Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Scenic View — No Zone Entry
Plymouth Buried City Tour (Scenic View)
See Montserrat's buried city from the hills, walk a black sand beach, and take in the island's whole story. No climbing into the volcano zone.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 3 hours
Difficulty
Easy · One short 1-hour walk · All ages
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Duberry-Cassava · Volcano Observatory · Richmond Hill · Isles Bay
The Experience
See the buried city, no climbing into the zone required
This is the relaxed way to take in the big story of Montserrat. Over about three hours we mix a short forest walk, the science of the volcano, a spectacular view of the buried capital, and the strange beauty of a black sand beach. It is easy on the legs and easy on the nerves, with the buried city seen safely from a distance.
We start with a gentle one-hour walk on the Duberry-Cassava Nature Trail, finishing at the famous Runaway Ghaut. Then on to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, where a short film tells the story of the eruption that changed the island forever. Up on Richmond Hill, you look out over Plymouth, our buried capital, its abandoned homes and rooftops still showing through the ash. We finish with your feet in the black volcanic sand at Isles Bay.
5 on TripAdvisor
“One of the best tours I've ever taken with one of the nicest people I've ever met. Scriber lived through the eruption — visiting the Observatory and what's left of Plymouth with him was powerful and moving. We made a friend for life.”— Robert from the South
What makes it special
Moments you'll remember
The buried city from above
Look out over Plymouth, the only volcano-buried city in the Americas, safely from the hills.
The volcano's story
A short film at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory brings the 1995 eruption to life.
Black sand underfoot
Walk one of Montserrat's striking black volcanic sand beaches at Isles Bay.
A forest walk with a legend
A gentle hour on the Duberry-Cassava Nature Trail to Runaway Ghaut, where legend says a sip of the spring water means you will return to Montserrat.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Meet and set off
We start the tour together. Transport between stops can be arranged for an additional fee — just request it in your booking notes or message us on WhatsApp. Or you can use your own vehicle.
Stop 2
Duberry-Cassava walk
A short one-hour forest walk ending at Runaway Ghaut, where you take a drink of the spring water and hear the legend.
Stop 3
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Watch the short film about the Soufrière Hills Volcano and the eruption that buried Plymouth.
Stop 4
Richmond Hill viewpoint
Stop at the old museum building and take in the spectacular view of buried Plymouth and the abandoned homes, while Scriber tells the history of all you can see.
Stop 5
Isles Bay black sand beach
Finish with a walk on the black volcanic sand, with the volcano in view across the bay. Note: the order of stops can be adjusted to fit your day or your cruise time ashore.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided tour with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- The Duberry-Cassava walk, the Plymouth viewpoint, and the black sand beach
- History, stories, and bush knowledge throughout
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- Volcano Observatory film fee (about $4 USD per adult, children free)
- Refreshments
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Comfortable closed shoes for the short forest walk, and light clothing for a warm day.
Bring
Water, sun protection, insect repellent, a camera, and a little cash for the Observatory film.
Children
Suitable for all ages. The walking is light and the pace is easy.
Weather
Mostly easy going, but the forest trail can be muddy after rain, so bring a light rain layer.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
A relaxed scenic drive with stops on the safe ridges above the exclusion zone, with the best views of buried Plymouth and Soufrière Hills. Good for any fitness level. Transport can be purchased when you book (up to 4 persons) — contact us for larger groups or any questions.
Secure your spot online — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Booking 5 or more? Message us for group pricing.
FAQ
Answers at a glance
Continue the journey
More ways to discover the island
3 hrs · Free cancel 24 hrs