Top Montserrat Beaches

Montserrat's La Soufriere volcano has taken much away from the island -- including the former capital city of Plymouth -- but also gives back in the form of new land and volcanic sand. From secluded black-sand hideaways to strips with beach bars and historic monuments, Montserrat has a beach to suit almost any desire. While volcanic action has closed off many parts of the island to visitors, you can still find a few secluded seaside hideaways, and a lack of big tourist crowds means you'll never had to fight for a spot on the sand.

01 of 05

Woodlands Beach

A popular picnic spot, Woodlands Beach has a covered clifftop picnic area overlooking clear blue waters. The black-sand beach, evidence of the island's volcanic origins, is easily accessible and rarely crowded.

02 of 05

Rendezvous Bay

Rendezvous Beach, Montserrat — TripSavvy / Bob Curley

Montserrat's only white-sand beach is only accessible by boat or a rugged hike (but remember that a refreshing plunge is your reward at the end!). There's excellent swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the pristine bay.

03 of 05

Little Bay

You can watch boats coming in and out of the Little Bay Port at the northern end of the popular swimming spot, with beach bars located nearby for a drink or snack.

04 of 05

Carr's Bay

This beautiful black-sand beach is a hotspot for history lovers as well as sunbathers: a ruined fort still has cannons pointing out at sea, the island's War Memorial, and a model of the Plymouth Clock Tower---a victim of the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption in the 1990s. Snorkelers can explore giant underwater boulders and reefs at the south end of the beach.

Continue to 5 of 5 below.

05 of 05

Old Road Beach

Volcanic mud flows have made this popular swimming beach a place to marvel at the earth's power, but a sandy beach remains attractive as well. The mudflows have moved the shoreline so far that a former jetty is now landlocked on the beach.