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

Seawolf Diving/Vue Pointe Hotel, Jun, 2006,

by Brant Shenkarow, CA, United States . Report 2947.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments 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.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Hawaii, California, Galapagos, Baja, Yucatan, Bay Islands, San Andres/Providencia, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Caribbean, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Australia, Myanmar
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm, noCurrents
Water Temp 81-82°F / 27-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-125 Ft/ 15-38 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions None really.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments 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.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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