Barbuda's Travel Possibilities: What You Need To Know

Antigua's sister island Barbuda is a tranquil getaway for those seeking untouched pink coral and white sand beaches, the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere, and the best lobster in the Caribbean. Travellers can fly to Barbuda from Antigua with airlines such as SVG Air and Fly Montserrat, or take a high-speed ferry such as the Barbuda Express.

Travel to Barbuda by ferry or plane

Barbuda is a tranquil getaway destination, with untouched pink coral and white sand beaches, azure seas, and a large Frigate Bird Sanctuary. It is located 28 miles north-east of Antigua and is accessible by ferry or plane.

By Ferry

The most popular way to get to Barbuda is by high-speed ferry, which takes about 90 minutes on a pleasant day. There are currently two ferry services available: The Barbuda Express and The Island Escape. The Barbuda Express is a powerful catamaran that offers same-day one-way and round-trip services. It runs six days a week between Antigua and Barbuda and is boarded at the ferry dock in St. John's Harbour. The one-way adult fare starts at US$55.00. The ferry can also be boarded at Jolly Harbour in the season for day tourists.

The Barbuda Express also operates two cargo boats, the Typhoon Express and the Leeward Express, which can accommodate passengers. These boats may leave from Crabbes Peninsula and/or St. John's.

By Plane

SVG Air and Fly Montserrat offer chartered and scheduled flights to Barbuda from Antigua. SVG Air offers a personalized service with experienced pilots flying light twins and business jets. Fly Montserrat offers two daily flights with nine-seat, twin-engine aircraft. The flight time between Antigua and Barbuda is about 15 minutes. The cost of the flight has increased to a prohibitive $400 EC round trip.

The Barbuda Express ferry offers a 90-minute journey from Antigua

The ferry journey from Antigua to Barbuda takes approximately 90 minutes each way and is an innovative, powerful wave-piercing catamaran that provides maximum passenger comfort at high speed. The Barbuda Express runs six days a week, offering same-day one-way and round-trip services at reasonable rates. The ferry can be boarded at the ferry dock in St. John's Harbour, located at the bottom of High Street in St. John's City, Antigua.

The 90-minute journey time makes the ferry ideal for day trips or excursions to Barbuda. Barbuda is known for its tranquil atmosphere, laid-back luxury, beautiful beaches, and connection with nature. It is a low-lying coral island located 28 miles northeast of Antigua, distinguished by its flat geography, white and pink sand beaches, azure seas, and the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.

The Barbuda Express captains constantly monitor weather conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers. However, the changing weather patterns can sometimes result in rough seas, causing motion sickness for some passengers.

The Barbuda Express ferry service provides a convenient and affordable option for travellers wishing to explore the beauty and tranquility of Barbuda, making it a popular choice for those seeking a relaxing getaway in this undeveloped and little-visited island paradise.

SVG Airlines operates flights to Barbuda from Antigua

Antigua's charming sister island, Barbuda, is a tranquil getaway known for its untouched pink coral and white sand beaches. The island is located 28 miles northeast of Antigua and is accessible by air and sea.

SVG Airlines operates scheduled and chartered flights between Antigua and Barbuda, offering a personalised service with experienced pilots flying a fleet of light twins and business jets. The airline provides one-way and round-trip flights, with prices starting at $400 EC for a round trip. SVG Airlines currently offers two flights a day, one arriving in the early morning at around 7:00 am and the other in the late afternoon at around 4:00 pm. Additional flights are sometimes available, and it is worth inquiring about extra seats on charters.

To book a flight with SVG Airlines, you can send an email, call their Antigua office at +1 (268) 484-1416, or book online through their website, www.flysvgair.com. It is recommended to double-check your reservation a few days in advance, as there may be last-minute changes or cancellations. Additionally, SVG Airlines enforces a strict weight allowance policy, so passengers and luggage exceeding the limit will be subject to extra charges.

