Did you know that Montserrat is the only place outside of Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is an official public holiday? This fascinating Caribbean island, known as the “Emerald Isle,” offers a unique blend of Irish heritage and tropical paradise. Little Bay, the island’s developing new capital, serves as the perfect base to explore this extraordinary destination that was dramatically transformed by volcanic activity in the 1990s.

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Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Montserrat requires a bit of adventure, which adds to its charm as a less-traveled Caribbean destination. The island doesn’t have an international airport, so visitors typically fly into Antigua first.

From Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport, you have two options to reach Montserrat:

• A short 20-minute flight via Fly Montserrat or SVG Air (approximately 15 minutes)
• A 90-minute ferry ride on the Jaden Sun ferry service (operates several days per week)

Once you arrive at either the John A. Osborne Airport or the Little Bay Ferry Terminal, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Little Bay, the island’s developing new capital and main hub for visitors.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Montserrat enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but timing your visit can significantly impact your experience.

For a truly special experience, consider visiting during St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) when the island celebrates its unique Irish heritage with a week-long festival featuring parades, cultural performances, and special events.

Getting Around Little Bay and Montserrat

Montserrat is a small island (only 16 km long and 11 km wide), making it relatively easy to explore. Here are your best options for getting around:

Where to Stay in Little Bay

Montserrat offers a range of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to private villas. Most options are concentrated around Little Bay and the northern areas of the island.

Dining & Local Cuisine in Little Bay

Montserrat’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage, blending African, Irish, and Caribbean influences. Little Bay offers several dining options where you can sample local specialties.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Goat Water – Despite its name, this is actually a savory stew made with goat meat, vegetables, and spices. It’s considered Montserrat’s national dish.
• Saltfish – A traditional breakfast dish made with salted cod, sautéed with peppers, onions, and local seasonings.
• Fresh Seafood – Given Little Bay’s location, restaurants offer excellent fresh-caught fish, lobster, and other seafood.
• Local Fruit Juices – Try refreshing drinks made from local fruits like soursop, tamarind, and guava.

Popular Eateries in Little Bay

While dining options change, some established spots include the Beach View Bar & Restaurant right on Little Bay Beach, Pont’s Beach View in Brades (a short drive from Little Bay), and various small local cafes serving authentic island cuisine.

For a special experience, check if Olveston House (once owned by Beatles producer Sir George Martin) is open for dining during your visit.

Top Attractions in and Around Little Bay

Little Bay serves as the perfect base to explore Montserrat’s unique attractions. Here are the must-see spots in and around the area:

Volcano Tourism: Witnessing Soufrière Hills

One of Montserrat’s most compelling attractions is the active Soufrière Hills Volcano, which dramatically transformed the island when it erupted in 1995. While much of the southern portion of the island remains in an exclusion zone, there are several ways to safely experience this powerful natural wonder.

Montserrat Volcano Observatory

Located just a short drive from Little Bay, the observatory offers educational exhibits about the volcano’s activity and its impact on the island. Don’t miss the informative 20-minute documentary that provides context for what you’ll see. The observation deck provides spectacular views of the volcano and the abandoned capital of Plymouth.

Jack Boy Hill Viewing Platform

This eastern viewpoint offers another perspective of the volcano and its impact, including views of the former airport now buried in ash. A telescope allows for closer observation of the devastated areas.

Guided Tours of Plymouth “Ghost Town”

With a certified guide and proper permits, you can visit parts of Plymouth, once the thriving capital now buried in ash. These police-escorted tours provide a sobering look at the volcano’s destructive power.

Hiking Adventures from Little Bay

Montserrat offers excellent hiking opportunities through lush rainforests, along coastal paths, and up to panoramic viewpoints. Many trails are accessible from Little Bay or with a short drive.

Popular Hiking Trails

• Oriole Walkway – A popular trail offering a chance to spot Montserrat’s national bird, the oriole, along with other wildlife. The path winds through lush rainforest and ends with panoramic views.
• Rendezvous Bay Trail – This moderately challenging coastal hike (approximately 45 minutes each way) rewards you with access to Montserrat’s only white-sand beach.
• Runaway Ghaut Trail – A 1.5-hour hike through a lush ravine with huge banyan trees and fern trees. According to local legend, anyone who drinks from the spring at the trailhead will return to Montserrat.
• Centre Hills Trails – This protected area offers several hiking options through diverse habitats home to rare bird species and other wildlife.

For the best experience, consider hiring a local guide like Scriber, who can enhance your hike with knowledge about local flora, fauna, and history.

Water Activities in Little Bay

The waters around Little Bay offer excellent opportunities for various marine activities:

Cultural Experiences & Heritage

Montserrat’s unique cultural heritage blends Irish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a fascinating destination for cultural exploration.

Montserrat Cultural Centre

Located in Little Bay, this multipurpose performing arts center was funded by former Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Visit the Wall of Fame featuring bronze handprints of famous musicians who recorded at AIR Studios in the 1980s, including Paul McCartney and Elton John.

AIR Studios Musical Heritage

Though the original studio was destroyed in Hurricane Hugo (before the volcanic eruption), Montserrat’s musical legacy lives on. Many world-famous artists recorded hit albums here, including The Police, Rolling Stones, and Dire Straits. The Hilltop Cafe displays an impressive collection of memorabilia from this era.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

If you visit in March, don’t miss Montserrat’s unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The week-long festival commemorates both Irish heritage and a 1768 slave rebellion, featuring parades, cultural performances, and special events throughout the island.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Montserrat is generally a safe destination with low crime rates, but there are some important considerations for visitors:

Volcano Safety

The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active, but a comprehensive monitoring system is in place. Always respect exclusion zone boundaries and only enter with authorized guides. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory provides updates on current activity levels.

General Safety Tips

• Practice standard Caribbean safety precautions: secure valuables, use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be aware of your surroundings.
• Medical facilities are limited, so bring any necessary medications and consider travel insurance with evacuation coverage.
• When hiking, inform someone of your plans and expected return time, especially if hiking alone.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Montserratians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Casual dress is acceptable in most settings, though beachwear should be confined to beaches. Greeting locals with a friendly “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” is appreciated and sets a positive tone for interactions.

Visitor Comments About Little Bay, Montserrat

Practical Travel Tips for Little Bay, Montserrat

• Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors.
• Electricity: Montserrat uses 230V, 60Hz electricity with UK-style three-pin plugs. Bring appropriate adapters if needed.
• Internet & Communication: Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations and some restaurants. Local SIM cards can be purchased for mobile service.
• Entry Requirements: Most visitors need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay. Check specific visa requirements based on your nationality.
• Packing Essentials: Bring lightweight clothing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, hiking shoes, and swimwear. A light rain jacket is useful year-round.
• Transportation: Consider renting a car for flexibility in exploring the island. Remember to obtain a local driving permit.