Barbuda – the Hidden Gem of the Caribbean

Barbuda is a small island nestled in the eastern Caribbean which, together with several other islands, forms the sovereign Commonwealth nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

When I was younger, I’d always hear my doctor saying he was heading to Antigua year after year, but I’d never really heard of Barbuda.

Would that I had researched the area earlier, I could have discovered this amazing place long ago!  As it turns out, this hidden piece of heaven on earth is home to about 1800 people.

Oh, and I should mention, it was a good thing that I stumbled across this barbudaful.net, which is a great resource for learning about this fascinating location.

It’s worth noting that most of the population of Barbuda lives in the Codrington, the only town on the island, which is the town was named after the family who leased the island for about 185 years.  

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This island is a true hidden gem which has so much to offer.

Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, pristine nature, rich tradition and culture are just some of the things Barbuda is famous for.

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Stay with us to find out what else Barbuda has to offer and why this magnificent island should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Here is what we are going to cover today:

  • [ps2id url=’#1′ offset=” class=”]Quick info about Barbuda[/ps2id]
  • [ps2id url=’#2′ offset=” class=”]Is Barbuda worth visiting?[/ps2id]
  • [ps2id url=’#3′ offset=” class=”]What is Barbuda best known for?[/ps2id]
  • [ps2id url=’#4′ offset=” class=”]What are the best places to stay at in Barbuda?[/ps2id]
  • [ps2id url=’#5′ offset=” class=”]How to get to Barbuda?[/ps2id]
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Let’s start with some basic info about Barbuda…


Quick info about Barbuda

Here is Barbuda on a map.

  • Location: Caribbean sea
  • Climate: Tropical marine
  • Average temperature: summer 30 C, other seasons 27 C
  • Archipelago: Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles
  • Size: 160.56 km2 (61.00 sq mi)
  • Largest settlement: Codrington
  • Population: around 1800
  • Highest elevation: 38 m (125 ft)
  • Highest point: Highlands
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Next, we reply to anyone who has ever said, “Is Barbuda worth visiting?”


Is Barbuda worth visiting?

Barbuda’s climate, pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and geography are attracting tourists from all over the world.

Barbuda offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and caving.

It is one of the last undeveloped islands in the Caribbean, where preserving nature and wildlife is a priority, making it one of a kind.

This is definitely one of those rare places where you can truly disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.

Here you can also leap in time by visiting unique historical sites and explore some of the most beautiful caves in the Caribbean.

There is no doubt this magnificent island is worth visiting.

Next, we explain what Barbuda’s top attractions are and visiting this island should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

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Ok! Let’s discuss what makes Barbuda so special.


What is Barbuda best known for?

The island is most famous for its beautiful sand beaches which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The crystal clear turquoise water provides plenty of opportunities to see turtles, sharks, barracudas, and many other exotic species.

Many people who come to Barbuda also go caving in some of the most beautiful caves in the Caribbean.

Inside of Indian Cave you can see drawings made by the original inhabitants of Barbuda, the Arawak or the Siboney.

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Another great place to see is is Darby cave, located 3.5 miles north east of Codrington Village.

Here you can see the magnificent Darby sinkhole which is around 300 feet wide and about 70 feet deep. On one side of the cave, stalactites up to 8 feet have formed under the overhang.

The vegetation in this cave resembles a mini rain-forest with palm trees, ferns and lianas. Deer and Land turtles are just some of the species that can be found around here..

Barbuda is also home to the longest beach of the Caribbean. The white sandy long beach is 11 miles long.

Around the island there are several salt ponds where people can collect sea salt. Here you also can see a great variety of endangered bird species.

The island is one of the rare places in the world where you can see the magnificent Frigate bird.

Actually, Barbuda is home to a thriving colony of approximately 2500 birds, one of the largest in the world.

Here you can also see other rare species such as Ospreys, Whistling Ducks and Tropicbirds.

It is worth mentioning that the charm of Barbuda lies in its natural and peaceful way of life. This island is not for travellers who are after nightlife or modern tourist attractions.

Barbuda is a perfect destination for people who want to relax, slow down, disconnect from technology and reconnect with traditional ways of living.

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Next, we talk about some of the best places to stay there.


 What are the best places to stay at in Barbuda?

Although hurricane Irma has caused significant damage to some of Barbuda’s hotels and guest houses, there are still several great places where you can stay at.

Some of the best places where you can stay while visiting Barbuda are Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel, Barbuda Cottages, Coco Point Lodge and Palm Tree Guest House.

Most of these places overlook the Caribbean Sea and offer amazing view of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

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Finally, we explain you how to get there…


How to get to Barbuda?

Barbuda’s pristine beaches remain unspoiled perhaps because not many know how to get there.  That’s why we have decided to make a short guide on how to get to this small piece of heaven on earth. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Get to Antigua

Before you head for Barbuda, you need to go to Antigua. The easiest way to get to Antigua is by plane.  There are plenty of airlines flying to Antigua, so you should be able to book your ticket easily.

Step 2: Travel from Antigua to Barbuda

You have 3 options of traveling from Antigua to Barbuda: by a helicopter, ferry, or small airplane. All of the options mentioned have their advantages and disadvantages.

Traveling by helicopter is definitely the fastest and most scenic way of getting there. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive way. The round trip costs around $1800.

Traveling by the public ferry is the cheapest option. It will cost you around $90 per person. However, this is also the slowest option as the ride last around 90 minutes.

Traveling by a small plane is probably the best option. The flight takes only 15 minutes. Plus, the cost of it is just a little more than the ferry, at $110 per person.

That’s all for today! Thanks for reading and have a great day!
To find out more about Barbuda, please watch this video:

About the author: Garth loves camping under the stars with his Arb III, scuba diving, snorkeling, and also tanning. His favourite snorkel spots include Alanya (Turkey), Koh Rong (Cambodia), and Maui (Hawaii, USA). He also loves to visit the cenotes in Mexico and he recommends everyone reads the book, “The Soul of an Octopus”, because, he says “they are sensitive, just like me”.

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