Did you know that 17 Mile Beach in Barbuda is one of the few places on earth where you can walk for hours along pristine pink sand without encountering another soul? This remarkable 17-mile stretch of untouched shoreline is not just one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets—it’s also home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Western Hemisphere. Unlike its bustling sister island Antigua with its 365 beaches and numerous resorts, Barbuda remains largely undeveloped, offering a true escape into paradise.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching 17 Mile Beach requires some planning, as Barbuda is less accessible than many Caribbean destinations. The journey is part of the adventure and well worth the effort to experience this unspoiled paradise.
From Antigua to Barbuda
By Ferry
The Barbuda Express ferry service operates from St. Johns, Antigua to Barbuda. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes and costs around $85 one-way. The ferry typically departs at 8:30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, returning at 4:30pm. Wednesday schedules offer two journeys, while weekend availability varies.
Many visitors opt for the combined ferry and island tour package ($164 per person), which includes transportation, a guided tour of the island, a visit to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, time at the pink sand beach, and a local lunch.
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By Air
For a quicker but more expensive option, SVG Air offers flights from Antigua to Barbuda in small 7-seater planes for approximately $65 one-way. The flight takes just 15-20 minutes, offering spectacular aerial views of both islands. Be aware that schedules can change frequently, and flights may be canceled due to weather or low passenger numbers.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Barbuda enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit 17 Mile Beach is during the dry season from December to April when you’ll experience sunny days with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures averaging 75-85°F (24-29°C).
The summer and fall months (June to November) constitute the hurricane season, with September and October being the peak months for potential storms. After Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017, Barbuda has been slowly rebuilding, but visitors should be particularly cautious about planning trips during this period.
Seasonal Highlights:
- December-April: Ideal weather, slightly higher prices
- May: Good weather with fewer tourists and lower prices
- June-November: Hurricane season, fewer visitors, lowest prices
- October-April: Male frigate birds present with their distinctive red pouches
Weather Tip: Even during the dry season, it’s wise to bring a light rain jacket as brief tropical showers can occur. The sun is intense year-round, so pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Getting Around Locally
Barbuda is a small island with limited transportation options. Most visitors explore the island as part of an organized tour, which is the most convenient way to see 17 Mile Beach and other attractions.
Transportation Options:
- Guided Tours: The most popular and hassle-free option. Local guides like Levi (mentioned in traveler accounts) provide comprehensive island tours including transportation.
- Taxis: Limited taxi service is available in Codrington, the island’s only settlement.
- Car Rental: A few basic rental options exist, but roads can be rough and navigation challenging.
- Boat: Some areas, like the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, are only accessible by boat.
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Local Insight: If you’re not on an organized tour, arrange transportation in advance. The island has limited infrastructure, and you may not find transportation options readily available upon arrival.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options on Barbuda are limited, especially since Hurricane Irma in 2017. The island is still rebuilding, and lodging choices range from rustic to luxury, though all options maintain a certain off-the-grid charm that’s part of Barbuda’s appeal.
Barbuda Belle
An exclusive luxury boutique hotel with just six beachfront bungalows on stilts. Located on a pristine stretch of beach, it offers a restaurant, bar, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
Barbuda Cottages
Simple but comfortable cottages in Codrington village. These accommodations offer a more authentic local experience and are a good mid-range option for travelers who want to be close to town.
Frangipani Glamping
For a more rustic experience, this glamping site offers canvas tents with proper beds and basic amenities. It’s an eco-friendly option that puts you close to nature while maintaining some comforts.
Accommodation Tip: Many visitors choose to stay in Antigua and make a day trip to Barbuda. If you plan to stay overnight in Barbuda, book well in advance as options are limited. Also, be prepared for a more rustic experience with potential limitations in electricity and running water outside of Codrington.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Dining options on Barbuda are limited but authentic. Most restaurants are simple beach shacks or local establishments serving fresh seafood and Caribbean cuisine. The island is famous for its lobster, considered some of the best in the Caribbean (available during season from July to April).
Must-Try Local Dishes:
- Barbuda Lobster: The island’s specialty, usually grilled and served with local sides
- Conch Curry: A flavorful Caribbean dish made with fresh conch
- Local Fish: Fresh catches prepared simply with island spices
- Green and Potato Salad: Common side dishes with local preparations
Most dining experiences on Barbuda are casual and unhurried. Many visitors enjoy lunch as part of their day tour package, which typically includes a meal at a local beach restaurant.
