Dive Review of
Seawolf Diving/Vue Pointe Hotel in
Caribbean (General)/Montserrat

Hawaii, California, Galapagos, Baja, Yucatan, Bay Islands, San
Andres/Providencia, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Caribbean, Thailand,
Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Australia,
Myanmar

Dive Conditions

None really.  

Montserrat is relatively new for divers.  The north end of the island is
now where it's all happening, since the south end is buried in ash from the
recent volcanic activity.  Fis h are shy, not used to seeing divers, so
good close ups are difficult.  I used my 12-24 and 17-35 mm lens
exclusively after my failed 60 mm first dive.  Good visibility and good
ambient light.  Since most dives are within 60 foot depth, 90 minute dives
are not uncommon.  

Overall Rating

This is a "new" dive destination.  The old dive sites are gone,
buried in ash.  The north end of the island is the "new"
Montserrat-- new dive sites are being discovered and named weekly.  There
are relatively few divers visiting the island, so now is the time to
practically have the place to yourself...most days I was the only visiting
diver.  The vis and light of the shallow sites are excellent for
photography, as are the abundant and healthy corals, sponges, and animal
life. 

The island is very interesting topside as well.  Recent volcanic activity
has placed, as of June 2006, 60% of the area in an "exclusion
zone," though it's not difficult to find a born-and-bred Montserratian
to be your guide through the devastation.  Walking through the old capital
Plymouth is equally eerie and fascinating...bring your camera and a few
varied lenses.

The island is quiet, not for the party-going Caribbean tourist.  The people
are pleasant and helpful.  There really aren't many good restaurants or
hotels, since the island is just getting started again.  The Vue Pointe is
a 40 year classic, the oldest hotel and restaurant on the island, surviving
the volcano's eruption in the mid 90's.  Even if you stay somewhere else,
do not miss their Wednesday night BBQ.

Montserrat is definitely a worthwhile week's diving destination. 

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