Plan Your Trip
The practical stuff, made simple
Getting here, when to come, getting around, and everything to know before you go — all on one page.
Step 1
Getting here
Closer than you think
Fly into Antigua (ANU) from anywhere in the world, then hop across on a small plane — one of the most beautiful landings in the Caribbean — or take the ferry when it’s running.
ANU → MNI
Antigua to Montserrat
~20 mins
by small plane
~90 mins
by ferry (seasonal)
- Book the Antigua connection with at least 3 hours between flights
- Luggage limit on small planes is ~50lb — pack soft bags
- Return airfare is roughly US$100–160; the ferry is cheaper when scheduled
- Sit on the left flying in — that's your first view of the volcano
Step 2
Best time to visit
Warm all year, quiet most of it. Pick your season by what you want to feel.
Dec – Apr
The sweet spot
Dry, breezy and green — classic Caribbean weather and Christmas Carnival to open it.
March
St Patrick's Festival
Our biggest week of the year — a festival of freedom found nowhere else on earth.
May – Jun
Green & quiet
Mango season, warm seas, and the island almost to yourself. My favourite underrated window.
Jul – Nov
Hurricane season
Hotter and greener with brief showers. Watch forecasts Aug–Oct; travel insurance is your friend.
Step 3
Getting around
Car rental
The freedom option — from ~US$45/day. You’ll need a local licence (EC$50, issued on the spot).
Taxis & tours
Drivers double as brilliant guides — agree the fare first, then enjoy the commentary.
Buses
Green-plated minibuses ply the main road — flag one down, EC$3–5, cash to the driver.
Driving here
Left side, hilly, hairpins — and every oncoming driver will wave. Wave back.
Step 4
Know before you go
The questions I get asked every single week.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), pegged at EC$2.70 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted; you’ll get change in EC.
Cards work at hotels, car rentals and larger restaurants — but bring cash for beach bars, buses, street food and the market. There are ATMs in Brades.
Mostly UK-style 3-pin (Type G) at 230V, with some US-style sockets in guest accommodation. Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Digicel and Flow cover the island. Roaming can be pricey — a local prepaid SIM or an eSIM is the cheap option for longer stays. Most stays have Wi-Fi.
One of the safest islands in the Caribbean — crime is rare and people look out for each other. The volcano is professionally monitored with clearly marked zones.
There’s a hospital in St John’s for everyday needs; serious cases transfer to Antigua. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Light clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, walking shoes for trails, a light rain layer, swimwear, and something smart-casual for dinner. Soft luggage under ~50lb for the small plane.
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory — many nationalities (UK, US, Canada, EU) enter visa-free for tourism. Check the official entry requirements for your passport before travelling.
Take it with you
Want this as a step-by-step itinerary?
My downloadable guides plan every day for you — flights, food, beaches and bookings.