Montserrat Flag
"The Way the Caribbean Used to Be" & "The Emerald Isle"
Why visit Montserrat?
Most ideal for traveler not seeking the traditional tropical vacation but rather a "quieter" destination to enjoy birdwatching, charter boats, diving, hiking, shoreline caves, turtle watching, volcano observation, water sports, yachts.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Hot sauces, jewelry, photography art, and sea island cotton goods.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Cassava (flatbread). Duckna (sweet potato dish). Goat Water (stew). Johnny Cakes (muffin). Saltfish (traditional). Souse (pork dish).
- Local Drink to Try: Montserrat Rum Punch
History
- In 1493, spotted by Christopher Columbus.
- In 1632, European settlers arrived from St Kitts.
- In 1783, became a British Crown Colony.
- In 1960, choose to remain a colony even after Englands' statehood offering.
- In 1989, Hurricane Hugo damaged more than 90% of the island.
- On July 18, 1995, the capital city, Plymouth was destroyed by Soufriere Hills Volcano after being dormant for centuries.
- In 1998, granted full residency rights in the United Kingdom (UK).
- Since 1998, there have been two capitals, "official" in Plymouth and the "operating" one in Blades.
- In 2002, British citizenship was granted.
Fun Facts
- Financially supported by the British government, supplemental income derives by custom duties, fees, and taxes.
- Air Studios Montserrat was opened by former Beatles producer George Martin for famous artists to relax and record on the island. Used by famous artists like Dire Straits, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, and Stevie Wonder.
- Birthplace of songwriter, Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell. His all-time hit, Hot, Hot, Hot.
- On the island's northwest tip, a new tourist attraction capital is being built and due to open by 2021.
- Only13 miles long and 7 miles wide (approximately 40 square miles).
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (March) St Patrick’s Festival, (July) Calabash Festival, (August) Cudjoe Head Festival, (October) Open Fishing Tournament, (November) Alliouagana Literary Festival, & (December) Alliouagana Literary Festival
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Whit Monday, Monarch's Official Birthday, Emancipation Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, & New Years Eve
Good to Know
- Visitors are not permitted on the southern half of the island deemed "exclusion zone" area.
- Has no four lane roads, international chain stores, neon signs, or traffic lights.
- Said to resemble coastal Ireland.
- Known for their Irish folk culture, shamrock decorations, Irish names, and Irish step dance.
- Much of the southern end of the island is uninhabitable.
- Legend says anyone drinking the spring water from Runaway Ghaut Fountain will be drawn to repeatedly return to the island.
- Buses can be irregular and considered unreliable.
- Ferry from Antigua arrives at Port Little Bay (island north).
- You may be interested to read, Living with the Unexpected (written by A.K. Possekel).
- There are only 2 gas stations on the island.
- Not all businesses accept credit cards.
- Only has 1 bank (Bank of Montserrat).
- Exchangeable currencies are: Barbados Dollar (BBD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Pound Sterling (GBP), & US Dollar (USD).
- Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
- Air Ambulance services are available to Antigua and neighboring island Flymontserrat.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Do not enter with ammunition or firearms without prior express consent from the British government.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya & Dengue.
- Traffic moves to the left hand side of the road.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
Hurricane Season is June - November.
- Coolest Season: January
- Humid & Hottest: July - November
- Peak Season: December - June
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Plymouth
- Museums: Montserrat National Trust
- Popular Attractions: Bat Cave, Bunkum Bay Beach, Brades, Carr's Bay, Center Hills, Falmouth Harbor, Garibaldi Hill, Let's Go Limin Rumshop, Little Bay, Montserrat National Trust’s Botanical Garden, Old Road Bay Beach, Oriole Walkway Trail, Rendezvous Bay, Runaway Ghaut, Silver Hill, St George Hill, The Cot, & Woodlands
My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available.
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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