THE ANTIGUAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Antigua's little sister island of Barbuda rises low on the sea 27 miles to our north. A natural wonder, this coral-fringed escape has long been famous for its tranquillity, crystalline waters, unique frigate bird sanctuary and endless pink sand beach... 

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CODRINGTON LAGOON NATIONAL PARK

Formed from coralline limestone, Barbuda is just 62 square miles in size. It's much flatter than Antigua with a maximum altitude of 40 metres and an average elevation of 4 metres. Yet its most famous landmark, the Codrington Lagoon National Park is of national, economic and cultural importance. 

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BIRD WATCHERS' PARADISE

The lagoon is globally renowned for supporting one of the world's largest colonies of frigate birds. The birds continue to flourish, even though they have become a prized tourist attraction. The male frigate birds are particularly spectacular during the mating season, their wingspan nearly 3 metres and their scarlet throat sacs blown up to the size of balloons in order to attract their mates. The fluffy, young chicks are clearly visible to visitors, their ever-open beaks stuffed with fish by their swooping parents. 

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Other bird species here in abundance include West Indian whistling ducks, brown pelicans, tropical mockingbirds, warblers, snipes, ibis, herons, kingfishers, oystercatchers and cormorants. Little wonder the park is considered a bird watcher's paradise. And there's other wildlife too including wild boars, red-footed tortoises and various species of sea turtle. The elusive fallow deer is emblematic on the nation's coat of arms. 

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SHIPWRECKS & ISLAND TREKS

Barbuda's waters are as clear as glass, and offshore there are as many as 73 charted shipwrecks, as well as coral reefs for snorkelling and scuba-diving. Deep-sea fishing and fly-fishing excursions can be arranged with foot trails, island treks, and camping trips also available. Interesting natural sites include Indian Cave, Darby's Cave and the idyllic Spanish Point.

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THE CODRINGTON ESTATE

If you're interested in Barbuda's past, well worthwhile is a trip to Highland House, the historically important ruins of the Codrington estate. You might also like to visit the Martello tower and fort on the south coast. It was not only used for defence but also as a vantage point from which to spot valuable shipwrecks on the outlying reefs. 

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HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

If you'd like to stay a little longer, Barbuda Belle is a deluxe boutique hotel with six rustic yet ritzy bungalows and a seafood restaurant. If you prefer simpler lodgings, Gerald's Guest House in the capital Codrington might very well suit the bill. You can even spend a night under the stars at the full-service Frangipani Glamping and Guest House, while the new Barbuda Ocean Club is a private resort community at Coco Point. As for dining, fresh seafood and lobster regularly features on the menus. And now that Nobu Barbuda has opened its doors, you can even have it prepared Japanese style!

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So, there you have it, Barbuda has something for everyone – natural beauty, a peaceful way of life and a history that’s as interesting as its wildlife.