Barbuda

There is no where that compares to  Barbuda anywhere I have travelled! Barbuda is a paradise!

When we arrived by boat - we were faced with 11 miles of the most gorgeous white sand beaches we have ever seen. And yes - it does have a pink hue. And yes - the clouds above the island do glow green from the reflection of the turquoise green water that surrounds this beach paradise.

We had travelled through out the night, and arrived early - and after trying unsuccessfully to rouse a taxi on the radio, we set anchor and took the dingy to shore with our ever present cooler for ice, and our passports. We inquired at the only place on the beach - who would normally have shooed us away - but were very hospitable considering we were the only living soul to visit the island for what seemed to us to be decades! This luxury hotel, who we will not mention at their request, caters to high end visitors who are looking for a gorgeous beach holiday away from the cameras and aggravations of daily life. To here, one can only arrive by helicopter or boat. A water taxi was called - Foster took us the 10 minute ride to the town of Coderington.

The ordeal of getting your clearance is a little painstaking, as you need to trudge across town to the "customs office" then to the Immigration office - and by 10 am the heat is hot enough to cook the feet of the chickens who darted across the roads in pursuit of shade. Everyone we met said good morning - the place felt warm and very very safe! The customs office is in a private home - and we were greeting with a casually dressed, friendly and extremely hospitable young gent who wished us a pleasant journey after we filled out all the required documents.

Ice is located a taxi drive away from town - just ask for directions and a taxi at the convenience store close to the docks. They will also guide  you to the liquor store in town.

THE FRIGATE BIRD COLONY
To the north of Codrington is a frigatebird colony, centred on the lagoon's tiny Man of War Island. One of the main tourist attractions in Barbuda is the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is a forty-minute boat ride and is a spectacular sight even for non-bird watchers. In the mating season, from September to April, this rare bird displays a huge red breast to attract a female mate and they lay one egg on a nest, built precariously on the mangrove. These birds cannot walk or swim; they soar high in the clouds and live solely on fish, which they often steal from other birds, giving them their local name, Man of war. They have few predators here and this nesting site is one of the most important in the world for these endangered birds.

 

BARBUDA ADVICE:

• Spend a few days on Barbuda. It is gorgeous, unpretentious and full of friendly hospitable people.
• Purchase your alcohol BEFORE arriving on Barbuda. There selection is limited and a little pricey!
• The roadside "roti in a van" has the best roti's we had in the islands. Ask for directions at the tourism office.
• Ask for "Foster" for your water taxi and if you wish to see the frigate bird colony.

Technical Info:

Barbuda is an island in the Eastern Caribbean, and forms part of the state of Antigua and Barbuda. It has a population of about 1,500, most of whom live in the town of Codrington.

Barbuda is located north of Antigua, in the middle of the Leeward Islands. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Barbuda is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is located in the Codrington Lagoon. Other points of interest include Highland House (the 18th century home of the Codrington family) and the Indian Cave, which contains ancient Amerindian petroglyphs.

Regions

Barbuda consists largely of two limestone slabs, the western one level and only a few feet above sea level. The eastern one has been uplifted, and tilted slightly. Starting at sea level on the southern end, it rises to about 40 meters. There is little good soil, much of the island being covered by sparse low scrub.

On the north-west part of the island there is a large, shallow lagoon, bordered by a miles-long beach. The lagoon is home to the large and impressive frigate bird colony. The beach continues uninterrupted to the south end of the island. On the eastern Atlantic side the beaches may be narrower, but there are scenic cliffs and eroded coral rock and reefs.

Cities

• Codrington is the only town on the island. Nearly all the 1500 residents live in this village. Until recently the streets were unpaved and unnamed, but that may be changing. Herds of goats wander the environs, rounding themselves up and returning home at night. Tourist amenities are modest and tourists are few, but those who venture here will be met with hospitality and will leave with an affection for this little island.

Get in

The Barbuda Express, [3] offers ferries from Antigua. The ferry docks at River Wharf, some distance from the only town, but an easy walk to almost-empty beaches.

Winair serves the airport in Codrington from Antigua. [4]. The exclusive Coco Point Lodge has its own landing strip and arranges charters.

Get around

Outside of Codrington, there is one road on the island, plus several unmarked tracks. Paving of roads and streets has begun. A number of residents offer transportation by car or boat. [5] Tours may be booked directly or as part of an excurion package from Antigua. Visitors staying in Codrington may want to rent a car, a process involving no paperwork, as there are no beaches within walking distance. Lynton Thomas, 268 720 9957, 721 2796, has 4WDs for rent. A temporary drivers license may be had for a few dollars and traffic is extremely light except when workers are being driven to and from the sand mine and resorts. Watch for trucks on the southern end of the island between Martello Tour and River Wharf. Bicycles may or may not be available for rent.

Do

Take a tour of the frigate bird colony. Tour the other sights on the island--none are stunning, but all are part of the history. You will visit the ruins of Highland house, where the Codringtons looked over their fields, a cave reaching from the beach to the uplands, Martello tower with its free and easy access to a spectacular beach.

Visit Art Cafe, where Claire Frank paints tropical critters on silk and where you can learn about Barbuda and get information about accommodations.

Walk on a beach that goes for miles without another person in sight (bring shade and water).

Sit and watch the goats go by.

From Wikipedia & Wikitravel