Montserrat: Little Bay Buried City Tour Review

[igooutsidesometimes]

We booked this tour on our January 2023 cruise (through Windstar Cruises). We paid $179pp and it lasted 4.5 hours. 

 

The description included: 

• Drive through Brades to Woodlands and Salem
• First stop is at Runaway Ghaut to see the natural spring water
• Continue to Richmond Hills to see birds eye view of the Buried City from the Montserrat Springs Hotel
• Drive through abandoned villages 
• Stand on the Buried City to see what used to be the deep water harbor
• Continue to Woodlands Beach where lunch is provided. Relax under a canopy of almond trees. You will have time to browse local craft dealers' stands and take a piece of Montserrat home with you. 

 

My first note is that the people of Montserrat are incredibly nice and thankful for the visitors. They really made everyone feel welcomed. The history and stories of the buried city were amazing. I was excited about this excursion, but unprepared for the level of information they would provide. The top of Richmond Hills at the old Montserrat Springs Hotel was the first hint of what we would get into, as you're walking around the pool of what used to be a beautiful hotel. When we got to the main attraction of the tour, they showed us pictures of what the area we were standing on used to look like, so you could imagine how much of the landscape had truly changed. Our guide showed us where her brand new dream home was located when the volcanic eruption occurred.

 

Two things that were misleading about this excursion. First, we never did stop at the spring, only drove by. Old folklore says that if you drink from the spring mountain water, you will return to Montserrat. Other buses on our tour stopped, but ours did not and that was disappointing. Second, in the notes of our tour description, we were encouraged to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel for the time at Woodlands Beach. Although the beach was beautiful, it was definitely not a swimming location, so a swimsuit and towel are unnecessary. Above that, we were only there for about 10 minutes. What they didn't tell us is that it would be beautiful, shimmery black sand, so a very worthwhile visit. There was one craft booth, so we did not get souvenirs. Best to do that closer to the pier- but it is not a traditional cruise pier. There were 2-3 stands. 

 

I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone. Just don't bring your swimsuit 🙂