Travellers should note that the Barbuda airport is located out of town, and taxi services need to be arranged in advance. The flight time between Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for those who prefer a quicker journey compared to the ferry.

While flying is a popular choice, it is important to consider the high cost, with round-trip prices reaching $400 EC. An alternative option is to travel by ferry, with the Barbuda Express being the most popular choice. This ferry service offers daily trips between the two islands, with a journey time of about 90 minutes each way.

Safety precautions and security concerns in Barbuda

Crime

Although Barbuda is considered one of the safest Caribbean nations, with relatively low crime rates, it is not immune to incidents of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and sexual assault. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are also common, especially during annual festivities. Therefore, it is important to take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety.

• Ensure your accommodation is secure, whether it be a hotel or a yacht.
• Avoid walking alone off the busy main roads, especially at night.
• Stay away from isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.
• Only use licensed taxis.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewellery, or other valuables. Instead, leave them in a safety deposit box or a secure hotel safe.
• Be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs.
• Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or displaying signs of affluence.
• Keep your passport and other travel documents secure at all times.

Health and Hygiene

• Stick to bottled water, especially in remote areas, or consider carrying a portable water purifier.
• Consume freshly cooked food and avoid raw meats or seafood. Wash fresh produce with bottled water, and ensure seafood is properly cooked.
• Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue.
• Apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and stay hydrated to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion.
• Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, and consider getting additional vaccinations recommended for travellers to the region.

Driving and Transportation

• Roads in Barbuda have few paved roads, bad road markings, insufficient lighting, and may have pedestrians and stray livestock.
• Always drive defensively and be cautious of poorly maintained or slow-moving vehicles.
• Only use officially marked taxis, and confirm the fare and driver's identity before getting in.
• If you plan to drive, obtain a temporary local driving license, as your international license may not be valid.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Barbuda is prone to hurricanes and earthquakes, so it is important to:

• Monitor local and international weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Make sure your accommodation is secure and follow guidance on how to prepare for hurricanes.
• Stay informed about the latest regional weather forecasts and follow evacuation orders if necessary.

Things to do in Barbuda, including the Frigate Bird Sanctuary

Barbuda is known for its untouched pink coral and white sand beaches and the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. The island is located 28 miles northeast of Antigua and is known for its tranquil getaway, laid-back luxury, beautiful beaches, a connection with nature, and the warmth and hospitality of Barbudans.

Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Codrington Lagoon National Park is home to over 5,000 frigate birds, along with about 100,000 birds from 170 different species. The sanctuary is located in the capital of Barbuda, Codrington, and is only accessible by a short boat trip with a knowledgeable tour guide. The male frigates are especially visible during the mating season (August-October) when they inflate their iconic red throat pouches to impress the females.

Explore the beaches

Barbuda is known for its stunning beaches, including Princess Diana Beach, which is named after the iconic British royal who frequented this shoreline. This beach offers soft, white sands, crystal-clear waters, and nodding palms, along with stunning sunset views. Another notable beach is the 11 Mile Beach or 17 Mile Beach, a huge stretch of unspoiled sand that offers seclusion and stunning sunsets. Finally, the Pink Sand Beach gets its color from tiny rose shells and crushed corals and is a great spot for snorkeling.

Discover the underground caves

Barbuda is unique among Caribbean islands due to its limestone composition, resulting in a variety of large and beautiful caverns. The most popular cave is Two Foot Bay Cave, but there are also Darby's Cave and Harrison's Cave to explore. It is recommended to visit these caves with an organized group for safety purposes.

Sail along the coast

Barbuda is considered one of the best spots for sailing, along with its sister island, Antigua. Chartering a vessel is a great way to explore the island's mostly undeveloped eastern shore and enjoy romantic sunsets.

Visit Codrington, the main hub of Barbuda

Codrington is the extremely small capital of Barbuda and is worth visiting for its shops and restaurants. Some recommended eateries include Byrons Cafe, ArtCafé, Wanda’s Food Palace, and Abraham’s Middle Eastern Food.

Frequently asked questions