Montserrat, once an island teeming with tourists bringing in over 30,000 tourists annually in the 1980s, attracted a mere 8,000 in 2006. This Caribbean getaway was abandoned by many tourists and inhabitants alike when in 1995 one of the oldest residents of the island had a fit. The Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, burying the then capitol Plymouth, which is still hidden under a thick coating of ash. St. Patrick’s Church spire, protruding from the layer of ash, is a dramatic reminder of the old capitol’s location.

The Montserrat Tourism Board is currently doing everything it can to bring tourism back to its 1980s level, an accomplishment that is not far fetched considering the islands natural features. Montserrat boasts volcano adventures, nature hikes, beautiful beaches and great snorkeling and diving. There is also a Montserrat Music festival which took lace on December 8th, according to Bones of the Caribbean Beat Blog.The island offers accommodations to suit all types of travelers, from hostels to villas and private apartments.

St. Croix in comparison is very developed but that doesn’t mean you can’t get away from the overpriced accommodations and masses of people. On the western side of the island is Mount Victory Camp, a site which is part of an eco farm and embodies Caribbean camping at its best. Visitors stay in teak bungalows or tent sites and get to experience island flora and fauna right immediately before them.

The wildlife is there for you to interact with from doves to lizards and tortoises. One of the best aspects of this camp is that you do not have to sacrifice good beach time in order to get away from the crowds; the camp is within close proximity to white-sand beaches. The camp offers guided hiking excursions with Caribbean naturalists and historians including SCUBA diving, snorkeling, kayaking and rainforest rides so you will definitely not get bored!

Hidden secrets like these are bound to get even more popular, so if you are ready to go soak up some Caribbean sun and leave the tourists behind, pack your sandals and sunscreen because the islands are calling.

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For more information:

Montserrat Tourism Board

Mount Victory Camp

*Photos courtesy of Montserrat Toursim Board and Mount Victory Camp

Labels: Destinatons