NEWS FROM MONTSERRAT
10-22-2008
The Caribbean’s Emerald Isle plays host to cultural events, underwater activities and sailing tours
Montserrat, West Indies – October 21, 2008 – As the year comes to a close, the pristine island of Montserrat looks forward to a successful 2009 with the addition of new eco-activities including two thrilling aquatic adventures and one scenic land-based tour. The island continues to grow and develop into one of the leading destinations for outdoor excursions. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, the destination boasts majestic mountainous terrains, lush green tropical rainforests and sun-kissed dark sand beaches. This winter adventurers and culture enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy Festival and the newest additions to Montserrat’s menu of activities.
Festival Celebration
In commemoration of Montserrat’s distinct culture, talent and creativity, the island will celebrate its annual carnival, known as Festival, during the month of December. The island comes alive with music, revelry and a variety of festivities that highlight the life and culture of Montserratians. Key events include an opening ceremony on December 19, Soca Monarch on December 20, “Nite of Pan” on December 22, Festival Queen Pageant on December 28, calypso finals on December 30, and culminate with a street jam and parade with vibrant costumed revelers on January 1. For more detailed information on Montserrat’s festival visit www.visitmontserrat.com or call 664.491.2230.
Sailing on the Open Seas
Montserrat’s new aquatic adventure offers visitors breathtaking views of the island’s majestic coastline and enchanting tropical landscape. Beginning December 1, 2008, Ondeck Sailing will provide travelers with a taste of the ocean by offering sailing excursions between Falmouth Harbor in Antigua and Little Bay in Montserrat using a 65-footer Ocean Racing Yacht. Ondeck skippers also provide instructional information to those who are interested in learning the basics of sailing. Guests are encouraged to participate in every aspect of the tours as the trip appeals to both experienced and inexperienced sailors. The tour’s flexibility allows travelers who would like to spend additional time on the island to depart as early as 8:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a three to four hour downwind sail from Antigua to Montserrat. The tour’s return trip departs at 1:00 p.m. for a four to five hour upwind trip to Antigua. The cost of a roundtrip tour is $189 USD. For more information visit http://www.ondeckoceanracing.com/antigua/montserrat-adventure.htm or call 268.562.6696.
Scenic Equestrian Adventure
Zekie’s Horseback Riding Tours, the island’s only horseback riding facility, offers visitors a unique way to enjoy Montserrat’s picturesque tropical surroundings. Available tours include a Belham Valley Volcanic Landscape Ride that takes adventure enthusiasts over volcanic mudflows caused by the volcano’s eruption. The tour also provides excellent vantage points of the volcano, from a safe distance, and allows a view of its impact on the former capital city, Plymouth, now submerged in ash and volcanic rock. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a Swimming with the Horses Tour on any one of Montserrat’s dark sand beaches or a Rainforest Ride Tour, where the wondrous sights and sounds of the island’s 33 species of birds and other local wildlife are only a few trots away. Experienced riders can also explore the destination at their own leisure. The cost for each riding tour ranges from $50 USD to $125 USD per person. For more information and reservations call or email Zekie’s Horseback Riding Tours at 664.496.2765 or euphrates_5@hotmail.com.
What Lies Beneath
Located on the northern side of the island, in Little Bay, Scuba Montserrat, a full-service dive shop and water sport rental-company, offers visitors various scuba diving and snorkeling tours. Scuba Montserrat is operated by PADI certified instructors Emmy Aston and Andrew Myers. Available courses include discover scuba, open water certification, open water referral, advanced open water, dive master, digital photography and night dives. Snorkel trips and private beach parties are also available. In addition, Scuba Montserrat will help sea adventurers explore and discover Montserrat’s 13 miles of coastline that is home to a variety of marine life including everything from spiny lobsters, stony ledges and copper sweepers to green turtles, colorful reef fish, dolphins and nurse sharks. For pricing and more information on Scuba Montserrat, visit www.divedestinationmontserrat.com or call 664.496.7807.
Montserrat, a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pear shaped island is a t
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