Barbuda day trip: frigate birds and pink-sand beaches
Overview
Barbuda, Antigua's quiet sister island, is flat, empty and edged with some of the longest beaches in the Caribbean. Fewer than 2,500 people live there, almost all in the single village of Codrington.
The crossing takes about 90 minutes each way. On arrival you board a small local boat for a guided trip across Codrington Lagoon to the frigate bird sanctuary, one of the world's most important breeding sites for these huge black seabirds. The boats glide close to the mangroves, where the males puff out their bright red throat pouches in the breeding season.
The rest of the day is for the beaches. Low Bay stretches for miles, with pockets of pink-tinged sand made from crushed shells and coral, and Princess Diana Beach is soft, white and almost always empty. You'll have a Caribbean lunch, time to swim in the turquoise water, and a slow crossing home in the afternoon.
Trips run on set days and some are seasonal, so tell us your dates early.
Highlights
- Guided boat trip to the frigate bird sanctuary
- Long Low Bay beach with pockets of pink sand
- Swim at Princess Diana Beach
- Caribbean lunch included
- See Antigua's quiet sister island
What's included
- Return sea crossing from Antigua
- Guided frigate bird sanctuary boat tour
- Lunch
- Drinks on board
- Two beach breaks
- Hotel transfers to the departure point (can be added)
- Towels and sun cream
- Tips
Request this tour
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
The birds are there all year, but the breeding season, when males show off their red throat pouches, is the most spectacular. Ask us about timings for your dates.
It's open sea and can be choppy, so it isn't recommended in pregnancy or with back problems. Take seasickness tablets if you need them.
Minimum ages vary by operator; one popular boat trip takes children from 7. Tell us their ages and we'll match you with the right trip.
