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	4.4 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Spanish Point is often in clear waters with good holding, favored by wind sports enthusiasts. Regular visitors note the clarity of the water aids navigation, and while snorkeling, visitors encounter varied marine life albeit with some coral in poor condition.
	Cocoa Point	4.3 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Cocoa Point provides calm conditions with good holding in sandy areas. The area features a beautiful, long beach suitable for beach walks. Visitors often encounter turtles swimming nearby.
	Low Bay	3.9 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Low Bay offers a tranquil experience with good holding in sandy conditions, though the water may be cloudy. Many reviews note the potential for calm conditions or occasional rolling due to changing swell patterns. The surrounding nature provides opportunities to explore deserted beaches and see frigate birds.

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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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