Dining Tip: If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s best to communicate these in advance when booking tours or accommodations. Options can be limited, but locals are generally accommodating when given notice.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
While 17 Mile Beach is the star attraction, Barbuda offers several other remarkable natural and historical sites worth exploring. Most can be visited as part of an organized day tour from Antigua or during a longer stay on the island.
17 Mile Beach
The main attraction—a stunning 17-mile stretch of pink-tinged sand separating the Caribbean Sea from Codrington Lagoon. The beach gets its distinctive pink hue from crushed coral mixed with white sand. You can walk for hours without seeing another person, making it one of the most secluded beaches in the world.
Frigate Bird Sanctuary
Located in Codrington Lagoon National Park, this sanctuary hosts one of the world’s largest colonies of frigate birds. Over 2,500 of these magnificent birds make their home here. Male frigates are known for their distinctive bright red pouches, which they inflate like balloons during mating season (October to April).
Two Foot Bay National Park
This nature area on the northeastern coast features dramatic limestone cliffs, caves with ancient Arawak petroglyphs, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The caves are accessible via a short climb and offer a glimpse into the island’s geological and cultural history.
Other Notable Attractions
Martello Tower
This historic 56-foot-high tower near River Beach was built by the British in the early 19th century. It’s one of Barbuda’s most important colonial structures and offers insight into the island’s history.
Darby Sink Cave
A 300-foot-wide, 70-foot-deep sinkhole with tall palm trees growing from within. The dramatic natural formation features ferns and lianas dangling from the sides, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Princess Diana Beach
Formerly known as Coco Point, this beach on the southwestern coast was renamed in honor of Princess Diana, who visited Barbuda for its privacy and beauty. It features sublime white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Spanish Point
Located at the southern tip of the island, this area is believed to have been a major Arawak settlement. The scenic point offers beautiful views and is of archaeological significance.
Experience the Best of Barbuda
Book a comprehensive island tour including 17 Mile Beach, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and more
Cultural Insights & Historical Context
Understanding Barbuda’s history adds depth to your visit to 17 Mile Beach and the surrounding areas. The island has a complex colonial past and a unique cultural identity distinct from its sister island Antigua.
The Codrington Legacy
For over 200 years, Barbuda was leased to the Codrington family, who used the island for cattle raising and, more controversially, for breeding slaves. The island’s only settlement, Codrington Village, is named after this family. Their influence shaped much of the island’s history and development.
Hurricane Irma’s Impact
In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda, forcing the evacuation of all 1,800 residents. The island has been slowly rebuilding, with about half of the population having returned. This recent history has shaped the current state of tourism and infrastructure on the island.
“The relationship between the twin islands is not an overly friendly or supportive one. Despite the initial presence of several charities offering aid to the islanders in rebuilding their homes, many places still have no access to electricity & running water.”
Practical Travel Tips
Essential Tips for Visiting 17 Mile Beach
- Bring Supplies: There are no vendors or facilities on 17 Mile Beach. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you might need.
- Book Tours in Advance: Especially during high season, secure your ferry and tour bookings before arriving in Antigua.
- Cash: Bring cash as credit card facilities are limited on Barbuda.
- Time Management: If visiting as a day trip, be mindful of the ferry schedule. The last ferry typically leaves at 4:30pm.
- Respect Nature: The beach and surrounding areas are pristine—help keep them that way by taking all trash with you.
- Photography: Bring your camera, but be respectful when photographing local people or private property.
Important: There is no shade on 17 Mile Beach. Bring a hat, umbrella, or portable shade, especially if you plan to spend several hours there. Dehydration and sunburn are real risks in the Caribbean sun.
17 Mile Beach is located along the western coast of Barbuda, separating the Caribbean Sea from Codrington Lagoon
Your Perfect Escape Awaits
17 Mile Beach in Barbuda represents one of the last truly unspoiled beach paradises in the Caribbean. With its stunning pink sands, crystal-clear waters, and remarkable solitude, it offers an escape from the overcrowded tourist destinations that dominate much of the region. Whether you’re watching male frigate birds display their bright red pouches, exploring ancient caves, or simply walking along miles of pristine shoreline without another soul in sight, Barbuda provides an authentic connection with nature that’s increasingly rare in our busy world.
While getting to 17 Mile Beach requires some effort, those who make the journey are rewarded with an experience that few travelers will ever have. As you plan your visit to this extraordinary destination, remember that its remoteness and limited infrastructure are part of what keeps it so special. By respecting the natural environment and supporting the local community, you can help ensure that 17 Mile Beach remains a pristine paradise for generations to come.
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The above is subject to change.
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