Exploring Barbuda: A Guide To The Frigate Bird Sanctuary

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to the largest frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere. Located in the Codrington Lagoon, the sanctuary is only accessible by boat. Visitors can fly or sail to the island of Barbuda and then take a short boat trip to the sanctuary. The best time to visit is during mating season, between September and April, when males perform their courtship display, inflating their bright red throat pouches. Tour prices start at $50 for up to four people, and the Barbuda Council collects a $5 entry fee from each visitor.

Getting to the Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is located in the Codrington Lagoon National Park, on the island's northwest coast, and is home to one of the world's largest frigate bird colonies. The park protects a vast estuary that supports a diverse range of bird species, including pelicans, terns, gulls, tropical mockingbirds, Christmas birds, and the endangered West Indian whistling tree duck.

To get to the sanctuary, you will need to travel to the island of Barbuda. You can fly-in by helicopter, plane, or boat from Antigua, depending on your preferred mode of transport. Once you arrive in Barbuda, you will need to make your way to the town of Codrington, where the sanctuary is located. There is only one major road in Barbuda, which takes you directly into Codrington.

The sanctuary itself is only accessible by boat. You can arrange a boat tour through your hotel, or by contacting the Barbuda Council or the tourist office. Prices for the boat tour start at $50 for up to four people, and the tour typically lasts for about 90 minutes. You will also need to pay a small admission fee of $2 per person to enter the park.

It is important to note that the most popular time to visit the sanctuary is during the frigate birds' mating season, which runs from September to April, with December being the peak month. During this time, you will be able to witness the male frigate birds' elaborate courtship rituals, including the inflation of their blood-red throat pouches.

Best time to visit the sanctuary

The best time to visit the Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is during mating season, which lasts from September to April. During this time, you can witness the fascinating mating ritual of these birds. The male frigates line up in the bushes with their heads arched and chests puffed, trying to attract the attention of a potential mate. When a female frigate sees a male that she fancies, she lands at his feet and begins the mating ritual.

Prime time for viewing is between November and April when males gather to court females. You can see the spectacle of males displaying their red throat sacs, inflated like balloons, and clattering their bills while waving their heads back and forth and calling out to females flying overhead. This is also when females choose a mate and spend two weeks with them building a nest of sticks on the male's display perch.

If you visit in May, the male Magnificent Frigatebirds will likely be gone, as they migrate between the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands during varying mating seasons.

The mating rituals of the frigate birds

The males get especially excited when a female soars overhead, and they will put on an even more vigorous performance for potential mates. During this display, the males wave their heads, quiver their wings, and screech. When a female lands beside a male, they shake their heads in rhythm, clack their bills together, and intertwine their necks.

After a female chooses a mate, the pair spends several days close to each other, engaging in mutual head-waving. They then work together to build a nest, with the male gathering materials and the female constructing the nest. The male and female frigate birds also take turns incubating their egg for around eight weeks until it hatches.

Booking a tour of the sanctuary

Booking a tour of the Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is simple and can be done by making arrangements through your hotel or by contacting the Barbuda Council directly. The sanctuary is located in the Codrington Lagoon National Park in Barbuda, which is accessible only by boat.

The tour typically begins at the Codrington Fishery Dock, where there are modern restroom facilities for visitors. From there, a boat will take you across the lagoon to the sanctuary. The boat ride offers a fun and unique perspective of the island, and the knowledgeable tour guides will be able to answer any questions you may have about the birds or the environment.

The cost of the taxi tour is $50 to $70 for up to four people, and admission to the park is $2 per person. It is recommended to book the tour at least a day in advance through the tourist office.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the most popular time to visit the sanctuary is during the mating season, from September to April, with December being the peak month. This is when you'll be able to witness the elaborate courtship rituals of the male and female frigate birds.

Other attractions near the sanctuary

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is located in the Codrington Lagoon National Park, which is a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Beyond the sanctuary, there are several other attractions and natural wonders that visitors can explore.

One of the most popular nearby attractions is the Pink Sand Beach, which is located just a short distance from the sanctuary. This beach is known for its distinctive pale pink hue, caused by the millions of tiny pink shells that wash up on the shore. The brilliant turquoise ocean and the lack of crowds make it an ideal spot for relaxation and solitude.

For those interested in exploring more of the island's natural beauty, Two Foot Bay National Park is another great option. This park features coastal scrub forest, cliffs, and caves, including the Darby Cave, a vertical-sided sinkhole filled with lush vegetation. The trail to the cave begins at the Highland House ruins, a former hunting lodge and country residence, offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

Princess Diana Beach is another popular destination, named after the late princess who visited Barbuda four times. This beach is home to ultra-exclusive resorts and housing developments, but it is open to the public and offers silky smooth, unblemished sands that stretch for miles.

In addition to these natural attractions, visitors can also explore the town of Codrington, which offers a glimpse into local life. The town features schools, churches, a sporting complex, a post office, and a small hospital.

With its mix of natural wonders, historical sites, and local culture, Barbuda offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to enjoy beyond the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

Frequently asked questions