Barbuda: A Tropical Paradise Worth Exploring?

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean paradise, with its stunning beaches, great seafood, and amazing resorts. But is Barbuda worth visiting?

Barbuda is a small island that forms part of the state of Antigua and Barbuda. It is famous for its 17-mile white sandy beach, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and the pink beach. While some people may prefer to spend their time exclusively on Antigua, it is easy to take a day trip or spend a few nights on Barbuda for a more intimate Caribbean island experience. The island offers stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and a glimpse into local life.

However, there are a few things to consider before planning a trip to Barbuda. The island was severely affected by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and is still in the process of recovering. Additionally, some tourists have reported issues with rubbish on the beaches and limited tourist infrastructure.

Overall, Barbuda is worth visiting for its natural beauty and secluded atmosphere. However, it is important to manage your expectations and be respectful of the local community, which is still rebuilding after the hurricane.

The Barbuda Express ferry

The Barbuda Express is a government-run ferry service that has been in operation since 2004 and was the first of its kind in the twin island nation. The company has a fleet of three vessels: the Barbuda Express catamaran, the Typhoon Express, and the Leeward Express, which are monohulls capable of carrying both passengers and large cargo. The innovative wave-piercing catamaran design of the Barbuda Express offers maximum passenger comfort at high speed, allowing it to complete the journey between Antigua and Barbuda in approximately 90 minutes, even in less than ideal weather conditions.

The ferry runs six days a week, sailing to and from Barbuda every day except Saturday. The one-way adult fare starts at US$55.00, and 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 journey across the Atlantic Ocean can be quite rough, and the changing weather patterns can sometimes result in cancellations due to safety concerns. It is recommended that passengers check whether the ferry is running before leaving their accommodation, as rough seas can cause motion sickness. The small size of the ferry can also lead to overcrowding and discomfort, especially if the boat is rocking.

Despite the potential for a bumpy ride, the Barbuda Express is a popular choice for travellers looking to visit Barbuda from Antigua. The crew offers anti-sickness medication to help passengers manage motion sickness, and the short journey time makes it ideal for day trips or business use.

For those interested in a more comprehensive experience, the Barbuda Express also offers a day tour that includes a local tour guide, boat visits to Codrington Lagoon and Two Foot Bay, lunch at Hillside View Bar & Grill, and a swim at Princess Diana Beach. This tour costs $210 USD per person and departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 6:30 am.

Barbuda is an undeveloped and sparsely populated island with stunning natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway. It is known for its flat geography, white and pink sand beaches, azure seas, and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

A typical day trip to Barbuda includes strolling along the miles of pristine beaches, swimming and snorkelling, exploring caves on the Atlantic side of the island, taking a small boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and enjoying drinks and a meal at a local bar or restaurant.

For those looking to escape the crowds and experience the unspoiled Caribbean, Barbuda is highly recommended. However, it is important to note that the island was badly affected by Hurricane Irma in 2017, and its recovery depends on increased tourism.

The beaches

Barbuda is known for its 17-mile white sandy beach, which has been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach is often cited as a reason to visit the island. The sand is light pink in colour, and the water is crystal clear.

One visitor to the beach noted that there was a lot of rubbish on the beach, which they attributed to some of the local young men. Another visitor said that they hardly saw a soul on the beach and were able to walk for miles without seeing anyone.

There are also a few other beaches on Barbuda that are worth visiting. Princess Diana Beach is one of them, and there is also a beach with pink coral sand.

There are various ways to get to Barbuda's beaches. You can take a ferry or a water taxi, or you can fly. There are also various tours that will take you to the beaches, and some resorts offer day trips to the island.

The caves

Barbuda's limestone composition means it is home to many caves and sinkholes. The caves that run along the sea cliffs are particularly interesting, full of history, and home to a variety of flora and fauna.

The closest caves to the village are at Two Foot Bay, where most day tours will take you. However, a local guide is essential for visiting the harder-to-reach caves.

The best-known cave is Darby's Cave, located three and a half miles northeast of Codrington Village. This spectacular sinkhole is over 300 feet in diameter and around 70 feet deep. The vegetation inside resembles a mini rainforest, with palm trees, ferns, and lianas. Deer and land turtles can also be found here.

Indian Cave is another interesting site, where you can see petroglyphs (drawings) left on the cave walls by the Arawak Indians, the original inhabitants of Barbuda.

Dark Cave, two miles south of Darby Cave, is home to a rare species of amphipod, the blind shrimp, as well as several species of bats. This cave has a narrow entrance leading to a vast cavern containing pools of water, which were likely a water source for the Amerindians.

Barbuda's caves offer a fascinating insight into the island's history and ecology, and are definitely worth exploring with a knowledgeable local guide.

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary

These magnificent birds travel between the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands during their varying mating seasons. The males display their big red throats and make drumming noises to attract females. After mating, the pair work together to build a nest from twigs, and the female lays a single egg, which both birds take turns to incubate. It takes around seven weeks for the chick to hatch and almost six months for it to learn to fly and leave the nest.

The best way to get to the sanctuary is by boat. You can either join a small boat tour or find a local with a boat, such as Solomon, who can take you there. The trip across the lagoon takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and the boat will get quite close to the birds, allowing for excellent photo opportunities. The most popular time to visit is during the mating season, from September to April, with December being the peak month.

In addition to the frigate birds, the sanctuary is also home to an estimated 170 other bird species, including pelicans, terns, gulls, tropical mockingbirds, Christmas birds, and the endangered West Indian whistling tree duck. The total population of birds in the sanctuary is estimated to be around 100,000.

A trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and a highlight for many visitors to Barbuda. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the amazing display of nature that is the mating and nesting rituals of these magnificent birds.

The food

Barbuda's sister island, Antigua, is known for its gourmet restaurants, colourful waterfront cafes, beach bars, and fast-food outlets. Whether you're looking for a burger, local fare, or a romantic meal, Antigua has you covered. The island offers an exciting blend of national and international dishes with a Caribbean twist, reflecting its international status. Over 100 restaurants can be found in Antigua, serving up a variety of cuisines, including exotic local dishes, West Indian, Italian, French, Chinese, and Swiss-German fare.

If you're looking for a fine dining experience, Antigua has first-class, gourmet restaurants that can compete with the best in the world. For a more casual meal, there are plenty of colourful waterfront cafes and beach bars to choose from. And if you're just looking to grab a quick bite, fast-food outlets are also available.

When it comes to local fare, Antigua and Barbuda are known for their impeccably fresh seafood. Dining in local homes and village shops in Barbuda is a great way to experience the authentic, colourful, and natural surroundings of the island.

Some specific restaurants in Antigua that you may want to check out include ABHTI Atlantic View Restaurant, which offers scenic views and a variety of menus prepared and served by students showcasing their culinary skills. Akropolis Steakhouse & Pizzeria offers a variety of succulent steaks and tasty pizzas. Al Porto, located on the water's edge in Jolly Harbour, serves up simple, freshly prepared pizza and homemade pasta in a stylish, contemporary setting. Ana's Restaurant & Art Gallery has become synonymous with elegance, style, and grace since opening its signature hot pink doors in 2014. And Bar-B's Restaurant & Bar offers the perfect view of the super yachts pulling in and out of the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, along with a colourful, citrusy atmosphere.

As for Barbuda itself, there are a few restaurants to choose from, including The Hillside View, Palm Tree Restaurant, and Uncle Roddy's Restaurant & Bar. Barbuda is famous for its impeccably fresh seafood, so be sure to indulge in some lobster or other seafood delights while you're there.

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