Antigua and Barbuda are twin island nations, with Barbuda located about 25-28 miles from Antigua. The most popular way to get to Barbuda from Antigua is by high-speed ferry, which takes about 90 minutes on a pleasant day. The Barbuda Express is a catamaran that offers same-day one-way and round-trip services and runs 6 days a week between the two islands. The journey by sea can be rough, and safety is always a priority, with ferries not running in risky conditions.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Distance | 25-28 nautical miles |
Journey time | 90 minutes |
Transport options | Ferry, speedboat, helicopter, chartered or private plane |
Ferry companies | Barbuda Express, Island Escape, Codrington Express, Summer Breeze |
Helicopter company | CalvinAir Helicopters |
Plane companies | SVG Air, Fly Montserrat, LIAT |
What You'll Learn
- The journey from Antigua to Barbuda by boat takes around 90 minutes
- The Barbuda Express ferry runs six days a week and is the most popular way to travel between the islands
- The ferry costs $55 for a one-way adult ticket
- The boat ride can be rough, and some travellers experience motion sickness
- There are also private charter options available for those who want to travel by boat
The journey from Antigua to Barbuda by boat takes around 90 minutes
Antigua and Barbuda are twin islands that are part of the Caribbean island nation. The islands are separated by a distance of 28 miles, with Barbuda located northeast of Antigua. While there are options to travel by air, the most popular way to get to Barbuda from Antigua is by boat, with the journey taking around 90 minutes.
There are currently two ferry services available for this route: The Barbuda Express and The Island Escape. The Barbuda Express is a powerful catamaran that offers both same-day one-way and round-trip services, operating six days a week between the two islands. It is known for its comfort and safety, with wave-piercing vessels that can handle most weather conditions. The ferry departs from St. John's Harbour in Antigua, with the ferry dock located at the bottom of High Street in St. John's city.
The journey from Antigua to Barbuda by boat takes approximately 90 minutes, offering a pleasant and quick way to travel between the islands. The high-speed ferry service provides convenience and efficiency for both locals and tourists. The 90-minute duration is an ideal timeframe for day trips or excursions, as well as for business purposes. This time length strikes a balance between a quick commute and a leisurely cruise, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The boat ride offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and provides an opportunity to spot marine life, such as whales. However, it's important to note that the journey can be strenuous due to time spent on the sea, and changing weather patterns can sometimes result in rough seas. Ferry operators prioritise safety and may cancel trips if necessary.
In addition to the ferry services, there are also private boat charters and excursions available from Antigua to Barbuda. These provide a more personalised experience and can be booked through various boat companies in Antigua. Overall, the 90-minute boat journey from Antigua to Barbuda is a convenient, scenic, and popular option for those looking to explore the beauty and tranquility of Barbuda.
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The Barbuda Express ferry runs six days a week and is the most popular way to travel between the islands
Antigua and Barbuda are twin islands located in the Caribbean. The islands are separated by a distance of about 25-28 nautical miles, with Barbuda lying northeast of Antigua. While there are options to travel by air or sea, the most popular way to get to Barbuda from Antigua is by high-speed ferry.
The Barbuda Express ferry has been in operation since 2004 and was the first ferry service established between the twin islands. It runs six days a week and offers 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 journey takes approximately 90 minutes each way, depending on the weather conditions.
The Barbuda Express is a wave-piercing catamaran that provides maximum passenger comfort at high speed. It is part of a fleet of three vessels owned by the Barbuda Express company, including the Typhoon Express and Leeward Express, which are monohulls that carry both passengers and large cargo. The captains of the ferries constantly monitor the weather conditions and may cancel trips if necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The Barbuda Express ferry service provides a convenient and economical way to travel between the islands. Tourists can explore the undeveloped and tranquil island of Barbuda, known for its white and pink sand beaches, azure seas, and the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
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The ferry costs $55 for a one-way adult ticket
Antigua and Barbuda are twin islands located in the Caribbean. The islands are about 28 miles apart, with Barbuda situated north-east of Antigua. The most popular way to travel between the two islands is by high-speed ferry, which takes about 90 minutes on a pleasant day.
