THE ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT
Montserrat, a UK Overseas Territory, is a small island, approximately 10 miles by 5, with a very friendly English speaking population of about 5,000. The southern third of the island is designated an exclusion zone, following the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, which came to life in the summer of 1995. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is open to visitors, and trips can be arranged into the exclusion zone, weather (and volcano!) permitting. Further information about the volcano can be found at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory web site.
The remainder of the island is lush, green and unspoilt either by volcanic activity or by mass tourism. This truly is the way the Caribbean used to be.
CLOTHES
Montserrat is a very casual, relaxed island with few occasions which require any formality.
CLIMATE
Montserrat has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation; temperatures range from 22 - 31°C (70 - 90°F). The heaviest rainfall occurs between July and November; however, the heavy cloudbursts serve to refresh the atmosphere and once they are over the sun reappears.
TIME ZONE
Local time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
SHOPPING
There are a few small supermarkets, which stock goods mainly imported from the US; fresh fruit and vegetables are sold at various roadside stalls with availability according to the season. Do not expect to be able to buy everything which is readily available in European or American supermarkets.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
There is a hospital on island, plus doctors and dentists, but facilities are limited. If you need any special medication, do take it with you. Please ensure you have adequate medical insurance in case of emergency.
CURRENCY
Currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, which is linked to the US Dollar. Click here to find the latest exchange rates.
Credit cards are not widely accepted on the island but traveller cheques can be exchanged at banks and some shops. There is an ATM at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
VISA
No special visas are required for visitors.
THINGS TO DO
Apart from simply enjoying the privacy of the house, the beauty of the island and the friendliness of the islanders, various other activities can be enjoyed including diving, snorkelling and hiking. Please see the Montserrat Tourist Board website for more information.
LINKS TO OTHER ISLAND WEB SITES
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We are not responsible for the accuracy of data in these websites and you are advised to double-check all information, particularly with regard to transportation to the island, which does change from time to time. |
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A local cricket match, with the volcano steaming in the background, some miles away
A local cricket match, with the volcano steaming in the background, some miles away |