Discover Garibaldi Hill

Garibaldi Hill is a practical reference point for a trip to Montserrat, primarily because of its views. You can use it to focus your search on what matters most for your trip.

Views from Garibaldi Hill

From Garibaldi Hill, you can see the Soufrière Hills volcano and Plymouth. From the other side of the viewpoint, you can see Isle’s Bay, Old Road Bay, Old Towne, and Salem. Another view extends unobstructed northwest along Montserrat’s coast. This brings different sights together: the volcano and Plymouth on one side, and bays, settlements, and the coastline on other sides of the viewpoint.

To visit Garibaldi Hill, contact one of the taxi providers. As visitor access can change, check the current conditions in advance. The view of Plymouth and a visit to the town are two different matters: Plymouth is in Montserrat’s Exclusion Zone (Zone V) and is accessible only with a certified tour guide. Check current tour options before visiting as well.

More nature experiences on Montserrat

The Montserrat National Trust Botanical Gardens include an orchid house, a medicinal plant garden, a cactus and succulent garden, and a palm promenade. The endemic and endangered Montserrat orchid (Epidendrum montserratense) can be seen in the orchid house. Alongside the sweeping views from Garibaldi Hill, this puts specific plant collections and a distinctive island species in the spotlight. Dry Waterfall is about 100 feet high and carries water only during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall.

Montserrat’s hiking trails also vary in their routes and difficulty. The Hope Ridge Trail passes through cloud forest at about 2,300 feet above sea level to Elfin Forest on Baker Hill Mountain. It is described as a route for fit, very experienced hikers; check current trail conditions before setting out. On the Oriole Walkway, the trail climbs gently at first and then steeply to Lawyer’s Mountain. A short spur leads to a clearing at the trail’s highest point, 1,287 feet above sea level, with views north and south across the island. The stated suitability for Hope Ridge is narrowly defined; on the Oriole Walkway, the change from a gentle to a steep ascent is a practical planning consideration.

Culture and island history

The Montserrat National Museum in Little Bay displays artifacts and exhibitions on the island’s history and culture, from pre-Columbian times to the present day. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory was established in response to the volcanic eruption that began in July 1995. The Montserrat National Trust preserves and protects the island’s cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage. The calabash is also part of this cultural context: the fruit is associated with Montserrat’s African heritage and was traditionally used to make tableware, musical instruments, bags, and decorative items.

Coast and activities on Montserrat

Montserrat’s reefs have structures covered in corals and sponges that are associated with the island’s volcanic activity. Visitors to the reefs can often spot sea turtles, stingrays, and fish, but sightings are not guaranteed. Green sea turtles, leatherback turtles, and hawksbill turtles are found along the coast. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are offered in the relatively calm Caribbean Sea around Little Bay; conditions may vary.

For the overall travel guide: Saint Anthony Parish.