Barbuda is a peaceful island in the Caribbean, known for its pink sand beaches, untouched landscapes, and wildlife. Before exploring Barbuda, you’ll most likely arrive in Antigua. The best way to see both islands at your own pace is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to explore Antigua’s scenic routes, reach ferry points easily, and continue your trip to Barbuda. Barbuda is best known for two main attractions: the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and the 11 Mile Beach, both found in the island’s northwestern region. Whether you’re here for birdwatching in Barbuda or relaxing on a beach, you’ll enjoy your stay in this Caribbean gem.
The Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a protected national park that plays a role in Caribbean wildlife conservation. The sanctuary is inside Codrington Lagoon National Park, which covers a vast mangrove area filled with calm water channels. These mangroves protect the birds and Barbuda’s fragile coastline from erosion and storms.
The Frigate Bird Sanctuary lies in the northwestern lagoon of Barbuda, within Man of War Island, and is only reachable by licensed local boats. It is one of the largest frigate bird colonies in the world. The lagoon is home to between 2,500 and 5,000 birds. Only Barbudan-owned boats can enter, and visitors must follow the island’s strict conservation rules. You pay a US$5 council entry fee before boarding your boat. Tours usually cost around US$50 per boat (for four people) with an additional US$12 per extra passenger. When you join a tour, your guide will steer through the calm lagoon surrounded by mangrove forests. These mangroves are home to many other birds like pelicans, terns, herons, and the endangered West Indian whistling duck.
The frigate bird, known locally as the “Man O’ War Bird”, is a large black seabird with a wingspan of four to five feet. It’s the biggest wingspan compared to body size of any bird in the world. These birds spend most of their lives soaring above the sea, rarely touching the water because their feathers are not waterproof.
Barbudans named them “Man O’ War” because these birds are like sky pirates. When hunting, groups of frigates fly high until they spot another bird that has caught a fish. One frigate dives and chases it, sometimes forcing the victim to drop its catch mid-air. Before the fish even hits the water, another frigate swoops in to grab it.
During the mating season, males sit among the mangroves, inflate their scarlet throat pouches, and shake their wings to attract females flying overhead. When a female chooses her mate, she lands beside him, and together they build a nest from twigs. The female lays a single egg, and both parents take turns guarding it. It can take up to seven weeks for the egg to hatch, and almost six months for the chick to fly. If you visit during the breeding season, you’ll hear drumming sounds and calls echoing across the lagoon.
The Frigate Bird Sanctuary is only accessible by licensed sea taxis. This rule protects the wildlife and ensures that visitors follow local conservation laws. The trip to the nesting area takes about 90 minutes round-trip and is best enjoyed with a native Barbudan guide who knows the lagoon and its birdlife.
During the tour, you’ll glide through quiet mangrove channels where thousands of frigate birds nest close to the water’s edge. One of the most memorable parts of visiting Frigate Bird Sanctuary is how close you can get. Sometimes, the birds fly just a few feet from your boat, undisturbed by your presence. You’ll also spot pelicans, terns, gulls, and tropical mockingbirds sharing the same mangrove habitat. Since private boats are not allowed, always book with an authorised operator.
Barbuda may seem small at 62 square miles, but it supports a vast range of wildlife. Much of this life depends on the balance created by the Codrington Lagoon, where saltwater, mangroves, and coral reefs meet to form a perfect habitat. This is why birdwatching in Barbuda differs from anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Barbuda is one of the best places for bird lovers in the region. The Frigate Bird Sanctuary is the most famous spot but is only part of the island’s wider ecosystem. The island is home to over 170 species of birds, including herons, pelicans, cormorants, and the West Indian whistling duck, which is rare and protected. You can also spot tropical mockingbirds and small local species like the Christmas bird, often perched among the mangroves.
Many birds stay year-round, while others migrate between the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands depending on the season. Because the lagoon is protected, these birds can safely nest, feed, and raise their young here. The calm conditions and the absence of predators make this one of the most secure breeding grounds in the region.
