Montserrat
Beaches
Montserrat has several very nice beaches located in bays around the island. (Much of the coastline of Montserrat is steep and rocky.) Woodlands Bay is the best of the black sand beaches on the northwest side of the island. Lime Kiln Bay and Bunkum Bay are also worth a visit. Little Bay and Carr’s Bay have lost their charm due to development on the northern end of the island. Rendezvous Bay is the only white sand beach on Montserrat, and can only be reached by boat or the hiking trail from Little Bay described above. The hike takes about an hour, and is well worth it. There is a good chance to find solitude at any of these beaches (except Little Bay and Carr’s Bay).
Rendezvous Bay beach on Montserrat
Snorkeling and scuba diving
Snorkeling is possible from shore, although many areas have little in the way of reef development. Look for areas with large boulders under water. From Woodlands Bay, swim south and you will find boulders with associated fish and corals, and some small caves (dangerous unless very calm). Probably the best snorkeling is to swim along the cliffs from Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay (an alternative to hiking there). There is a cave in the cliffs with a colony of fruit bats (again, any such caves are dangerous unless very calm). For a scuba diving adventure, arrange a trip to the neighboring island of Redonda with a local dive operator.
Black sand beach at Woodlands Bay on Montserrat
Carrs Bay on Montserrat
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Interactive map of Montserrat
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