The proud, close-knit community primarily lives in the capital town of Codrington giving the rest of the island the feel of an unspoilt, private paradise.
For those seeking unique beach spots, Barbuda is home to a beautiful pink sand beach, the result of the degradation of shells and coral. You can also find the historic Princess Diana Beach named after the late Princess of Wales who vacationed there on occasions.
Though the Barbuda is primarily flat, The Highlands – approximately 124 feet in elevation – offers much scope for exploration. Two-Foot Bay National Park – is home to the Indian Cave and Highland Cave, while a trek further inland will unveil the magnificent Darby Cave.
Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary to the north of the island, is the largest of its kind in the western hemisphere. You can get there by boat from the Codrington dock. Locals recommend that September to April (peaking in December) is mating season for the frigate birds and the best time to see the male man-o-wars inflating their signature red throats in an elaborate mating ritual. This is our national bird.
Off Barbuda’s northern coast are the sites of over 100 shipwrecks which ran aground among the coral reefs. It’s a great site for Scuba diving and divers are advised to make arrangements out of Antigua. Alternatively, if certified and have their own equipment, a Barbudan skipper can take them out to the best dive sites.
Other activities in Barbuda include a buggy tour, paddle -boarding, kayaking, fishing, and kiteboarding. Street-side, feel free to join in on a game of dominos.
Accommodations
Barbuda Belle consists of nine bungalows along a 17-mile track of pink and white sand beach, only accessible by boat. This ultra-exclusive and eco-friendly boutique hotel was built with low impact bamboo and is solar-powered.
Barbuda Cottages is a family-oriented property consisting of eight self-contained cottages and is another great option for stay-over visitors. As well as Emerald Sands a two-bedroom self-catering cottage and the historic Dulcina Apartment which has eight rooms.
For the budget-friendly traveller, there are several other guest houses and glamping on island which can be booked for a more intimate, no-frills vacation.
Historic Sites
Martello Tower – which resembles the sugar mills, was built in 1745. The 32-foot structure was used as a lookout for approaching war ships and enabled messages to be signalled back to the village.
Cuisine
Barbuda has many cool beach-side restaurants. Wa’Omoni’s Restaurant, Timbuk One Bar and Restaurant and Uncle Roddy’s Restaurant are just some of the many options. There is even a Nobu restaurant on Barbuda dishing out its signature cuisine with an amazing beach atmosphere.
On Saturdays, fried fish and roast dumplings are a must-have local comfort food. Barbuda, which has subsisted on fishing for centuries, is known for its succulent spiny lobster, crabs, and other seafood.
Getting to Barbuda – 90-minute ferries
1. 3 Ferries one company (Barbuda Express, Leeward Express, Typhoon Express)
2. Codrington Express Ferry (Summer Breeze)
There are several ways to get to Barbuda from Antigua: four 90-minute ferries, Barbuda Express, Caribe Breeze, Leeward Express and Typhoon Express. The Excellence Catamaran and Adventure Antigua run catered tours and chartered private excursions.
Get there by air through SVG Air which operates small propeller aircraft and CalvinAir helicopters.
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