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 reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Gravenor Bay ★ 4.8 Deep and calm, the anchorage offers approximately 2 meters of sandy bottom with good holding. Visitors recommend caution for deeper drafts due to small reefs. Conditions are clear and ideal for activities like wing foiling.
	Princess Diana Beach ★ 4.7 The beach features stunning scenery with turquoise waters and sandy shores. Holding is generally good, although underwater visibility becomes poor with swells. The area is described as windy, which works well for kite surfing and wind surfing.
	Spanish Point ★ 4.5 Clarity of the water facilitates navigation, with depths generally around 2-3 m. Strong holding and excellent snorkeling opportunities were highlighted, although concerns about coral health were noted. A calm environment exists during windy conditions.
	Cocoa Point ★ 4.5 Anchorage conditions include a sandy bottom with good holding. The area features many turtles and a beautiful long beach, although dinghy access can be challenging. Construction for new resorts is ongoing, which impacts the tranquility.
	Near Roddys ★ 4.3 Anchorage features sandy bottom with adequate holding, although visitors should inspect for rocks and coral. Shelter is notable behind the reef, with depths around 3.5 meters. Dinghy access is easy, and facilities for pets are appreciated.
	Low Bay ★ 4.1 The anchorage offers good holding in sandy conditions, with a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful beaches described by multiple visitors. Swell conditions can vary, affecting comfort, and some reported rolly nights. Supplies are possible with access to Codrington via dinghy.
	Low Bay South ★ 3.8 The anchorage features ample space and good holding in sand, though visitors noted considerable swell affecting comfort. Access to shore requires a long dinghy ride, and amenities are limited. Expect a relatively remote experience.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Antigua and Barbuda: