Montserrat, The Caribbean Isle Of Tranquility

I’ve always wanted to visit Montserrat located in the Caribbean. I’ve flown by it many times as well en route to other Caribbean islands such as Antigua.

In 2022 on a trip to Barbados, I was table to make it happen. Most know about the island from the news that a volcano erupted between 1995 and 1997 at different times, but that’s about it.

After the eruptions, some of the inhabitants left the island for other neighboring islands as well as the U.K. and elsewhere. But some stayed and re-settled and rebuilt in the northern part of the island that was unaffected.

My visit was short, but sweet and I really enjoyed it.

Here are some things about the island you may find helpful on your next visit:

Home Airline

There is only one; FlyMontserrat. Although there is also SVG Air, but they are not based there.

Airport Information

The country is served by the John A. Osborne/Gerald’s Airport (MNI). The airport is located in the small village of Gerald, hence its co-name. John A. Osborne, for whom the airport is named, was a chief minister back in 1978.

There are no lounges at this airport.

 

Scheduled Service And Cargo Airlines Serving John A. Osborne Airport (MNI)

FlyMontserrat (5M) and BMN SVG Air.

To get here, you take an airline into Antigua and then take FlyMontserrat or BMN SVG Air.

Book tickets here.

Airlines serving Antigua are:

Air Canada (AC), Air Guyane Express (3S), American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Caribbean Airlines (BW), Delta Air Lines (DL), FlyMontserrat (5M), InterCaribbean Airways (JY), JetBlue Airways (B6), Liat (LI), Sunwing Airlines (WG), Tradewind Aviation (TJ), United Airlines (Star Alliance) (UA), Virgin Atlantic Airways (VS), WestJet (WS) and Winair (WM).

Airport To The Villages

You have to take a taxi or walk into the village.

Airport Hotels

There are no airport hotels. You can book a hotel using the map below:

Trains Serving The Island

There are no trains on the island.

Buses Serving The Island

There are no local buses.

Ferries Serving The Island

There is seasonal ferry service to/from Antigua; journey time is 90 minutes. Check the ferry service for details.

Currency

The currency of Montserrat is the EC dollar (ECD). Take cash with you as USD and British pounds are accepted locally. I did not see any ATMs at the airport; although I could have missed it; but only if it was in a corner somewhere as the airport is tiny. Credit cards are accepted.

Language

English.

Visa Information

No visa is required for U.S. citizens and you can stay up to 90 days. Plus your passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure date. Other citizens should check with the Montserrat consulate/embassy in your region for specifics. Alternatively, you can use the IATA Web site for visa/health requirements.

Places To Eat and Drink In Montserrat

As you traverse the island, you will see little restaurants, shops and supermarkets, just stop in and inquire what they have available.

 

 

There are also lots of fruit trees on the island. Just ask the owners if you can have some if they are on someone’s property.

 

 

Places To See in Montserrat

In 1995, the island was mostly destroyed by the Soufrière Hills volcano that erupted wiping out the capital of Plymouth. Parts of this area is an exclusion zone, so you are not allowed to go to those parts.

When I visited, I took the lazy approach. I walked to Lime Kiln Bay that was close to the place I was staying and enjoyed the black sand beach all to myself as I was the only one there.

I also did some walking around this area and enjoyed the views. I could see the back of Soufrière in the distance.

 

But if you want the adventure and have the time (I was only there for one night), you can do a Private Hummer Island Tour of the island or take a 4-hour hiking tour.

 

In addition, my friend Ursula has a blog post on Things To Do in Montserrat here.

Recommended Hotels

I stayed at the Chez Mango Villa and was not disappointed. The place has multiple units, but I was the only person staying there. You have a full kitchen to make whatever you want too. The lady was super nice as well. She even setup the taxi service to pick me up at the airport.

The owner’s father also lives on the property in the front in a huge house with his family. There are mango trees everywhere as well.

 

The caretaker met me on arrival and showed me around and let me into the property.

The property is located in a quiet and peaceful community. I had great views of the sea from my balcony and it was an easy walk down to the beach at Lime Kiln Bay. Careful though as you have to walk back up the hill :-).

You can check for other properties on the island using the map below.

 

 

Tourism Information

Visit Montserrat

 

 Now, it’s your turn. When will you visit? Or if you’ve visited before, let me know how was it?