Exploring Antigua: Travel Options To Barbuda From St. John's

St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, is a popular arrival point for visitors to the Caribbean. With a population of about 25,000, the city is the main port and commercial heart of the country. If you're planning a trip to Barbuda from St. John's, you can opt for a high-speed ferry, which takes around 90 minutes, or a chartered or personalised flight.

Travel by ferry, plane or helicopter

Travel by Ferry

The most popular way to get to Barbuda from St John's, Antigua, is by high-speed ferry. The journey 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 6 days a week between Antigua and Barbuda and can be boarded at the ferry dock in St. John's Harbour, at the bottom of High Street in St. John's City, Antigua. The Barbuda Express also operates the Typhoon Express, which can accommodate passengers and cargo.

The Codrington Express Ferry Service is another option, claiming to be the most affordable and reliable high-speed ferry. The Summer Breeze Ferry also offers transportation between Antigua and Barbuda.

Travel by Plane

To get from St John's, Antigua to Barbuda by plane, you can fly with SVG Air or Fly Montserrat. SVG Air operates scheduled and chartered flights throughout the Caribbean and offers one-way and round-trip flights. Fly Montserrat offers two daily flights from Antigua to Barbuda, along with private charters to the island. Their aircraft has nine seats and twin engines.

Travel by Helicopter

CalvinAir Helicopters offers charter flights from Antigua to Barbuda. The flight lasts for 15 minutes.

The Barbuda Express ferry service

The Barbuda Express is a ferry service that has been operating between Antigua and Barbuda since 2004. It was the first ferry service established in the twin island nation. The company has a fleet of three vessels: the Barbuda Express catamaran, and the Typhoon Express and Leeward Express monohulls, which carry both passengers and cargo.

The journey between the islands takes approximately 90 minutes each way, with the Barbuda Express running six days a week. 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.

The Barbuda Express is an innovative, wave-piercing catamaran that provides maximum passenger comfort at high speed. The 90-minute journey time in nearly all weather conditions makes it ideal for business use, day trips, or excursions. The company's captains constantly monitor weather conditions and may cancel trips if necessary for safety reasons.

One-way adult fares start at US$55.00, and tourists can choose from a selection of packages to explore Barbuda, including day tours. The day tours include a trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and a short tour of Codrington, including caves used by the Arawak Indians and the ruins of the Codrington family home.

St. John's Harbour

Fort James, a historic fort built in the early 1700s, guards the entrance to St. John's Harbour. The fort was originally armed with 36 guns and is named after King James II of England. Today, it offers panoramic views of the sea and the city of St. John's.

The harbour is easily accessible from the city of St. John's, with most attractions within walking distance. It is a lively hub for shopping and dining, with duty-free shopping available at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay. The area also boasts cafes, boutiques, and old Georgian buildings.

Travel time and cost

The most popular way to get to Barbuda from St. John's, Antigua, is by high-speed ferry. The journey takes about 90 minutes on a pleasant day. There are two ferry companies to choose from: The Barbuda Express and The Island Escape. The Barbuda Express is a powerful catamaran that offers same-day one-way and return tickets. It runs six days a week between Antigua and Barbuda and can be boarded at the ferry dock in St. John's Harbour. The round trip costs $210.

The other option is to fly. SVG Air operates scheduled and chartered flights throughout the Caribbean and offers one-way and return flights. Fly Montserrat also operates chartered flights between Antigua and Barbuda, offering two daily flights and private charters to the island. A 15-minute helicopter ride with CalvinAir Helicopters is another option.

Things to do in Barbuda

Barbuda is a tranquil paradise, offering beautiful beaches, a connection with nature, and the warmth and hospitality of its people. Here are some of the best things to do on this idyllic island:

Explore the Frigate Bird Sanctuary

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Codrington Lagoon National Park is one of the largest in the world, with over 5,000 frigate birds and about 100,000 birds from 170 different species. The best time to visit is between October and December, when the male frigates inflate their red throat pouches to attract mates. You can reach the sanctuary by small boat, with a guide.

Discover Princess Diana Beach

Princess Diana Beach, on the southern coast of Barbuda, is a secluded tropical paradise. With soft, white sands, crystal-clear waters, and nodding palms, it's easy to see why Princess Diana herself chose this spot as her holiday getaway. The beach is also known for its occasional blush of pink, caused by thousands of tiny pink shells that wash up at certain times of the year.

Visit Robert De Niro's Restaurant

Yes, you read that right! Robert De Niro was so taken with Barbuda that he opened a restaurant here. The Nobu Beach Inn is a hideaway that serves up exceptional food, with guests sailing in from across the Caribbean to sample the miso black cod and locally sourced sushi.

Explore Indian Cave at Two Foot Bay

Indian Cave, in the northeast of Barbuda, offers spectacular views across the turquoise seas. It also features two Arawak Indian rock-carved petroglyphs and a chamber filled with thousands of bats. It is one of the most accessible Neolithic caves on the island, but it's best to visit with a guide.

Conquer Martello Tower

The Martello Tower, located about five kilometres south of Codrington, is the most intact historic site on Barbuda. This squat, imposing tower is all that remains of a 19th-century British fort. It once protected Barbuda's first harbour, River Landing, and is now a popular location for destination weddings.

Experience the Highlands

The 'highlands' on the east side of the island are the wildest and least developed part of Barbuda. Here, you can spot fallow deer, wild boars, red-footed tortoises, and endangered whistling ducks. The ruins of Highland House, or 'Willybob', mark the highest point on the island, from which you can see most of Barbuda spread out before you.

Frequently asked questions