you will find six-foot barrel sponges, Eagle Rays, Stingrays, and the occasional nurse shark. For diving trips to Redonda or dive sites closer to Montserrat's shores, contact the Green Monkey Dive Shop in Little Bay. They also offer Boat Tours to view the destruction left behind in Plymouth by the volcanic eruptions as well as Kayak Tours and Rental, Deep Sea Fishing Excursions, Dive Lessons, and Equipment Sales and Rental. (http://www.divemontserrat.com)
For other boat tours or land excursions,stop by the Tourist Board to get the numbers for one of the local guides.
Visitors should also check out the Montserrat Volcano Observatory MVO (http://www.mvo.msfor) information on the Soufriere Hills Volcano. The MVO Visitors Centre is open to the public Monday through Thursdays and includes a documentary describing the history and impact of the eruption shown at quarter past the hour every hour between 10:15 - 3:15, informative poster displays, interactive kiosks, and a display of artifacts. There is also a fabulous view of the volcano.
Unfortunately, there's no breakwater at Little Bay yet where the scuba and tour boats leave from, so if there's a northerly wind, scuba and boat tours may be canceled for a day or two until the weather changes, and the boats can get out. Be prepared to go hiking, sightseeing, or just relaxing by the pool or at the beach instead while waiting for the seas to calm enough for the boats to be able to leave Little Bay.
