Barbuda

Barbuda is sparsely populated and known for its long sandy shores. The island offers no marinas or haul‑out facilities for yachts, and only basic provisioning and limited services in the small town of Codrington. Sailors should arrive well provisioned and prepared to be largely self‑sufficient, as services and supplies are limited.

Sailors often stop at Low Bay, the anchorage near Codrington, which serves as the main settlement on the island. While there, they can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stock up on basic provisions. The lack of bustling town life means the attraction primarily lies in the stretch of quiet beaches and the rich birdlife from nearby mangroves and lagoons.

The frigate bird sanctuary is a prominent attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by its vibrant avian population. Located in the northwestern part of the island, it offers one of the largest colonies of these birds in the world, best accessed by guided tours from initial landing spots in Barbuda.

Cocoa Point is a popular anchorage for cruising yachts, offering good holding in sand and an extensive white‑sand beach, though shore access is focused around private resort developments. The beaches themselves, notably Princess Diana Beach, are frequently visited due to their pristine, largely undeveloped nature.

Depths around Barbuda are generally shallow with extensive reefs and shoals, so careful eyeball navigation and good light are essential when entering and leaving anchorages.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Gravenor Bay	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in pristine turquoise waters with a 2m depth over a sandy bottom provides a notable experience. Visitors value the clear water visibility to navigate and see marine life, despite recommending entry cautiously with both Google Earth and visual observation due to navigational inaccuracy.
	Spanish Point	4.3 ★	Review summary: Clear waters provide excellent visibility for navigation, and good protection from swells ensures a secure anchorage. The location is ideal for water activities such as kite surfing, with the constant direction of the wind contributing to stability.
	Low Bay	4.3 ★	Review summary: Many visitors enjoy anchoring at Low Bay for its natural surroundings, including blue waters and a long white sandy beach. Anchoring generally holds well, though the swell can cause rolling on occasion. Access to supplies requires a long dinghy ride to Codrington.
	Cocoa Point	4.3 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Cocoa Point is well-regarded for its calm waters and good holding conditions in sand, with frequent sightings of turtles and a scenic white sand beach. Visitors often emphasize the calm anchorage and limited onshore services, enhancing its appeal as a natural retreat.

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This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Antigua and Barbuda.

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