Barbuda Guide

The twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda, the largest and most developed tourist destination in the Leeward Islands chain, has much to offer visitors of many stripes.

Home to most of the nation’s better-known hotels, Antigua is the larger of the two islands at about 108 square miles. From its upscale resorts for the very rich to comfy hideaways favored by sailors, Antigua’s hotel choices are varied, although they lack the presence of a U.S.-based chain.

Islanders claim their home boasts 365 beaches, and while the count is questionable, the beaches are beautiful. Topography is varied as well, with rugged mountain peaks ideal for island overviews, undulating fields of grass once used to grow sugar cane, winding roads lined by pineapple fields, with desert-like conditions rounding out the scenery.

The long reach of the British Empire is still evident in both the formal demeanor of the local population and in the fascinating, must-see historical site called Nelson’s Dockyard. Another place that’s popular with visitors is Shirley Heights. Once used by the British Navy as a lookout post, the site offers panoramic views, and is the home of a twice-weekly party and barbecue for sunset-watchers. Although it’s mobbed with tourists and the food is overpriced, the atmosphere is pure fun and local bands play infectious dance music.

Barbuda, the smaller sister island, is wild, woolly and barely inhabited. Most visitors arrive by propeller plane from Antigua at tiny Codrington Airstrip, which consists of one tiny cement block structure - the alleged terminal building - and a short runway.

About 1,000 inhabitants reside in Codrington, and beyond town are beautiful stretches of uninhabited beach accessed by rutted roads surrounded by scrub brush and cacti.

The most popular attraction here is actually offshore - the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Bereft of visitor-friendly signs and amenities, this mangrove swamp is accessed by boat and is aflutter with majestic frigate birds.

Among but a handful of hotels, the island’s best-known resort is the tony K-Club, a very private redoubt that serves the rich and famous. Most visitors, though, are day-trippers, who can arrange a one-day tour with lunch while staying on Antigua.

Barbuda is a small island located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, just north of its sister island Antigua. Known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, the island has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 12th century.

The indigenous people of Barbuda, the Arawak and Carib tribes, were the first inhabitants of the island. They lived in harmony with nature, relying on fishing, hunting, and farming for their sustenance. However, their peaceful existence was disrupted in the late 15th century when European explorers arrived on the island.

In 1493, the famous explorer Christopher Columbus landed on Barbuda during his second voyage to the New World. He named the island after the Spanish word for bearded, “barbudo,” due to the many fig trees he saw on the island. The Spanish claimed the island but did not establish any permanent settlements, and Barbuda remained relatively untouched for the next few centuries.

In the 17th century, Barbuda became a haven for pirates and buccaneers. The island’s secluded location and shallow waters made it an ideal hiding spot for these infamous figures. The most notorious pirate to inhabit Barbuda was Captain John Nisbet, who is said to have buried treasure on the island.

In the early 18th century, the British colonized Barbuda and established a sugar plantation economy. They brought African slaves to the island to work on the plantations, and by the mid-18th century, the population of Barbuda was mostly made up of enslaved Africans.

In 1834, slavery was abolished in the British Empire, and the freed slaves on Barbuda gained ownership of the land they had worked on. The island became a self-governing colony, with a council of elders known as the “Codrington Trustees” overseeing its affairs.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Barbuda’s economy shifted from agriculture to tourism. The island’s beautiful beaches and peaceful atmosphere attracted wealthy travelers, and many luxurious resorts were built. However, the local population did not benefit greatly from this industry, leading to tensions between the Codrington Trustees and the islanders.

In 1981, Barbuda gained independence from Britain and became part of the newly formed nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Today, the island remains a popular tourist destination, but efforts are being made to preserve its unique culture and protect its natural resources. The island is also facing challenges such as climate change and the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, which devastated the island and displaced many of its residents.

Despite these challenges, Barbuda continues to enchant visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich history, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a tranquil Caribbean getaway.