Discover volcanoes without danger - from Martinique to Montserrat
There are 3 interesting volcanoes in our target area on the Leeward and Windward Islands: la Soufrière on Guadeloupe (no significant activity since the 1970s), Montagne Pelée on Martinique (under observation for some time) and Souffrière Hills, one of the most active volcanoes on earth on the island of Montserrat. We offer hikes on Guadeloupe and Martinique, combined with a guided visit to the observatory. Hikes to the volcano are not possible on Montserrat. We offer you a helicopter flight to the volcano from Antigua. Or you can visit the observatory with us in Souffrière Hills. It is also possible to visit the old island capital of Plymouth in the restricted island zone with a trained tour guide. There is a certain risk here in the event of a volcanic eruption. We incorporate your volcano observations into a beautiful supporting programme on the islands above the wind and organise the connections between the islands.
Volcano hikes
Nevis Peak / Nevis Island
The 985 metre high volcano last erupted around 100,000 years ago.
erupted. It can be "hiked" with a local guide in around 4 to 5 hours (there/back). Approx. 5 km easy, from Gingerland, steep climbs, partly a "mountain climb" on Nevis. Gloves for ropes and hiking boots required. Only recommended in dry weather. Spectacular views on a clear day. One of the most difficult hikes in the Lesser Antilles. A unique experience for guests in very good physical condition.
Mount Scenery / Saba
Hike to the highest mountain in the Netherlands - the stratovolcano on Saba reaches a height of 877 metres. There are over 1000 stone steps (for the telecommunications station on the summit) and ropes in difficult places to negotiate on the ascent from the village of "Windwardside" (located at approx. 320 metres). The path was created in 1970 and is in good condition, like most hiking routes on the hiking island of Saba. Sometimes you come across the harmless black racer snake (black snake). Approx. 5 km there/back, approx. 3 - 4 hours, as there are steep climbs. Great views, if there are no clouds, of the ocean, the village of Windwardside and The Level and Old Bobby Hill. No mobile phone reception, so we recommend taking a guide with you.
La Soufrière / Guadeloupe
The hike begins at the car park of the "Bains Jaunes" sulphur baths. After about 30 minutes on a well-maintained path through the tropical forest, you will reach the former car park in the "Savanne des Mulets" car park. From this magnificent viewing plateau at 1140 metres (view of the Saintes and Marie-Galante islands in good weather), the ascent to the volcanic cone begins (around 300 metres in altitude). Either via the "Chemin des Dames" (approx. 1h 15) or via the "Col d'Èchelle" (approx. 1h 45). Only the last 100 metres are steep. You will repeatedly see landslides (e.g. Faujas, eruption of 1798) and traces of volcanic activity, such as the large rift valley. As you approach the crater, sulphur vapours announce your arrival (e.g. Gouffre Napoleon, Gouffre Tarissant). After returning to the car park, you can take a sulphur bath in the 30-degree "Bains Jaunes". This is certainly the "easiest" volcano hike in the Lesser Antilles and is also highly recommended from a volcanological point of view. It is about 520 metres in altitude to the cone of the "Vye Madamn" (Old Lady, the nickname of the volcano), about 4 hours there and back.
Mount Liamuiga / St Kitts
The approx. 7 km hike takes you to the crater of the dormant stratovolcano at an altitude of around 900 metres. (The crater rim is not the summit, which lies at 1156 metres). The last eruption was around 2000 years ago. Fumaroles are visible inside the crater. From/to Newton Ground in Saint Paul Capisterre Parish (approx. 200 metres above sea level), the tour takes about 6 hours through the rainforest of St Kitts. With a bit of luck you will see some of the local monkeys. There are easier and more challenging sections. The hike is very popular with locals and visitors and requires a good level of fitness. Despite the relatively good signposting, we recommend a local guide.
Montagne Pelée / Martinique
Several paths lead to the Montagne Pelée. One option is to go up from St Pierre via Grande Savanne (fewer hikers than via Aileron): from an altitude of approx. 670 metres. The hike ends after approx. 2 h 30 and approx. 3 km (one-way) below the summit at an altitude of 1150 metres. Partly steep with steps and stony. The last part mostly slippery. Overall in good condition. In good weather (more often on the Caribbean side than on the Atlantic), beautiful views of the west coast with Piton Marcel, Le Prêcheur and St Pierre along the way. The summit itself is often shrouded in cloud. When it is cloudless, you can expect a marvellous panorama. A reliable vehicle with plenty of horsepower is recommended for the journey, as the ascent is steep and there may be potholes due to rain. The car park does not have the capacity for too many cars. Always wear sturdy shoes when hiking in Martinique (because of the shy, very poisonous lance de fer).