ST JOHNS, ANTIGUA

If there’s one tour we’re really going to ‘push the boat out’ for, perhaps this should be it! Our entire tour of Montserrat is over the ‘exclusion zone’, which is an area that has been designated off limits to ground transportation for the past few years. What better way to view it than by Bell helicopter!

If there’s one tour we’re really going to ‘push the boat out’ for, perhaps this should be it! Our entire tour of Montserrat is over the ‘exclusion zone’, which is an area that has been designated off limits to ground transportation for the past few years. What better way to view it than by Bell helicopter!We depart by minibus for the Fort James Helipad, from where we fly directly to the East Coast of Montserrat, 24 nautical miles away. Flying at 1,500 feet, our captain will provide commentary over the headsets that we are all fitted with. Each has a voice-activated microphone to allow us to communicate with one another, and with the captain. At the centre of Montserrat’s exclusion zone is the Soufriere Hills Volcano. Rising to 3,000 feet, it is still active and frequently emits a combination of ash, steam and smoke. In the event of an eruption, we are safe because the helicopter maintains a position upward of the dome, and never flies directly over the dome itself. First on the agenda is a fly past the dome – we will make two passes so that everyone in the helicopter gets a chance to see and photograph this wonder of Mother Nature. 1,000 feet below is the massive tar river gorge and delta, which has formed as a result of pyroclastic flows – like avalanches of hot gas, rock, ash, dust and mud. During an eruption, these flows can travel down the side of the volcano at speeds of 80-100 mph!We now see Plymouth in the distance, the former capital of Montserrat. The city lies uninhabited and in ruins, some places buried under more than 40 feet of ash. It has to be seen to be believed!On the seaside, on the West Coast, is the former W. H. Bramble Airport, which took a direct hit from a pyroclastic flow in 1997. It has been closed ever since, but we fly down the empty runway at a height of 150 feet and a speed of 100 mph. Incredible! After soaring and then descending at low level along the spectacular cliffs of the East Coast, for another perspective of the volcano, it’s time to return to Antigua. Please note that the flight route is dependent upon weather and volcanic conditions. The maximum weight of any passenger should be 90 kilograms (200 pounds). The helicopter’s propellers will be turning as we board. Although you may not be seated directly next to a window, all passengers should enjoy a good view. Don’t forget your camera!

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON