04-22-2011: Barbuda

Hey, it's all about the beaches!!

On the way to Barbuda, we checked in at Jolly Harbor, Antigua. 

Antigua & Barbuda are one country, so when you check into Antigua, you're good for both.

Jolly Harbor has a nice marina:

We topped off our tanks & anchored North of the entrance channel.

Did some provisioning - great supermarket.

Then it was off to Barbuda!

As some of you know, the queen & I are on a quest for the ultimate beach.  And travelling 40 miles North to Barbuda was well worth the trip.

But first, the bad news:   According to the cruising guides, when you anchor in undiscovered Barbuda, you may be the only boat there. 

Dream on.  Never fewer than 8 boats.  Last night 13.

Not to mention that some boaters are attracted like magnets to other boats.

So, while anchored on 11 miles of beach, half a mile from the nearest boat, it is quite likely that the next boat in will anchor 100 feet from you port bow. 

Vessels of certain flags (I did not single out the French) seem especially prone to anchor nearby.

So, here's the the anchorage at Coco Point, Barbuda:

And here is our company on an 11 mile stretch of beach at Low Bay:

OK, off my soap box.  Did I mention beaches?





The K Club at Cocopoint used to host the likes of Princess Di, but has been abandoned for the last 7 years.

It is on a 2 mile stretch of gorgeous beach.

The sand is fabulous - fine, white with a pinkish tinge:

The water is crystal clear:



There appeared to be at least 60 abandoned beach cottages at the K Club:

Each cottage has it's own "Tiki hut":

We had that area of the beach to ourselves, & made the most of it:

More beach photos:



So, let me wax philosophical for a moment.

Relaxation - which of the senses are involved?

Let's start with sight: see the white sand, turquoise water & the waving coconut trees:

Hear the waves lapping on the shore - a slow tempo. 

Rustling palm fronds.

Can you smell the Coppertone & 2 stroke outboard motor oil?

Now feel the warm sun & gentle breeze on our skin:

Relaxed yet?

After 3 days, we left Cocopoint & anchored off the West coast of Barbuda, at Low Bay.

The Lighthouse Bay Resort is located on this 11 mile stretch of beach:

They tolerate visiting cruisers (barely). 

Guests fly in by helicopter.

Rooms in off-season start at US$1,099 per night.

Had a beer & fruit punch: US$20 with tip.

Decided against dinner.

Moved South to the vicinity of Barbuda Outbar:

More my speed.  A local joint.

Proprietor: "Jala" - nice guy.

2 huges lunches, 4 drinks: US$20.  All right!

And so, after 6 days in Barbuda, we hoisted our sails and set off for the East coast of Antigua,

where the adventure will continue.