With the increased activity by the Soufriere Hills Volcano on Montserrat island, now is the time for pleasure seekers and adventure enthusiasts to travel to a destination for a first hand view of this geological phenomenon.

All the businesses and ports are open and operating normally, including flights to the Airport John A Osborne and ferry services from Antigua to the port at Little Bay. Leisure travelers have the opportunity to see the volcano safely from several vantage points including the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and Jack Boy Hill.

“We want to travel to know that Montserrat remains open to visitors and is still a safe destination,” commented Montserrat Tourist Board director of tourism, Ernestine Cassell. “In fact we encourage travelers to visit and admire the activities taking place in Montserrat Soufriere Hills Volcano.”

The Soufrière Hills Volcano became active in 1995 and increased activity in 1997 led to the formation of an exclusion zone around the volcano, which includes the former capital, Plymouth.

All residents are now living in the northern third of the island, which has been declared a safe area. Recently, the increase in volcanic activity is monitored closely by experts in the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and visitors to the island can now see the dome light at night from a safe vantage point in the northern part of the island.