Location
Situated in the middle of the Leeward Islands, Barbuda is at 17 degrees north of the Equatorial Zone and is part of the Eastern Caribbean Islands. Their neighbors are: to the south Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west, the islands of Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.
Climate
As far as the climate`s concerned, Barbuda is the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands because of the small rainfall amounts, so throughout the year, the humidity is low. The temperature in the winter generally reaches seventy degrees Fahreinheit, varying to eighty degrees during the summer. The temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius.
How to reach there
Getting to Barbuda offers you two possibilities from Antigua. You can either travel by air, or by boat – but this takes three hours.
History
Britain and France both tried to occupy Barbuda, but after long unsuccessful attempts, in 1666, a colony was established in the island by the British. Christopher Codrington received land in lease in Barbuda which he used to produce food and to provide slaves for his land in Antigua, where he cultivated sugar. The
Codringtons were very influential in Barbuda, fact testified by the name of some places on the island and by the ruins which can be seen today on the highest point of Barbuda.
General information
Barbuda is part of the independent nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Despite it`s the Caribbean’s last frontier, Barbuda shelters some of the most exclusive and expensive resorts, such as K-Club or Coco Point Beach Club. The island is 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, being situated at 26 miles north of Antigua.
Barbuda is home for 1.200 people, having a quite small population. But this is part of the charm of the island, because one of the main attractions to Barbuda is its wild character. The fact that development hasn`t touched the island is surprising, because Barbuda is one of the few desert islands from Caribbean. This allows tourists to enjoy the wilderness of Barbuda and its authentic beauty in a peaceful atmosphere. You will not find paved roads on the island, only few hotels and some restaurants. Except of the tourists living in the few accommodations provided for them, the island is mainly populated by frigate birds, or Fregata Magnificens. Tourists are attracted to Barbuda not only by birds, but by beautiful animals such as guinea fowl, fallow deer and wild pigs.
Activities
As you might have expected, the activities that can be maintained in Barbuda are mostly those which involve relaxing due to the island's wilderness. Such activities are: beachcombing (on the northeastern Atlantic Coast), hunting, fishing, or just relaxing in the sun. For those fond of fishing, negotiating with small-boat owners offers them the chance to fish for bonefish and tarpon. There are activities which consist mainly in sports, organized by the accommodation, for example: tennis, golf, diving or snorkeling. Besides these activities, the island offers touristic attractions - or simply a lot of other points of interest - like the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, its beautiful pink and white sand beaches, numerous shipwrecks and amazing reefs. But this kind of activity is not the only kind Barbuda can offer. Despite it is appreciated for its calm and peaceful character, the island also provides places for having fun, housing luxurious clubs.
Main points of interest
In the northwestern lagoon, Barbuda shelters a sanctuary, called the Frigate Bird Sanctuary which has more than 170 species of birds – such as herons, pelicans or some tropical mockingbirds. Frigate birds are appreciated for being the most aerial water bird and for having the biggest wingspan. The only way of getting to Barbuda`s Frigate Bird Sanctuary is by boat – small motorboats. Many visitors head to the sanctuary firstly for the impressive sight and secondly to eat lobster and barbecue.
Worth visiting are also the historical ruins, like the Dividing Wall. Another place which has historical meanings is Martello Tower. There are also some interesting tours which organize the exploration of underground caves on the island.
