anchorages on Barbuda

These are the most popular informal anchorages and are regularly used by our sea-faring visitors. We do not have a marina or any formal paid-for moorings on Barbuda. ALL BEACHES on Barbuda are PUBLIC – there are no private beaches on Barbuda and you may moor off any beach or alight onto them at any time, including hotel or resort beaches. BUT you are asked to keep to the high water line, keep well away from private buildings and respect the privacy of other guests already on Barbuda.

We have had many shipwrecks on the difficult and dangerous reefs around the whole coast of Barbuda so be warned – do not take risks if you are not an experienced sailor. Chris Doyle has visited Barbuda many times and includes detailed and accurate info on visiting Barbuda in his guide to the Caribbean islands.

Spanish Point/White Bay/Gravesnor Landing if you are moored here it will be a considerable distance to cycle or get a taxi into the village and it’s sometimes full of boats. We are fighting unwanted development of Gravesnor Bay which is a popular local weekend camping spot.

Coco Point is now leased by Barbuda Ocean Club and they are just as unwelcoming to yacht visitors as before. Next to them we have Nobu who welcome yacht visitors – the bigger the better – and if you want to see superyachts or actually are a superyacht, this is the place to be seen.

Coral Group now has boats coming to moor next to Barbuda Cottages – a new mooring had been marked out with buoys before Hurricane Irma and is probably now lost, but Uncle Roddy’s is open in the season and very welcoming to visitors. They can also pick you up if you moor further away and call them to book a table.

River Wharf is small and very busy with a constant flow of containers, ferries coming and going and small fishing boats all trying to use the same area. But further down River beach towards the Martello tower it’s possible to get onto land fairly easily with your dinghy and it’s closer to the village.

Low Bay is the nearest location to the village by crossing over the lagoon. Here you will see the derelict Lighthouse Hotel in front of you (they have been asked by Council and the Police to keep their guard dogs under control so if you are troubled by dogs please report this to the police) There is a large gap created by Hurricane Irma so from here you can use your own dinghy to cross the lagoon to the village, or call a water taxi to come for you.

NOTE: it is forbidden by the Barbuda Council to use your own dinghy to enter the protected Frigate Bird sanctuary on Barbuda. Anyone found in the area in their own dinghy or small boat will be escorted from Barbuda by the police. A small cash entry fee must be paid by ALL VISITORS, payable at the Fisheries building before you go to see the birds, and this is used for the upkeep and protection of this area. The trip itself costs $50 USD per boat for up to four people. You must not try to handle the birds or get out of the boat while you are in the sanctuary. You can only visit the sanctuary in a Barbudan operated boat as we are the guardians of this area, and some of the best guides for this are listed under tours. 

Most of the things you need in the way of everyday items can be bought in the village and these can be found listed on the drop down menu under the barbudaful community pages, which includes banking, eating and drinking, shops and businesses. Booyard Yacht Services are from here, live here, know everyone else here and can find anything you need.

live weather updates – the best sites

We include Windy and Wind Guru as the most useful link for sailors coming to Barbuda. Official weather forecasts for Antigua and Barbuda are provided at 268 weather.