Barbuda Wild Side Travel Guide

Last updated on December 16th, 2024 at 05:56 pm

Use this Guide to Barbuda to prepare your trip to one of the most unknown wild islands of the Caribbean.

Where and what is Barbuda?

Barbuda is one of the islands of the country Antigua and Barbuda in the North-Eastern Caribbean. Barbuda itself is directly north of Antigua and east of The US Virgin Islands and Saba. Codrington – the main township of Barbuda is shown on the map below.

Barbuda has a population of approximately 1500 people and an area of 160 km² (62 square miles). It is one of the least populated islands in the Caribbean.

where-is-barbuda — Caribbean map showing the location of Barbuda.

Why go to Barbuda – what can I do in Barbuda?

For starters, it is off the beaten path and relatively wild – for now. Go before that changes!

This island has absolutely beautiful beaches – some even have pink sand (but its seasonal). It also has one of the largest frigate colonies in the world – not to be missed during mating season. Add to that the very unusual upside down jellyfish, ‘highlands’ and caves, forts and beautiful reefs for snorkeling and diving, and you have the perfect place for the adventure lover as well as the ‘lie on the beach and take a dip’ relaxer!

princess-diana-beach-in-barbuda — Barbuda’s Princess Diana Beach

Climate and when to go to Barbuda

Barbuda has a tropical climate. Average daytime temperature is 25-28c (77 – 82.5 °F) from June to September.

Visit from November to June to avoid rain and hurricanes. Note that the frigate mating season is September to April, peaking in December and is not to be missed.

How do I get to Barbuda?

There are no direct international flights to Barbuda. You must fly into Antigua and then take a ferry.

There are two ferry companies that leave from St Johns Harbour:

The Summer Breeze Ferry – leaves Antigua every morning but Thursday, returning at 3pm. At the time of writing the fare is $88.50 USD return
and,
The Barbuda Express – leaves Antigua every morning, returning at 3 or 3.30pm. At the time of writing the fare is $100.00 USD return.

The Barbuda Express also does organised day tours from St. John’s Harbour, Antigua on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and from Jolly Harbour on Wednesday and Friday.

barbuda-airport — Barbuda’s airport – and a great transport option – the bike!

What Language do they speak on Barbuda?

English.

What money do they use on Barbuda?

The Eastern Caribbean dollar, but some places will accept $USD. There is an Antigua Commercial Bank on the island near the airport with an ATM that works sometimes! It also has a daily limit of $500 ECD. Many places don’t have a card machine. Cash is needed and cash is king!

Where to stay on Barbuda

Barbuda is small and there is not a huge amount of accommodation. However, there is a good range of types for you to choose from – from glamping to guest houses and a hotel.

I was sailing, so sleeping on the yacht, but did get to spend a day at the very funky and super relaxing ‘away from the world’ Frangipani Glamping. I loved this place and spent the day enjoying the snorkelling and exploring the site and its surrounds. For immersion in nature and forgetting the ‘real world’ it is perfection!

I also visited the ‘pretty in pastels’ Barbuda Cottages. (We rented a car from them and ate at their onsite restaurant – Uncle Roddy’s.) I would also recommend them as they are on the beach and reef which is great for snorkelling and swimming.

When I was there I missed out on Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel, as it had not yet re-opened. But the location (which I did get to) is perfect! They have the most stunning beach on one side and the beautiful mangrove lagoon on the other. Definitely worth looking at if your budget allows!

For apartments or guest houses you have the following options;
I did meet the lovely ‘Pumpkin’ who hosts you at the Historic Dulcina Apartments which are very highly rated and a good option for those on a smaller budget like me.
Other simple-style options are the Palm Tree Guest House, or the TimbukOne Guest House – which (horraaaaaay) has hostel style rooms too!
Mykas Guesthouse looks great (with car rental available), and Harrys Beach Cottages, right near the ferry terminal also look good and clean and have positive reviews.

How to get around on Barbuda

Hire a car or a bike!

You can also book a taxi or tour, but car or bike hire will ultimately work out cheaper. Of course there will be days you just want to hang at your beach and do nothing but swim.

Keith from Keiths Bikes on (268) 785-0392 will hire you a bike. You will be able to get around and take it all in this slow and easy way.

If you are staying at Barbuda Cottages you can rent a car onsite with Barbuda Rentals (which I used). Alternatively you can take a tour with them as well.

Mykas Guesthouse similarly has car rentals.

Platinum Car Rentals also rent cars or provide a taxi service.

Note: To drive in Barbuda, you must buy a local licence (EC$50) which can be bought from the Fisheries office Monday to Friday. Your car hire company should help you organise this.

Money saving tips for Barbuda

Go local when eating – of course its nice to have a meal at one of the more established places, but there are a few non-descript places – especially in Codrington that will save you money as well as give you a great meal.

Check for the cheaper ferry service on the day – buy a return not two one way tickets.

Hire a bike if you are feeling fit – its a great way to get around and the cheapest option. From Codrington to Princess Diana Beach it is about 14km, and to Two foot Bay it is around 7.5km so both are quite do-able on a bike from the town!

Tap water is not recommended, although people do drink it. I suggest bringing a water filter bottle and using that rather than buying drinks.

Stay safe on Barbuda

Barbuda is one of the safest places you can go.

However, if you need police currently you can call Neil George – (+268) 726 3063 or Sergeant Thomas – (+268) 464 3940. Please check this on the island as this may change. Ask your host.

Also ask your host for an emergency number for medical help.

Females traveling alone should take normal precautions but it feels as safe as it can be. It is a small tight-knit community and as a tourist you are unlikely to be targeted.

You should always travel with travel insurance. The most important item, being to cover yourself in case of an accident requiring medical treatment.

Avoid hurricane season (July to October). If you don’t, the only advice I can give is to make sure you have travel insurance

Food on Barbuda

There are a couple of small supermarkets on the island – Lil Lincs Supermarket and the Highway Supermarket. You can get your basics at either.

For eating out, there are a number of snack bars around Codrington that are not mentioned here (because I can’t remember the names sorry). These are all good for the budget, good for chatting to locals, and generally good basic food. Some other options are:

Uncle Roddy’s – more upmarket with local catch of the day dishes – not forgetting the rum punch.
The ArtCafe – home-made food and drink in an art gallery and cafe. They will share plenty of info about the island as well.
Timbuk One Restaurant – right in town and apparently does a great lobster for a great price. I didn’t try it as there were plenty of other good things to try.
Shack-A-Kai – a beach bar run by Enoch in a lovely location on Princess Diana Beach – I think more aimed at yachties. If you can book ahead and get it organised his lobster is supposed to be fabulous.
Wa’Omoni – an excellent and cheap breakfast or lunch in a fun colorful place. Definitely good for the budget.
Nobu Barbuda – I didn’t try it and it has mixed reviews – but it is an option.

Other things to know about Barbuda

People on Barbuda use WhatsApp for most things – make your bookings or check if places are open via WhatsApp.

The area code for Barbuda is +1-268

Standard US plugs are used on the island.

You need a local licence (EC$50, approximately US$18) to drive. Buy the licence from the Fisheries office Monday to Friday. You cannot use your home license.

Bring everything you need other than food and drinks!

Barbuda has more shipwrecks than any other Caribbean island – go for it divers!