Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 401
Scuba & Diving Snorkeling in Montserrat
Montserrat was forgotten as a diving and snorkeling destination after the island’s volcanic eruption in the mid- 90s, but it has now regained that designation. Most of the dive sites around the island feature large rocks which are encrusted with coral, including the huge barrel coral. Some of the coral, home to swarms of reef fish, octopus, spiny lobsters, moray eels, spotted drums, cleaner shrimps as well as turtles, stingrays and reef shark can be as large as 6 feet. Rendezvous Bay is one of the more popular dive sites, with both shallow and deep diving sections. There are however, over 50 other dive sites around Montserrat includng another popular site, Little Redonda Island. You’ll also find that Bat Cave, Foxes Bay, Isle’s Bay Reef, Lime Kiln, Potato Hill and Wreck Site all offer great snorkelling opportunities. The dive shops on the island will provide equipment and also diving courses for beginners all the way through to PADI diving instructor courses. The shops will also guide you to the best place where you can see the beautiful colours of Montserat’s underwater world. If you are new to snorkeling, they will also show you how to best use the equipment and stay around to ensure that your experience is a safe one. None of the dive venues are likely to be overcrowded, so you can enjoy your dive, in your own time and in relative solitude.