DETOURS
SPOTLIGHT Caribbean Without the Crowds By Diana Ballon
© VISUAL ECHO
Escape to the tiny island of Barbuda, a natural haven for bird lovers, beach enthusiasts and those who just love to chill.
A VISIT TO BARBUDA'S MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SANCTUARY
M
y first view of Barbuda was from the front seat of a CalvinAir Helicopter on a short 15-minute ride from its twin island, Antigua, a mere 60 kilometres away. Gazing down on its turquoise waters, deserted pinkhued coral and white sand beaches, and the mostly flat, low-lying tree-covered landscape, was breathtaking. It was a captivating patchwork of green, aquamarine and beige.
with a brief visit to Barbuda, given the easy access. Daily, there are two flights between the two islands as well as a 1.5-hour daily ferry.
After almost two years of being in Canada riding out the pandemic, Barbuda seemed like an idyllic place to visit. I love islands of all types, but this one, which was lesser known and not on the radar of many travellers, seemed special. I was excited to experience it for the first time. Although just over half the size of Antigua, it has just a tiny fraction of the population of its larger neighbour.
Once arriving at the Barbuda Codrington Airport, our small group hit the road. Dodging potholes along a road skirting the island’s west coast, we pass children in flip flops, their knapsacks bobbing up and down on their backs as they rode donkeys. We see horses grazing in the fields and colourful concrete houses with corrugated metal roofs. Those bucolic scenes really showed a different side of Caribbean life – a simplicity and a slower pace not always seen in other more developed destinations. It remains largely unspoiled and that’s at the heart of what makes Barbuda so unique.
This is good news for those seeking a natural haven far from the crowds of tourists and cruise passengers back in Antigua. It is surprising more people don’t combine a trip to Antigua
Our first Barbudan adventure involved boarding a small water shuttle to Codrington Lagoon National Park, stretching about 27 kilometres along the west coast of the island.
16 • Vacations ® • Spring 2022
