Exploring Barbuda: Must-See Attractions And Adventures

Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, just north of Antigua, that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. From its famous pink sand beaches to historic landmarks, there's plenty to see and do. The island is known for its laid-back lifestyle and tranquillity, with natural, long beaches and a large lagoon. It's the perfect place for those seeking a low-key island vacation. Here are some of the top attractions and must-see places in Barbuda.

Explore the Frigate Bird Sanctuary

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda is a nature and wildlife area that is home to one of the world's largest frigate bird colonies. These magnificent birds, also known as man-of-war or hurricane birds, have a wingspan of over seven feet and are incredibly garrulous and colourful. The sanctuary is located in the Codrington Lagoon National Park, which protects a vast estuary that supports the frigate birds and many other bird species.

To get to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, you will need to take a boat tour from the Codrington jetty. The lagoon can only be accessed by a licensed sea taxi, and arrangements must be made at least a day in advance through the tourist office. The rate for tours starts at $50 for four adults. Keep in mind that the best time to visit is during the mating season, from September to April, with December being the peak month.

When you arrive at the sanctuary, you will be greeted by the sight of over 2500 frigate birds roosting amid the scrubby mangroves. The nesting sites are filled with the squawking of the birds, and the sight of their blood-red inflating throat pouches is mesmerizing. The males arch their heads back and puff out their pouches to attract the females, which then initiate the mating ritual. After mating, the pair builds a nest from twigs, and the female lays a single egg, which they take turns incubating. It takes about seven weeks for the chick to hatch, and almost six months for it to learn to fly and leave the nest.

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

So if you're a birdwatcher or nature enthusiast, a trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda is definitely worth considering. With its vast array of bird species and the opportunity to witness their mating and nesting rituals, it's sure to be a memorable and educational experience.

Discover the pink sand beaches

Barbuda is famous for its pink sand beaches, which are regarded as the pinkest in the Caribbean. The pink hue comes from millions of tiny shells deposited by the waves. The colour is at its deepest between October and January, but from October to May, the beaches are covered with an abundance of pink shells.

The most well-known pink sand beach is Princess Diana Beach, formerly known as Coco Point Beach. Princess Diana loved vacationing here, and the beach was renamed in her honour in 2011. It is considered one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the Caribbean.

Another popular spot to see the pink sand is 17 Mile Beach, which is only accessible by boat. Here, you'll find a more intense pink hue, especially from October to January.

For a true local experience, head to the beach at Barbuda Belle, a luxury hotel on the island. This remote beach is the perfect place to enjoy the pink sand and crystal-clear waters without the crowds.

The pink sand beaches of Barbuda are a unique natural wonder, offering a romantic and tranquil experience for visitors seeking a less-touristed Caribbean destination.

Visit the Indian Cave at Two Foot Bay

Barbuda is famous for its mysterious caves, riddled throughout the island. Many of these caves are so well-hidden that a guide is required to find them. However, the Indian Cave in Two Foot Bay National Park, located on the wild northeastern coast of Barbuda, is an exception. This cave is easily accessible to visitors and most day tours will take you here.

The Indian Cave is the most accessible Neolithic cave on the island. It is nestled at the top of a stone ruin within the national park. The three-chambered cave, carved into the cliffs, features two Arawak Indian rock-carved petroglyphs, as well as a bat chamber filled with thousands of bats. The climb up through the cave to its "roof" offers spectacular views of the turquoise ocean.

The history of human settlement in Barbuda dates back to pre-colonial times. When Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493, he found Arawak and Carib Indians living on the island. There is also evidence of pre-Arawakan settlements dating back to the Stone Age. The Indian Cave contains drawings (petroglyphs) left by the original inhabitants of Barbuda, the Arawak or the Siboney.

A visit to the Indian Cave is a great opportunity to learn about the island's history and explore its natural beauty. It is recommended to visit with a guide to avoid accidentally disturbing the bats that reside in the cave.

Climb to Darby's Cave

Darby's Cave, or Darby's Sink Hole, is a spectacular natural feature that is well worth the 40- to 45-minute hike from Highland House. It is a vertical-sided sinkhole, not a true cavern, formed by solution below ground and subsequent collapse. The sinkhole is over 300 feet in diameter and about 70 feet deep, with cliffs about 70 feet high.

The vegetation inside the cave resembles a mini rainforest with 50-foot palmetto palms, ferns, and lianas. Stalactites up to 8 feet long have formed under the overhang. You can see deer, land turtles, iguanas, hermit crabs, and land turtles.

The former Codrington House, also known as 'Willy Bob' or Highland House, is the starting point for the hike to Darby's Cave. 'Willy Bob' is the highest point on the island, offering scenic views of Barbuda's stunning coastline.

A local guide is essential for this trip.

Experience the local cuisine

Barbuda is known for its fresh seafood, so it's no surprise that the local cuisine is well worth experiencing during your visit. The island's restaurants offer a blend of national and international dishes, served with a Caribbean twist.

The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda is fungee (pronounced "foon-jee") and pepperpot. Fungee is a dish similar to Italian polenta, made with cornmeal and okra. It is often served with stewed saltfish, red herring, or shad coated in cornmeal and fried. You can also try it with stewed or curried conch, or grilled Barbudan spiny lobster, usually seasoned with lemon-garlic butter.

Other local dishes include ducana, a sweet dumpling made from grated sweet potatoes, grated coconut, sugar, flour, and spices, and seasoned rice, a one-pot meal of rice and red kidney beans, seasoned with salted meats and chicken.

For a true taste of Barbuda, sample some of the local confectioneries, such as sugar cake, fudge, raspberry and tamarind stew, and peanut brittle. Wash it all down with a local drink like mauby, seamoss, tamarind juice, or a soft drink like ginger beer.

If you're looking for a fine dining experience, head to the Atlantic View Restaurant, which offers breathtaking views and a menu showcasing the culinary skills of its students. Or, for a celebrity-approved meal, visit Robert De Niro's restaurant, The Nobu Beach Inn, serving exceptional locally sourced sushi and miso black cod (just be sure to plan your visit between Wednesday and Sunday, as those are the only days it's open).

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