Eruption Special: Soufrière Hills

- 5-days expedition to Montserrat's active volcano -

The lava dome of Soufrière Hills volcano (photo: Marco Fulle)Pyroclastic flow from Montserrat (Soufiere Hills) (photo: Anthony Finizola)

Highlights

5 days dedicated to eruption viewing of the spectacular activity of Soufrière Hills volcano on Montserrat
Introduction to volcanology by an accompanying volcanologist
Various viewpoints of the active lava dome and its pyroclastic flows
Option for helicopter overflight(s) and boat trip(s)
Visit of abandoned Plymouth ghost town
Satellite view of erupting Montserrat with ash plume drifting west (photo: NASA Earth Observatory, taken on 31 Jan 2010)
Satellite view of erupting Montserrat with ash plume drifting west (photo: NASA Earth Observatory, taken on 31 Jan 2010)
Intense seismic signals from the volcano (photo: Marco Fulle)Glowing avalanches (photo: Marco Fulle)Rainbow (photo: Marco Fulle)Pyroclastic flows at night (photo: Marco Fulle)Sunrise sky (photo: Marco Fulle)Evelyne PRADAL, professional volcanologist and team member of VolcanoDiscovery
In short
Tour code: SPE_MON
Tour type: Eruption Special: active volcanoes - adventure
Difficulty: Easy
Tour character: Eruption viewing from various viewpoints during the day and night. Transfers by car and short hikes only required.
Best travel period: Dec - July
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Dates:

space available14-18 Apr 10

Price (p.p.): 1380 €

(4-9 participants / prices for smaller or larger groups on request.)

Included:

Accommodation in guesthouse / hotel in double room
Full board from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 5 (picknick-style lunch snack, dinner in restaurants)
All transfers (rental car) on Montserrat
Entry fees
Accompanying volcanologist
Introduction to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
Competent volcanologist guide

Arrival info:

The trip starts and ends on Montserrat. Montserrat is easily reached from neighboring Antigua by boat or plane. On request we can help you with booking your flight to and from Montserrat or include this in your package.

Plymouth ghost town (photo: E. Pradal)Pyroclastic flow (photo: E. Pradal)
During the past months, the activity at the active lava dome of Montserrats volcano has drastically increased and frequently produces spectacular glowing avalanches (pyroclastic flows).
VolcanoDiscovery invites you to join two volcanologists from our team to obseve this fascinating activity from close on our next eruption special trip. The tour will also give you an in-depth knowledge of the Soufrière Hills volcano, its past and current activity, the monitoring of the volcano by the local volcano observatory, an understanding of volcanic phenomena related to lava domes and deposits of explosive eruptions.
We have 5 days to explore the best viewpoints to watch the activity at day- and nighttime, as well options for scenic helicopter overflight(s) and boat tours (weather and activity permitting).

Eruption Special Montserrat - 5 days

Note:
The rough day-by-day itinerary is only indicative. During the trip, we will choose the best viewpoints and excursions to see the activity in function of the weather and volcanic activity.

Day 1:

Arrival in Montserrat & observation of pyroclastic flows
Arrival in Montserrat in the morning and meeting with our áccompanying volcanologist Evelyne Pradal. The afternoon is already dedicated to observations of the volcanic activity and a visit of the MVO volcano observatory.
Acc.: guesthouse / hotel (D)

Day 2:

Observations of the volcano from the western side
Obervations of the volcano from the western side (Belham Valley and Garibaldi Hills if safely accessible). Observation of lahar and pyroclastic flow deposits.
Acc.: as before (B, L, D)

Day 3:

Observations from the sea and the southern side
In the morning observations from the sea (if conditions permitting, optional), as well as from the south and east flank of the volcano (Plymouth, St Patrick until Tar River). In the afternoon, observation of pyroclastic flows from the east side (Jack Boy Hill viewpoint).
Acc.: as before (B, L, D)

Day 4:

Further observations from various viewpoints
Optional helicopter overflight and back to the western sector for observations.
Acc.: as before (B, L, D)

Day 5:

Observations of the volcano & departure from Montserrat
Morning: return to the best viewpoints for more volcano watching. In the afternoon / evening, departure or own extension.
Acc.: none (B, L)