The frigate birds are active all year, but their courtship displays and nesting season bring the sanctuary to life. Visiting during this time gives you the best view of their natural behaviour and vibrant colours. The mating season runs from September to April, when the lagoon is full of activity. The peak months, December and January, are ideal for seeing the males with their red throat pouches inflated like balloons. Between March and July, you can watch baby chicks perched on the mangroves, learning to flap their wings before their first flight. If you’re joining a boat tour, early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times. The light is soft, and temperatures are cooler. This timing also gives you better photo opportunities, as the sun reflects beautifully off the lagoon’s calm waters.
The beaches along Barbuda’s coast are long, quiet, and lined with soft coral sand that changes colour under the sun. Among them, the pink sand beaches in Barbuda stand out for their rare colour and calm setting.
The most famous is 11 Mile Beach, often called a paradise within paradise. It is known for its glowing pink sand, clear turquoise water, and total seclusion. You can only reach it by boat. The pink colour comes from tiny pieces of coral and seashells mixed with white sand. The sand shifts from pale blush to deep rose tones as the light changes.
The beach runs along the northwestern coast near Codrington Lagoon, close to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. The sand here feels like powdered sugar underfoot, and the calm waves make it perfect for swimming or walking. There are no crowds, vendors, or beach bars here. If you arrive by local tour boat, your guide may drop you off here after your lagoon visit. It’s best to see the frigate birds first, then relax on the pink beach.
Many travellers mistake Martello Tower Beach for the famous pink stretch, but the most vivid shades actually appear along 11 Mile Beach. Near the southern coast is the Martello Tower Fort, built by the British in the early 1800s. It once held three cannons and was used to guard the island from invasion. Today, this round stone tower, which looks like an old sugar mill, is a popular spot for wedding photos and sightseeing. The area around it offers a view of the coastline and patches of sand that reflect soft pink hues depending on the tide. If you want to see the beach at its brightest, visit around November. The colour changes “with every wave and every cloud.”
Before heading out, remember that 11 Mile Beach is remote and has no modern facilities. You must plan carefully to make the most of your visit. The beach is accessible only by boat, which keeps it peaceful but also means you should arrange your tour in advance. You can book a local guide or join a day trip from Codrington, often on the same tours as visiting the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
When packing, bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. There is no shade on the beach, and the sun can get intense during midday. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and cooler weather. If you want to experience the shifting pink colours of the sand, take your time and observe how it changes with each passing cloud and wave.
Barbuda is 90 minutes away from Antigua, and most visitors arrive via ferry. Barbuda is a quiet and rural place, so there aren't many public transportation options.
Travellers usually start their journey at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua. From there, you can reach the ferry dock for a 90-minute ride to Barbuda. Once you arrive in Barbuda, most exploration happens by boat rather than road. Tours to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary depart from Codrington Lagoon, located near the island’s main town.
The Frigate Bird Sanctuary and surrounding lagoon are strictly protected conservation zones managed by the Barbuda Council. Only Barbudan-owned boats can enter, ensuring that the community benefits directly and that wildlife remains undisturbed. During your tour, always follow the guide’s instructions. Private dinghies or unlicensed boats are forbidden in the sanctuary.
Barbuda is a place where nature speaks for itself. From the quiet mangroves filled with frigate birds to the soft glow of pink sand beaches, every part of the island feels calm and untouched. You can glide across the Codrington Lagoon, watch the Man O’ War birds puff their red chests, and then relax on 11 Mile Beach while the waves turn pink in the sunlight. It’s an experience that reminds you how beautiful and peaceful the Caribbean can be.
To explore freely, rent a car in Antigua with Final Rentals and start your island adventure from V.C. Bird International Airport. Choose from compact cars, SUVs, or 4x4s to match your journey. Enjoy instant booking confirmation, no hidden fees, and flexible cancellations. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
