fishing, water sports, and yachting

fishing

Most of the men and women who live in Barbuda go fishing at some time, either as a full-time occupation or at holiday weekends. Traditionally fishing is done using fish pots which are made from locally gathered wattle sticks and wire. Lobster is also caught by hand with a wire lassoo and large quantities are exported several times a week mainly to the French islands. Other fish are sold locally straight from the boat or sent to Antigua. Many varieties are caught in pots; Grunt, Old Wife, Hind, Snapper, Doctor Fish to name a few.

Larger fish are caught on lines and Kingfish, Dolphin or Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Barracuda are often sold to the hotels in the season. Barrracuda can be seen in the waters around the island and are eaten widely in Barbuda. They do not carry the Ciguatera poison, which prevents their consumption in other parts of the Caribbean.

Barbuda has the perfect environment for Bone Fishing and has some of the best fish on the outskirts of Codrington Lagoon, where large Tarpon and Ten Pounder can be caught with local bait. The new fisheries complex on Codrington lagoon will improve local fishers potential to earn more from this industry, storing equipment, keeping their catch on ice and exporting it in much larger quantities throughout the Caribbean

Note: Fishing in Barbuda may be done only from a Barbudan boat. Barbudans protect their coastline and fishing waters. Contact one of the operators listed below to take you out.

fishing boat operators

George Jeffrey

George Jeffrey has assisted many boats and is a warm, welcoming and experienced guide to Barbudan waters. George can be contacted in advance on +1-(268)-460-0143, on his cell phone in Barbuda on 788-7067 or on radio VHF 16 call sign "Garden of Eden".

Mcarthur Nedd

Mcarthur Nedd has a boat in which he takes people rod and reel fishing. Mcarthur and Natalie Nedd also offer accommodation, day tours, and a land or sea taxi. Mcarthur and Natalie Nedd can be contacted on tel:+1-(268)-561-5558, or by e-mail.

Byron Askie

Byron can help you fill dive tanks, he will take you out to view or dive the local wrecks and can supply kayaks and sunfish for hire when available. Call Byron on +1-(268)-783-7243 or visit the Green Door Tavern, or call +1-(268)-460-0065 to leave a message.

yachting

Barbuda is known to only a few intrepid sailors who like to keep the secret to themselves. The island has almost 200 wrecks around the coast, which are enough to put off casual sailors and is so flat that it is very difficult to see until you are dangerously close to the reefs. Ask for expert local advice if you need to know where to moor your boat and on no account anchor to our reefs or use destructive jet skis in the area.

However, Barbuda is worth the trouble of negotiating the obstacles and in his “Cruising Guide to the Leeward Island” and in the article Cruising to Codrington, Chris Doyle gives comprehensive details on how to do this safely. A regular visitor to Barbuda, Chris is very familiar with the coastline. Most of those who make the effort are delighted when finally anchored off a stunning beach without a soul in sight.

Anchorages

The two most popular anchorages are at Low Bay and at Spanish Point, pictured here. Some yachts come to River Wharf, which is the harbour used by the cargo boats. River Wharf is approximately half-way from Spanish Point to the village.

 

Note: You must complete the clearance required by Customs and Immigration on arrival by boat into Barbuda; see our travel page for contact details.

Low Bay

A fabulous expanse of sand and sparkling water - Low Bay is the nearest to Codrington Village. It is possible to carry a small dinghy over the Palm Beach sand into the lagoon and make your own way to the village from there. Although you will be near the Frigate Bird sanctuary in the lagoon, all visitors are asked to use a Barbudan boat to visit the birds; the cost is currently US$50 per boat of four people, plus US$10 for each person above that number. A boat with a low draught can sail into the lagoon, but this is only for experts and with the help of a guide.

Spanish Point

Spanish Point is also beautiful with great snorkelling, but is further away from the village than Low Bay. and a lengthy taxi ride to get essential supplies. Contact any of the taxi operators on this web site. They are familiar with the needs of visiting yachts and can carry visitors to all the essential services. Barbuda's shopping has improved greatly in the last few years and almost anything you need in the way of everyday items can be bought in Codrington Village.

Superyacht Service Guide

Barbuda is in the Superyacht Service Guide to the Caribbean - one of three guides specifically designed to assist professional yacht captains and crew with the smooth running of their vessel whilst cruising to Barbuda. The guides are compiled by the authors interviewing over 200 yacht captains each year asking them for their recommendations in each port of call. It is distributed freely to all professional yachts and can be bought through largeyacht@bluewaterweb.com. All guides are freely available to view at www.superyachtservicesguide.com, where viewers can check out the Barbuda chapter in the Caribbean Volume 2 online edition.

keep it safe and clean

Barbuda prides itself on the natural and pristine coastline; please do not anchor to reefs, use jet skis, or shoot fish as these activities are discouraged. And remember, fishing around the reefs may be done only from a Barbudan-owned boat.

in the water…

Swimming, fishing and diving in Barbudan waters can be hazardous as the sea can be rough with very strong currents and swells at certain times of the year. Please be sure that you have taken up to date local advice, have the relevant experience and properly maintained equipment before you go.

…on the beaches

In spite of our limited resources some yachts leave their rubbish on our pristine beaches. Yachts and their visitors should note that it is not possible for this to be collected from these beaches and it will still be there when they return, or will be scattered about by donkeys. Rubbish can only be disposed of in the village and they should take it there themselves, pay a local person to take it for them or even better take it home.