The Emerald Isle of Montserrat - The Volcano Lover's Retreat Skirting the Soufriere Hills Volcano Adventure travelers searching for something extraordinary shouldn't pass up the chance to explore the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean - Montserrat, covered in lush biodiversity and packing the power of a serious volcano to warm up the trip if at any time the tropical paradise fails to hold your full attention. Since the major Soufriere Hills volcano eruption of 1995, and subsequent flare ups that continually threaten large areas of the otherwise tropical rainforest topography, many travelers have avoided making Montserrat a travel destination. But what has kept many away - in fact, has caused many to flee - is also one of the major attractions for a new breed of adventure traveler. With local tour companies now offering excursions into daytime entry zones on the island, the number of adventure visitors is on the rise. They have come to feel the heat, to wade through ashen hillsides, to visit an abandoned city that is no longer safe for residents - the one time central city of Plymouth. Many come in hopes of catching a glimpse of the fury that still thunders in the Southern hills; a rare nighttime glow in the sky that hints of the not-too-distant dangers that lurk at the other end of the tiny island. But is it safe? As long as you follow the rules and avoid the well-publicized restriction zones, there's little chance of harm. It is strictly forbidden, in fact, to enter the "Exclusion Zone," an area that encompasses the majority of the southern end of the tiny island. But that doesn't mean you can't get close enough to the primary volcano to experience the power of the mountain. In fact, there are seven volcanoes across the tiny island and the islands that surround it. So if avoiding the primary active volcano in search of less extreme areas is more up your alley, then there's plenty to see and do. Perhaps one of the best ways to get a full and spectacular view of the Soufriere Hills Volcano is by boat or by helicopter. Chances are good your first look will come when flying into the nearest airport on the sister island of Antigua. From there, great views are available on the ferry ride over from neighboring islands. When visiting Montserrat, a must-visit is the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. This 24/7 manned facility keeps up with Soufriere Hills activity and monitors activity all throughout the region. As far as safe places to stay, there are plenty in the safe zone on the northern end of the island. Hotel rooms, lodges, bed & breakfast inns and rental homes and apartments are available and abundant. Other activities on the island include enjoying the ample and attractive beaches, hiking through an elaborate trail system that takes you into the heart of the tropical rainforest, and abundant water sports including world class deep sea fishing. Just about anytime of year is a good time to visit Montserrat, but be aware the high tropical storm season begins in June and last through early fall. The nearest international airport (in Antigua) offers direct services from New York, Newark, Philadelphia, London, Toronto, San Juan and many Caribbean islands. From North America, American Airlines offer connections via San Juan; while US Air, BWIA, Air Jamaica, Continental Airlines, and Air Canada offer direct flights. Travel out of Antigua to Montserrat and vice versa is possible either via helicopter or via ferry services which operate daily to and from the island. A fast, comfortable ride of just under an hour by ferry and twenty minutes by helicopter allows for panoramic views of the island, its beauty and the redevelopment of its landscape from a distance.