10 Best Places to Explore in Barbuda

11 Mile Beach is a welcoming and expansive beach with a tranquil atmosphere, soft sands, turquoise waters, and sparse vegetation. The water is calm enough to go for a swim if you like, but most people spend their visit here taking it easy on the sand. Just remember to bring your own chair if you want one.

When you visit this beach, you'll often be able to see boats off in the distance. For the most part, however, it's just water all the way to the horizon. Given that this beach faces west, it's a prime destination to see the sunset. You'll find it on a strip of land on the west side of the island.

Wa’Omoni Beach Park is home to a variety of things to do, including a bird sanctuary, snorkeling opportunities, and plenty of barbecue to eat. The bird sanctuary is particularly impressive, as it's one of the largest in the world and home to Fregata magnificens, which are the largest species of frigatebird. They're also called man o' war.

When you go snorkeling at this beach park, be sure to keep an eye out for lobster, as they're common around the area. Of course, the local barbecue has a little something for meat lovers from around the globe, offering universal tastes combined with traditional preparation. You can find this beach park near Codrington.

Martello Tower is a historic 19th-century defense tower offering  tours and stunning views of the island. While the tower itself dates back to the 1800s, the fort it's attached to was built on top of an existing 18th-century fort.

When you visit this tower, you can climb all the way to the top—32 feet up— for a picturesque view of the surrounding landscapes. If you visit after wet weather, you'll also be able to spot a nearby stream that completely dries up when the weather has been too warm and dry for too long. You'll find the tower on the island's southern coast.

Palmetto Point is a local geographical landmark that's home to several attractions, including a beach that's ideal for surfing and a golf course. When you visit the beach, you'll find miles of sand along with waves that are perfect if you're looking to get some surfing done.

If you're more interested in inland activities, you'll find the Tom Fazio golf course here by the pink sands of the shore. On the greens, you can relax and play the game while still taking in the crisp sea air. You'll find it all at the southwesternmost point of the island.

The underground caves of Barbuda offer a glimpse into geological formations and prehistoric art showcasing natural splendor and rich local history. You'll find several caves in the area, including Darby Cave and Dark Cave, both of which are home to unique sights.

When you're in Darby Cave, keep an eye out for prehistoric petroglyphs left by native people. Dark Cave is home to fascinating wildlife like the blind-eye shrimp and several kinds of bats. You can get to caves throughout the island, so consider which you want to visit first.

Two Foot Bay is home to a national park and numerous caves and cliffs to explore that let you take in the fascinating nature and history of the island. Several caves are in the area, but Indian Cave is the most prominent and boasts Arawak petroglyphs visible inside.

When you visit this park, be sure to check out the variety of natural features. Climbing up through the cave lets you explore what's known as the roof area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You'll find it all on the northeastern coast of the island.

Pink Sand Beach is likely the island's most well-known beach, thanks to the unique pink hue it gets as a result of all the shells that wash up on the shore. The sand itself isn't pink, but you can see the pink hue when the shells have been deposited by the surging waves.

When you visit this beach, you don't have to worry about the shells getting in the way. Not only can you safely step on them while barefoot, but there's plenty of soft, shell-free sand farther away from the water if you're looking for somewhere to stretch out for a nap or to catch some rays. You'll find this beach on the southern coast of the island.

Gravenor Bay is a popular destination in Barbuda where you'll find crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling to see the local reef formations. The waters here are calm enough for a relaxing swim if you prefer, but snorkeling is by far the most popular activity considering just how far you can see through the clear waters.

This bay is home to several reef formations that offer incredible sights to see when snorkeling. Plus, you get a chance to look at the native marine life as well. You'll find this bay on the southeastern side of the island between Coco and Spanish Points.

Codrington Lagoon is a mangrove lagoon that's remarkably well-maintained and is home to a colony of frigatebirds that you're bound to be able to see during your visit. As one of the most prominent frigatebird settlements in the world, this lagoon has gained global importance.

When you visit this lagoon, you can not only spot these birds but enjoy several nature trails that take you through vibrant greenery and colorful flora. Plus, the still waters of the lagoon add a cool ambience to the experience. You'll find this lagoon taking up most of the west side of the island.

Palaster Reef is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers where you can not only check out a robust reef but several shipwrecks as well. The waters by the reef are so clear that you can get a good view of more of the reef than you might think just by snorkeling.

If you're looking to do some heavy-duty exploring, you'll find plenty of opportunities for scuba diving here. Whether you go by the reef or check out the shipwrecks, you could easily dedicate a day to discovering everything there is around this reef. You'll find it in the southeastern corner of the island.