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Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Antigua And Barbuda

Antigua

Antigua is readily accessible from Barbuda by either regular ferry service or short domestic flights.

A full day makes the return journey to Antigua feasible, allowing for exploration of its main sites. Many visitors choose to combine Barbuda and Antigua, spending a few days in Barbuda for quiet relaxation and nature, then several days in Antigua for its more varied dining, historical sites, and activities.

Transportation Options

  • Ferry: The Barbuda Express ferry operates several times a week from Barbuda’s River Dock to St. John's, Antigua. The journey takes about 90 minutes. Review the schedule beforehand, as times can change.
  • Flight: SVG Air operates short flights (approximately 15-20 minutes) between Barbuda Codrington Airport (BBQ) and V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua. Flights are quicker but carry a higher cost than the ferry.
  • Independent Travel: Offers maximum freedom. You pick your own route, explore at your own pace, and select your preferred restaurants and activities.
  • Organized Tour: Several tour operators in Antigua arrange day trips to Barbuda. While fewer organized tours depart From Barbuda to Antigua, you can arrange a private taxi in Antigua upon arrival. Consider checking GetYourGuide for day trip bookings from Antigua.

Natural Escapes within Barbuda

Barbuda presents many natural excursion possibilities, inviting you to discover its diverse landscapes beyond the main beaches. These can be considered day trips from your accommodation.

Spanish Point

Ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion. This rugged peninsula on the southeastern tip features unique geology, dramatic coastline, and excellent snorkeling. It is a good place for those who value wild, untouched beauty.

Activities

  • Explore unique geology and dramatic coastlines.
  • Enjoy excellent snorkeling in clear waters.
  • Appreciate untouched natural beauty.

Two Foot Bay Cave and Blowhole

A short trip to the rugged northeast coast. You can explore the limestone caves and witness the impressive blowhole, where ocean waves force water through an opening, creating a geyser-like spray. This visit combines with the nearby Highlands area and Indian Cave.

Activities

  • Explore ancient limestone caves.
  • Witness the powerful ocean blowhole.
  • Combine with visits to Highlands and Indian Cave.

Extended Beach Exploration

Pink Sand Beach / 17-Mile Beach

  • Dedicate a full day to discover multiple remote beaches.
  • Low Bay (the 17-Mile Beach) features an incredibly long, deserted stretch of pink and white sand.
  • Accessible by boat or a long 4x4 drive.
  • Cocoa Point Beach presents another secluded alternative.

Seasonal Natural Wonders

  • If visiting during sea turtle nesting season (July-October), consider a guided tour.
  • Observe nesting turtles or hatchlings, a special natural wonder.
  • These tours call for permits and strict adherence to guidelines to protect the turtles.
  • These excursions highlight solitude and natural splendor.

Benefits of Combining Barbuda & Antigua

  • Barbuda:Unique peace and nature.
  • Antigua:More diverse activities.
  • Antigua:Varied dining experiences.
  • Antigua:Developed tourist infrastructure.
  • Antigua:Numerous historical sites.
  • Antigua:More beach options.
  • Antigua:Water sports readily available.
  • Overall:A complete Caribbean nation experience.

Traveler's Insight

A smooth transition between the islands amplifies the Caribbean journey, revealing different facets of this region.

Cultural Excursions within Barbuda

Barbuda's cultural sites, though few and informal, present insight into its unique history and community.

Codrington Village Exploration

Walk through Codrington village. Observe local life, visit small shops, and converse with residents. This informal exploration yields a genuine cultural experience and conveys the island's community spirit.

Historical Sites Tour

Arrange a guided tour to Barbuda’s main historical sites. This usually covers the Martello Tower, the Codrington Estate ruins, and Indian Cave (with its ancient Amerindian petroglyphs). A local guide shares context and insights into Barbuda's distinct past.

Rural Villages and Agriculture

Barbuda features a few very small, informal settlements beyond Codrington. An arranged visit with a local guide might offer a glimpse into the island's small-scale agriculture or a different pace of life. These are not typical tourist attractions.

Historical Focus: Antigua

Antigua presents a richer historical landscape to complement Barbuda's sites.

Sites

  • Visit English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard (an UNESCO World Heritage site).
  • See Shirley Heights for panoramic views and a Sunday evening party.
  • Explore St. John's for shopping, the local market, and St. John's Cathedral.

Beach Hopping: Antigua

With 365 beaches, Antigua features more developed beach options and a greater variety of water sports.

Activities

  • Discover many developed beach choices.
  • Engage in various water sports.
  • Enjoy swimming and sunbathing.

Multi-Day Extensions from Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda Combination:Most common and recommended.
Sailing/Yachting:Explore other Leeward Islands.
Next Destinations (from Antigua):St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominica, St. Maarten.
Transportation Connections:ANU a regional hub.
North to South Route:Volcanic and coral island chain.
Leeward Islands Focus:St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla.

Sailing Expeditions

  • Many charter companies operate from Antigua.
  • Multi-day sailing expeditions are available.
  • Barbuda and other nearby islands may be part of the route.
  • This presents an unique way to island-hop.
  • Consider ethical tour operators like G Adventures for ethical group travel.

Multi-Day Extensions

Antigua & Barbuda Combination

The most common and highly recommended multi-day extension. Spend 2-4 days in Barbuda for its unique peace and nature, then transfer to Antigua for 3-7 days.

Benefits

  • Antigua features more diverse activities and dining.
  • Discover historical sites in Antigua.
  • Antigua maintains a more developed tourist infrastructure.

Sailing / Yachting

If Barbuda is part of a sailing or yachting trip, think about extending your journey to explore other nearby Leeward Islands.

Islands to Explore

  • Nearby Leeward Islands include St. Kitts and Nevis.
  • Montserrat and Guadeloupe also present options.
  • These islands exhibit diverse landscapes and cultures.

Logical Next Destinations

From Antigua, direct flights connect to other Caribbean islands. Your choice aligns with your interests.

Potential Islands

  • St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Dominica or St. Maarten.
  • These islands present different types of natural beauty.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua operates as a regional hub.

Travel Paths

  • North to South: Combine Barbuda and Antigua with islands further south in the Lesser Antilles.
  • Leeward Islands Focus: Remain within the Leeward Islands chain, including St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and Anguilla.
  • Yachting Expeditions: Many charter companies operate from Antigua.

Airport Services

Consider services that enhance your airport experience or provide travel protection.

Lounge Access

Access airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass for a more comfortable travel experience.

Flight Compensation

Get assistance for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding through Compensair.

Regional Hub

V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua connects to numerous other Caribbean islands.

Strategic Travel

Plan your regional travel with Antigua as a central point for exploring the wider Caribbean.