DefinitiveCaribbean logo - The Definitive Caribbean Guide - written by James Henderson, and Caribbean travel specialists. James Henderson is of Britain's most respected travel writers and the author of The Cadogan Guide to the Caribbean & the Bahamas. Montserrat flag
Home > Which Island > Montserrat Print page
Old run down sugar mill, Montserrat Tour
Sugar Mill, Montserrat

See more pictures - Here


 

The white sands of Rendezvous Bay, Where is Montserrat
Rendezvous Beach

 
Banks
There are two main commercial banks on the island, the Bank of Montserrat and the Royal Bank of Canada, which currently has the only ATM. There is also the St Patrick's Cooperative Credit Union and the Montserrat Building Society.

Bank of Montserrat, St Peters, t 491 3843
Open Mon-Fri, 8am-2pm, closes at 1pm on Wednesdays and 3pm on Fridays

Royal Bank of Canada, Brades Main Road, t 491 2426
Open Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm, closes at 1pm on Wednesdays and 3pm on Fridays

St Patrick's Cooperative Credit Union, Brades Main Road, t 491 3666
Open Mon-Fri, 8am-2pm

Montserrat Building Society, Brades Main Road, t 491 2391
Open Mon-Thu, 8.30am to 2pm and 8.30am to 3pm on Fridays
^ back to top
Beaches
Montserrat lacks the bright white sand of many of the other Caribbean islands. Instead, due to the volcanic geology, most of the beaches are dark in colour. Also, particularly because of its recent eruptions, the island has never suffered a large beach bound tourist invasion. The beaches therefore tend to be tranquil and undisturbed. All the beaches worth visiting are on the west coast.

Rendezvous Beach
On the northwest coast of the island, Rendezvous is the only white sand beach on Montserrat. It is accessible only by boat or a hike, but worth the effort. Take food and drinks as there are no facilities.

Little Bay
Now an active port in the north of the island, but the bay is still popular with swimmers. Beach bars and a restaurant nearby for a drink and a snack.

Bunkum Bay
Found at the bottom of St Peters’ lower road, Bunkum Bay has a beach bar and is a nice place to spend the day. Also try Woodlands Beach, which has a covered picnic area on the cliff looking out to sea. Be careful of rough waves.

Old Road Bay
A favourite bathing beach with the locals. Jumping Jack’s Beach Bar and Restaurant nearby for refreshments.

Lime Kiln Beach and Isles Bay Beach
Two very secluded spots ideal for relaxing. Further south the effect of the volcano eruptions are clear.
^ back to top
Casinos
There are no casinos on Montserrat.
^ back to top
Check In/Check Out
As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is seldom prior to 3pm. This is not usually a problem though, as international arrivals into Montserrat tend to be in the late afternoon. If you are travelling from within the Caribbean and will arrive earlier in the day then contact your hotel in advance and they may well be able to let you into your room early. Similarly, if your departure is late and occupancy is not high, then they may be able to provide you with a day room or shower facilities until your departure. If you are staying in a villa then departure time may be flexible unless there is a party coming in after you, in which case the villa will need to be made ready for the new arrivals.
^ back to top
Cruises
There are no cruise ship facilities in Montserrat. St John’s in Antigua however is a popular and regular port of call. If you wish to visit Montserrat from there for the day, there are several options, on organised tours or by travelling independently. The ferry Opale Express, t 1664 491 1262, Antigua 1268 480 2980 operates trips from Heritage Quay, and the airline WinAir, t 1268 462 2522 flies in. You can also visit the island by helicopter charter from Antigua. Caribbean Helicopters, t 1268 460 5901.
^ back to top
This independent review is brought to you by  
Caribbean travel guide, guides to travel in the Caribbean ^ back to home page   
Caribbean Island Guides