The Barbuda Express is a powerful catamaran that offers same-day one-way and round-trip services between Antigua and Barbuda. The Barbuda Express has been serving the twin islands since 2004 and is ideal for tourists and business people alike. The crossing is 90 minutes in nearly all weather conditions, and the innovative, wave-piercing catamaran gives maximum passenger comfort at high speed. The Barbuda Express runs six days a week between the two islands, with tickets starting at US$55 for a one-way adult ticket.
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 Barbuda Express also operates the Typhoon Express and the Leeward Express, monohulls that carry both passengers and large cargo. These vessels can carry vehicles and off-load large items by crane.
In addition to the ferry service, there are also options for chartered flights and private boat charters between Antigua and Barbuda. SVG Air and Fly Montserrat offer chartered flights, while a range of boat companies in Antigua provide private charters and excursions.
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The boat ride can be rough, and some travellers experience motion sickness
The boat ride from Antigua to Barbuda can be rough, and some travellers experience motion sickness. The journey takes around 90 minutes each way and is usually undertaken by catamaran. The most popular ferry service is the Barbuda Express, which has been operating since 2004 and has a fleet of three vessels. These include the Barbuda Express catamaran, the Typhoon Express, and the Leeward Express, which are monohulls that carry both passengers and cargo.
The changing weather patterns between the islands can cause rough seas, which may induce motion sickness in some passengers. The captains of the ferries are trained to constantly monitor the weather conditions and will cancel trips if necessary for the safety of passengers and crew. It is also recommended that travellers who are prone to motion sickness take appropriate medication before the journey.
Reviews of the Barbuda Express ferry service on TripAdvisor provide mixed opinions about the comfort of the ride. While some travellers mention that the journey can be rough and uncomfortable, others describe it as pleasant and tranquil. It is important to note that sea conditions can vary depending on the season and weather patterns.
In addition to the ferry services, travellers can also opt for chartered flights or private boat charters and excursions from Antigua to Barbuda. These options may be more suitable for those who are concerned about motion sickness, as they can provide a smoother and more personalised travel experience.
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There are also private charter options available for those who want to travel by boat
Antigua and Barbuda are located 28 miles apart, and while there are various ways to get from one island to the other, travelling by boat is one of the most popular options. The most common way to travel between the islands is by high-speed ferry, which takes about 90 minutes on a pleasant day. However, for those who want a more exclusive experience, there are also private charter options available.
Private boat charters are a great way to travel between Antigua and Barbuda in style and comfort. These charters offer a personalised experience, allowing travellers to set their own itinerary and travel at their own pace. There are several companies that offer private boat charters between the two islands, with a variety of vessels to choose from, including motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans.
One such company is Dream Yacht Charter, which offers a range of luxury yachts for charter, including motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans. Their yachts come in various sizes, accommodating different group sizes, and are equipped with modern amenities and professional crews. Dream Yacht Charter also provides the option of a skippered charter, where a professional skipper sails the yacht, so travellers can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about navigation.
Nicholson Charters is another reputable company offering private yacht charters in Antigua and Barbuda. They provide a selection of luxury motor yachts and sailing yachts, complete with experienced crews, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Nicholson Charters also offers additional services, such as yacht clearance, crew and guest visa waivers, reservations, and provisioning, to enhance the overall charter experience.
For those seeking a more intimate and exclusive experience, a private yacht charter with a company like Boatcrowd could be ideal. Boatcrowd offers a range of superyachts and luxury catamarans for charter, accommodating different group sizes and budgets. These charters come with a dedicated crew and can be customised to include additional amenities and services, such as jet skis, scuba diving equipment, and gourmet catering.
Travellers can also opt for a private helicopter charter with companies like CalvinAir Helicopters, which offers a quick and convenient way to travel between the islands. The 15-minute flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the Caribbean Sea and the islands, offering a unique perspective of the region's beauty.
Whether it's a luxurious yacht charter, a high-speed ferry, or a scenic helicopter ride, travellers have a variety of options to choose from when travelling between Antigua and Barbuda by boat, allowing them to customise their journey to suit their preferences and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
The distance between Antigua and Barbuda by boat is 25 nautical miles or 28 miles. The journey takes around 90 minutes by ferry.
One-way adult fares start at US$55.00.
The Barbuda Express ferry runs 6 days a week between the two islands.
The journey can be rough, with some passengers experiencing motion sickness. The weather can also impact the journey, with trips sometimes cancelled due to unpredictable weather.