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About Montserrat

A visit to the ‘Emerald Isle’ of Montserrat is a totally unique experience and one well worth adding to the cruising itinerary. Little Bay is the only port of entry, and whilst there are plans to build a marina here, at present the bay offers a reasonably protected anchorage for visiting yachts. Mooring and anchoring at Isle’s Bay is now possible but clearance must first be granted at the port office in Little Bay. Stepping ashore on Montserrat is like stepping back in time to ‘The Caribbean as it used to be’ and it is hard to believe that this gem of an island is within easy day cruising distance of both Antigua and Guadeloupe. A well recommended company which services the small boat moorings, is on hand to provide a range of yacht services to all visiting yachts (see ‘Yacht Services / Concierge Services’ section in this chapter for more details). 

Why the Emerald Isle? Where else in the world other than Ireland and the USA, does a country celebrate St.Patrick’s day? – and not just for one day – for the fun loving Montserratians celebrate their 15th century Irish roots by partying for an entire week! (See ‘Shoreside Activities’ section for more information on the festivals). 

Music too is in the blood of the island… the hills of Salem - home of the ‘Air Studios’ - still echo with the sounds of many a famous 1980’s rock band who recorded here. 

An island tour is a ‘must’ and there are some highly recommended tour operators to take visitors into the lush rainforests to viewing points overlooking the Soufriere Hills volcano; to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, to learn a little of the mountain’s history and its future; and then to see the awesome legacy of this force of nature from safe vantage points around the ‘modern-day Pompeii’ - Montserrat's old capital, Plymouth. 

There are numerous hiking trails for all levels of fitness; and for nature lovers, a multitude of rare and lovely flora and fauna are to be found up in the rainforests, most particularly the national bird of Montserrat - the rare Montserrat Oriole – and there is a highly recommended expert ‘Forest Ranger’ hiking guide, who can actually whistle these birds from the trees! 

Offshore, the waters abound with over 30 pristine ‘virgin’ dive sites, and the reef snorkeling and free diving is fabulous too – and deep sea fishing was also said to be ‘World Class’. For crew looking for an exciting and ‘once in a lifetime’ getaway location, or for owners and guests wanting a short stay ashore on this special island - Montserrat is just a 20 minute flight from Antigua - and for a short stay, the many intimate guest houses offer high standards of varied accommodations; or for a longer stay of a week or more, fully serviced ocean front villas with pools are available at unbelievably low rates – providing an ideal option for guests looking for a week aboard and a week’s holiday ashore. There really is much to do and see here, and wherever you go, you will be greeted by the truly friendly Montserratians.

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