Sailing into Barbuda was amazing. Because the island is so flat, before it became visible, you could see a green tinge in the clouds which was a reflection of the green vegetation of Barbuda. You can’t really see the green in this photo but you get an idea of how flat the island is.
Getting into the anchorage through the reefs can be a bit tricky but luckily we had our friends on Drakkar ahead of us showing us the way. Once we dropped anchor, in about 10 feet of water, I did the usual snorkeling duty to make sure the anchor was in a good spot and holding. As soon as I dropped into the water I saw a BFB (a Big F@*$ing Barracuda…or, since our boat is rated PG, a Big Friendly Barracuda) right underneath me. Very cool. A few strokes later I was treated to a really large ray gliding right close to me. Super cool!!
The beach, water and sky here were AMAZING!!
While we were here, we also visited a magnificent frigate bird sanctuary. George Jeffry was our guide.
The sanctuary we visited is the largest frigatebird colony outside of the Galapagos. The kids loved seeing the fluffy little baby birds and the impressive red throats of the males which blow up like balloons.
While on the tour, the kids saw a whole bunch of upside down jellyfish and were fascinated by them so George Jeffery stopped to show us one.
After the bird sanctuary, we went on a lovely hike through some caves and up to some amazing views.
Sadly, we were low on cooking propane and were worried about running out so we had to leave Barbuda, but first, Millie had to have time with that island’s stray puppy.
All too soon, at first light, we bid the beautiful Barbuda farewell. We were all ready for our next long open ocean sail to St. Barth’s. It was about a seventeen hour sail and we were crossing our fingers we would get to the crowded anchorage of Gustavia before sunset.
***We had hoped to get back to Barbuda this year to help out in post-Irma rebuilding but unfortunately we didn’t make it back there. Even though there are mixed views on what should happen to the land, I’m sure the beautiful people of Barbuda have rallied together to make it a wonderful place again.
Sailing Trismic 