Montserrat Travel Guide

Montserrat ranks among the Caribbean's most pristine, serene islands, its luxuriant vegetation and jagged green hills justifying the moniker Emerald Isle. But it's also one of the region's most unexpected destinations: In 1995, Montserrat's volcano erupted, leaving devastation in its wake. Though the volcano still belches, it's become an ecotourism hotspot. Ironically, other fringe benefits also exist. Volcanic deposits enriched the already fertile soil; locals claim their fruit and vegetable crops have improved. The slightly warmer waters have attracted even more-varied marine life for divers and snorkelers to appreciate, along with new underwater rock formations. But it's a pretty quiet spot: Other than the volcano, the steamiest activities are the fiercely contested domino games outside rum shops.