During his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus paid homage to a hill-encircled abbey near Barcelona, Spain, naming a tiny, mountainous island Montserrat after the Spanish landmark. Although the Caribbean land mass 27 miles ( 43 km ) southwest of Antigua outwardly resembles Spain's venerated peak, geologically, it greatly differs from its namesake. The ruggedly beautiful slopes of the " saw-toothed mountain " actually are those of a 3000 foot ( 914 meter ) volcano which drew worldwide attention in the 1990's as torrents of hot volcanic debris destroyed its southern portion. Originally a sugar plantation, the island moved to the production of limes when the sugar and slave markets collapsed, and in the 20th century became a haven for musicians who enjoyed recording in its quiet, laid-back atmosphere.
Along Montserrat's west coast, beaches with pearl-grey volcanic sand provide plenty of swimming and water sports opportunities; equipment can be obtained through most local hotels. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular sports, and the island offers numerous coral reefs for exploration.
Beginners can dive at Lime Kiln Bay, with a maximum depth of 45 feet ( 14 m ). Schools of reef fish dart past swimmers at Northwest Bluff, while Rendezvous Bay cave divers encounter thousands of fruit bats dangling from the chasm's ceiling. High waves make Little Redonda, the Pinnacles and Yellow Hole difficult to reach, although visiting such sights as a sunken 19th-century ship and spectacular undersea rock formations tempt advanced divers.
Little Bay and Woodlands Beach are popular shore sites, with picnic areas and snacks close at hand. For a little privacy, Lime Kiln Beach and Isles Bay Beach are great choices. Furthest north, Rendevous Beach is the only non-volcanic white sand beach. In the south, the aftereffects of the volcanic eruption are evident at Foxes Bay, where stripped mangrove trees and the ruins of a former bird sanctuary linger. More inspirational is the sight of green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles nesting on Montserrat's beaches August through September.
The island's chief attraction is its culture, and although the damage from the volcanic eruption was immense on the southern end of the island, much beautiful terrain still exists north of the ash zone. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of, "The Ireland of the Caribbean,", and although George Harrison's AIR studios were destroyed by Hurricane Hugo, the island is still a favorite for both native and visiting musicians. 
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