Montserrat, West Indies (July 5, 2007) – Featuring mountainous vistas, curvy slopes, deep valleys and fertile fields, the island of Montserrat boasts an assortment of eco-adventure activities for travellers. In addition to the usual sun and sand associated with a Caribbean beach vacation, the destination’s location and landscape offers hiking, diving, biking, birding and volcano viewing.
HIKING
Montserrat hosts several trails that allow visitors to explore the dramatic diversification of the landscape. The Blackwood Allen Trail offers panoramic views of the northern villages and coastline while the Centre Hills Trail is renowned for its biological diversity, rich habitats and vegetation. The Oriole Walkway is where hikers are most likely to get a glimpse of the oriole, the island’s national bird, and legend has it if a visitor drinks from the cool spring water at Runaway Ghaut, he or she is guaranteed to return to Montserrat repeatedly in their lifetime.
DIVING
Montserrat’s volcano eruption had an unexpected effect on the underwater landscape of the island. Without human interference, seal life flourished in the waters surrounding the exclusion zone, creating a natural park. Dive visitors to Montserrat can explore areas covering more than 13 miles of coastline and witness everything from colourful reef fish and sea plumes to stony ledges, spiny lobsters and copper sweepers.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Whether you’re a beginner cycling enthusiast or a seasoned full-suspension rider, Montserrat has the ideal mountain biking activity for those looking to peddle their way to unforgettable adventure. The island boasts rolling hills, steep mountains with thrilling drops as well as scenic terrain.
BIRDWATCHING
Thirty-four species of birds can be spotted in and around the hilly forests of Montserrat, including the forest thrush, brown trembler and bridled quail-dove. The lush, forested Centre Hills area is renowned for its biological diversity and is home to species of resident land birds and migrant songbirds, including Montserrat’s rare national bird, the Montserrat oriole.
VOLCANO VIEWING
Few visitors to Montserrat can resist the curiosity of wanting to view the Soufrière Hills Volcano. Jack Boy Hill is one of the few areas on the island that provides first-rate views of the volcano and houses a viewing platform, concession area, telescope and barbeque grill. The location allows visitors to view the awesome incandescence of the dome, day or night, at a safe and comfortable distance.
Montserrat, a lush, green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pear-shaped island is a traveller’s paradise for nature lovers, divers, adventurers, family and villa vacationers and honeymooners. This British overseas territory boasts the spectacular Soufrière Hills Volcano, a modern-day Pompeii in the form of its buried former capital city, Plymouth, alongside flourishing, green mountains, world-class nature trails, deserted dark-sand beaches, untouched reefs and a quiet, friendly charm reminiscent of the way the Caribbean used to be.
For more information on Montserrat and its breathtaking scenery and unspoiled, unpolluted coral and volcanic vistas, contact the Montserrat Tourist Board at (664) 491-2230/8730 or info@montserrattourism.ms.
For your FREE on-line Montserrat travel guide, visit www.caribbean.com.
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