Getting Around

Montserrat is a small pear-shaped island measuring 12 miles by 7 miles, with a main road that transverses the island.  Since the volcanic eruptions and destruction of the capital city of Plymouth, many of the businesses, restaurants, and activities have been scattered in areas from Salem to Little Bay (where they are rebuilding the new capital).  Consequently it is recommended that visitors rent a car, take a bus, or arrange for taxi service.  Montserrat is a British overseas territory, so they drive on the left side of the road.  It is not too difficult to get used to though - just keep telling yourself "stay left!"  Visitors will need to purchase a temporary driver's license at the Brades or Salem police station (they are sometimes available at the airport as well) for approximately $20US.  The roads are generally well maintained and, since there is one "main road" it is difficult to get lost.  The Montserrat Tourist Board (MTB) has maps available in their offices near Government Headquarters and we have them available at the dive shop. 

For car rentals contact one of the following:

• Be-Beep's Car Rentals - 664-491-3787/664-492-1083
• Ethelyne's Car Rental - 664-491-2855

For those who would rather not drive themselves, there is a choice of taxis and minibuses.  For taxi service contact one of the following:

• Maxi Taxi - 664-496-1900
• Ethelyne's Car Rental - 664-491-2855
• Reuben Furlonge - 664-492-2790
• Thomas "Fumbo" Lee - 664-492-1649

Alternatively, check with the Montserrat Tourist Board (www.visitmontserrat.com) or we can assist you with car rental reservations in advance of your trip here. 

Taxi's or minibuses can be flagged down on the street by a simple wave of the hand (they point to the ground here, though, not the sky).  You'll recognize a car "for hire" by the "H" on the licenses plate.  It is also perfectly safe here to accept a ride from a stranger.  If you are walking down the street, don't be surprised if a number of people offer to give you a ride.  Say "yes", climb in, and you are likely to learn something new about our Emerald Isle!

One thing to note is that since the eruption of Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills volcano in the south of the island, over one-half of the island is now an Exclusion Zone.  While the northern portion of the island is perfectly safe, the southern Exclusion Zone is potentially dangerous and is illegal to enter.   The Soufriere Hills volcano is still active but is continuously monitored by scientists in the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO). Tourists should not try to enter the Exclusion Zone. The boundary for the Exclusion Zone is from Cork Hill and Foxes Bay southwards to Plymouth and St. Patrick's through Windy Hill and Harris and down to the east coast at the site of W. H. Bramble Airport. Signs and gates exist to warn travelers of these "forbidden" areas.  For more information on the Exclusion Zone as well as activity at the volcano, visit the MVO's website at www.mvo.ms.