Flying into Barbuda from my 9 seater plane I am surprised at the contrast in landscape compared to the undulating hills of Antigua. It a relatively flat island with an abundance of bottle green trees seeming to cover the island like a thick blanket.
Antigua & Barbuda is a nation made up of three islands, together with uninhabited Redonda. Barbuda is affectionally referred to by many as Antigua’s little sister. The island is 62 square miles and relatively underdeveloped as far as tourism is concerned. Ironically, this is one of the main attractions, experiencing the natural beauty of the island from pristine beaches and mangroves to caves at Two Foot Bay National Park. It is the perfect place to visit to reconnect with nature. Highly recommended, Hillside Tours, will take you to all the places where you can do just that.
Tour of Barbuda
The tour of Barbuda commences with Hillside Tours sending a knowledgeable guide to pick visitors up from the airport or ferry port dependant upon their method of travel. Tours may be customised for your private group tailored to its individual interests.
Magnificent Frigate Birds in Barbuda
First stop is to take a speed boat across to the frigate bird sanctuary with one of the world’s largest colonies of magnificent frigate birds. It is a beautiful sight on approaching the lagoon with lush mangroves reflecting in the clear water. I learn that in April the males migrate to the Galápagos Islands and return in September for mating season. Sure enough, amongst the mangroves are splashes of vibrant red from the chests of the male frigate birds. Some are swollen like balloons accompanied by a unique drumming sound, while they try their best to attract the attention of females. Over 20,000 birds grace these mangroves. We watch in silence as they soar above us with impressive 6ft wing spans. They appear to flap their wings twice before gliding through the sky carrying sticks to their mate for nest building.
Click on my YouTube video to hear the drumming sound of the Frigate Bird's mating call.
Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda
We head to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. As I walk towards the shore I sink ankle deep into the soft sand. From a distance it appears pink but on closer inspection the pink hues are in fact from tiny shells. Weather conditions control the amount of shells visible at any given time so the intensity of the colour can vary on a day to day basis. Take a refreshing swim in the calm ,turquoise water or sit for a while and listen to the soothing sound of the gentle waves lapping at the shoreline.
Devastation from Hurricane Irma in 2017
Cool Cat, my exceptional guide for the day, takes me on a tour I will never forget. As we bump along unmade roads, he points out buildings damaged by hurricane Irma in 2017 such as the former police station that has since had to relocate. It is a stark reminder of how powerful Mother Nature is and how devastating and destructive these storms can be. To this present day the island has still not fully recovered.
We visit ‘Low Pond’ a kind of local waterhole for animals with a nursery to the side growing a variety of plants. Heading to Two Foot Caves we pass local flora, tasting fruit from a local ‘dildo cactus’ plant. It tastes slightly sweet with flesh as pink as dragon fruit. We pass donkeys and goats and I learn there are wild boar and deer on the island.
Now on the Eastern side of the island, the landscape has altered dramatically. The calm Caribbean Sea is nowhere in sight now, instead powerful waves from the Atlantic Ocean pound the rugged, rocky coastline. We walk towards the caves searching for fossils, shells, driftwood and see baby hermit crabs. I am informed that they change their shells to find another once they outgrow their current one, a reminder of why we should not remove shells from beaches.
We climb rocks and go to an area where talented Cat has built a cave. Yes - a real life man cave within the rocks, taking him 8 years to perfect! He used it to shelter from a hurricane and kindly showed me inside - absolutely incredible. It is so silent, a wonderful place to be alone with your thoughts and nature, drink bush tea and look at the moon and stars.
We continue to Two Foot Caves noticing footprints in the soil. Cat tells me they are from turtles but unfortunately we didn’t see any on this occasion. He points out a barsum plant. The leaves are used to make tea but the sap is applied to cuts to stop bleeding with natural antiseptic properties.
We pass remains of a centuries old look out that the English once used to keep the French at bay. Climbing through the caves we see an area where bats are hanging. It is much cooler here with moist air.
Once at the top, the top the views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking.
Lunch
Lunch is a fine affair. I visit on Independence Day which is a public holiday so restaurants are closed. Usually lunch is taken at Hillside View Bar & Grill (see menu below). Instead we visit a local food fare. Cat speaks to many people, it seems everyone is friends with one another here. Music pumps out from oversize speakers so loud my insides vibrate. Aromas from delicious local dishes fill the air, people dress in national costume and sport takes place in the local park. Everyone is having a good time. From one of many stalls we select local guava juice and freshly made ginger beer to accompany the food we choose - salt fish, chop up, plantain, Johnny cakes and ducana. We take it away and head to Princess Diana to eat it, the final stop on the tour.
Princess Diana Beach
Coco Point Beach was renamed Princess Diana beach in her honour in 2011 on what would have been her 50th birthday. She fell in love with the island of Barbuda and it’s easy to see why. The island is full of friendly people, diverse scenery, interesting flora and fauna and offers a relaxed pace of life. Princess Diana Beach is serene with a long stretch of powdery white sand and bright purple flowers that trail through the sand on long stems. Take time to swim in the turquoise water and enjoy the waves whilst taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Refreshments can be purchased from the beach bar that also has a changing room so you can be comfortable for your return journey to the airport.
I head back to the airport reflecting on the incredible experiences I have had today and the wonderful people I have met. Although I leave with a heavy heart, I know I will return one day soon.
Note:
Wear trainers as rocks can be slippery
Sunscreen
Scheduled flights with BMN Airway
Ferries with Barbuda Express
Water and beer is included
Bring your own snorkels
Tour options with Hillside Tours
Group Tours
Their private 5-hour tour option offers an intimate excursion on the island of Barbuda. Whether traveling with friends and family or perhaps an office day trip, book a tour for your group and experience the wonders of Barbuda with your closest loved ones - (up to 12 persons).
Note:
Bookings are accepted up to 6 p.m. one day prior to your scheduled tour.
Tours may be able to be customised slightly - enquire for details.
Private Tour US$160 per person
1 - Visit to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary
2 - A stop at Pink Sand Beach & at Coral Group Bay - great for snorkelling
3 - Caves at Two Foot Bay
4 - Stop at Historic Martello Tower
5 - Lunch at Hillside View Grill & Bar (vegetarian option available)
6 - Princess Diana Beach
Group Tour US$125 per person
1 - Visit to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary
2 - A stop at Pink Sand Beach & at Coral Group Bay - great for snorkelling
3 - Caves at Two Foot Bay
4 - Stop at Historic Martello Tower
5 - Lunch at Hillside View Grill & Bar (vegetarian option available)
6 - Princess Diana Beach
Lunch menu at Hillside View Bar & Grill
Fresh Barbudan lobster with a garlic/lemon sauce - extra US$10pp. Note lobster is not available during breeding season 1/5-30/6.
Fresh Barbudan catch of the day with Creole sauce
Grilled BBQ chicken
Vegetarian option:
Curried chickpeas or sautéed tofu with coconut basmati rice and a garden salad.
How to get to Barbuda
Fly with BMN Air
Ferry with Barbuda Express
Email me at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com or WhatsApp me on +44 7732 329863 for further information or to book a tour.
Note: I will receive a small commission if you book this recommended activity.
Note: If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the airline/travel company/hotels/short term rental or activity providers you book through. I am acting as a referral point only based on information from my most recent visit which may be subject to change at any time.