In 1995, the Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted, spewed ash that covered the main town of Plymouth and darkened the sun for 15 minutes. A year later, the town was abandoned, buried under layers of ash and mud deposited by pyroclastic activity. Houses on the hills around the center of the island, as well as the W.H. Bramble Airport on the eastern side of the island, were similarly buried and now stand as a modern-day Pompeii for all to observe. If volcanic activity is at a minimum, people are allowed to go briefly into some areas of the Exclusion Zone to observe the devastation from a closer vantage point. But nobody can enter the zone without a qualified guide, and must follow the restrictions and safety measures. Since no one is allowed near the town of Plymouth, the best place to view it is from Richmond and Garibaldi Hills, where many of the homes remain half-buried in ash. To arrange a tour, contact the Montserrat Tourist Board or one of the tour operators.

Another interesting way to view the effects of the volcano is on a boat tour starting from Little Bay. From this vantage point, the town of Plymouth and the paths of the volcanic flows are visible.

On the eastern side of the island, the remains of Bramble Airport and the lava dome can be viewed from the lookout at Jack Boy Hill. From this point, the airport as well as the severely damaged Indian burial grounds and villages can be seen. The specially constructed building offers a viewing platform, a telescope to see the volcanic dome (if the clouds have lifted), and picnic areas.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory, which is responsible for monitoring the volcano and issuing status alerts, has its own headquarters at Flemmings, built in 2003. At the Interpretation Center, posters provide an explanation of the techniques used in monitoring volcanic activities and video shows give a synopsis and examples of the volcano’s recent activity, along with a touch screen and displays of rocks, ash, and artifacts. Scientists are available to answer questions at sessions held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The website gives the most up-to-date information about the volcano through weekly status reports. Those planning to visit the island should check this site before traveling. Also of interest is the photo gallery that is updated weekly and has an archive of photographs taken during the periods when the dome was still growing. For those interested in learning more about volcanoes, the site also offers extensive information on volcano-specific events and their monitoring methods. A CD as well as a sample set to aid teaching geology, geography, and science for children aged 11 to 18 are also available.