Are you dreaming of a family getaway to a serene, sun-soaked island where your little ones can explore safely and you can truly unwind? Look no further than Barbuda. With its pristine white (and even pink!) sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid-back atmosphere, this hidden Caribbean gem is an ideal family travel destination for parents seeking a stress-free travel experience. From shallow, toddler-friendly beaches to exciting wildlife encounters – yes, there are donkeys and goats everywhere! – Barbuda provides countless opportunities for your little explorers to connect with nature while you soak in the tranquility. We have been to many islands and Barbuda is in our top 5.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling to Barbuda with young kids, from family-friendly activities and accommodations to tips for making the most of your stay. Whether you are building sandcastles on the beach, spotting tropical birds at Codrington Lagoon, or enjoying fresh lobster by the sea, there is something magical for every family member in Barbuda.
Pack your sunscreen, grab your toddler’s favorite beach toys, and get ready to discover why Barbuda is a paradise for parents and kids alike!
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Useful Information
Barbuda is an undeveloped island with a laid back atmosphere – you will see more goats and donkeys than cars on the roads (spoiler alert: you might even not see any other cars!). There is only one settlement, the village of Codrington that only has 2 small supermarkets – so make sure to bring all your essentials with you!
Language
The official language in Barbuda is English, making it convenient to communicate with locals and navigate the island with ease.
Currency and Payment Options
The official currency of Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted across the island. Current exchange rate is fixed @ 1 USD = 2.70 XCD (as of January 2025)
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ATMs and Banks: There is only one bank (ACB Bank) in Barbuda, so it is a good idea to carry sufficient cash for small purchases if you want to avoid frequent trips to their ATM as ACB ATMs have a low withdrawal limit. The daily withdrawal limit for our card was 500 XCD i.e. ~ 185 USD.
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Credit Cards: Some hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accept credit cards, but smaller vendors and shops often operate on a cash-only basis. I would recommend to carry a mix of cash and cards for convenience.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Barbuda enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a fantastic destination for family travel no matter the season.
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Temperature: Average temperatures range from 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C).
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Dry Season: The best time to visit Barbuda is during the dry season, from December to April. This period offers pleasant weather and is perfect for beach outings and outdoor activities. We went there in December 2024 and the weather was perfect – hot enough to wear bikinis all day long but not too hot for our 18-month-old.
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Rainy Season: From June to November, the island experiences its rainy season, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. Some hotels and restaurants (including larger ones like Nobu) are closed during this period.
Plugs
In Antigua & Barbuda, power plugs and sockets of Type A & Type B are used (similar to USA/Canada plugs). The standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 60Hz. You will need a universal adapter (ideally with a surge protection) if your plugs are different
Safety
Barbuda is a tiny island. It is considered a very safe destination for families, with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere – you are more likely to bump into a donkey or a goat than into another person!
Barbuda is relatively undeveloped and roads are in poor conditions – even the main road has a lot of potholes. If you rent a car (which we 100% recommend), make sure to rent a SUV, you will not regret it!
Olivia’s tips
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Dining in Barbuda Dining options in Barbuda are somewhat limited, as there are only a handful of restaurants on the island. Not all establishments are open for dinner, and even those that do may not operate every day. Additionally, the opening hours listed online, such as on Google, may not always be accurate. To ensure a smooth dining experience, it’s best to plan ahead and check with the restaurants directly, either by phone or through your accommodation.
Grocery Stores in Barbuda For groceries, Barbuda offers a few options, with Lil Linc’s Supermarket in Codrington being a reliable choice. We were able to find most of the essentials we needed there, and the fact that they accept major credit cards was appreciable. Keep in mind that inventory may be limited compared to larger destinations, so it is a good idea to bring along specialty items you may require.
- Using Google map in Barbuda Google Map is not reliable in Barbuda. If you plan to go to the airport in Barbuda, DO NOT follow Google Map itinerary. We followed Google map instructions and ended up at a landfill instead of at the airport…. In addition, the opening hours on Google map might not be up-to-date so it is good to always have a plan B.
By Ferry
This is the most popular option and also the most cost effective one.
The main ferry operating between Antigua and Barbuda is the Barbuda Express.The ferry departs from St. John’s Harbour in Antigua, arrives at River Dock in Barduda. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Return tickets are ~ 100 USD. Some tours organize day trips to Barbuba, but we recommend spending at least a few days on the island.
We read some bad reviews online mentioning that the sea could be rough – with a lot of people getting seasick – and that the 90-minute ride advertised could easily become a 2 hour+ ride. So we got prepared and arrived early i.e. 90 minutes before the departure time – and the boat was already 1/4 full – to be able to choose the best seats (tips: look at where the locals sit, they know where the best seats are!). We also took motion sickness meds – which I 100% recommend. The sea was a little rough but none of us got sea sick and our daughter even slept the entire ride!
By Air
If you are afraid of being sea sick, the other option is to fly to Barbuda. BMN/SVG Air operates daily flights to Barbuda with a tiny 7 seater plane. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes. Return tickets cost ~ 170 USD. At the time I write this article (Jan 2025), it seems that tickets can now be booked online on BMN/SVG Air website. When we went there (Dec 2024), tickets could only be booked via email by sending an email to expresshandlers@gmail.com or calling them at +1 (268) 484-1416 / +1 (268) 727-2712.
Olivia’s tips
- Book your tickets well in advance there are only 7 seats – yes, you read it correctly – in the airplane so make sure to book your tickets in advance. We went there during the holiday period and did not manage to get tickets for the three of us on the outward trip and ended up taking the ferry on the outward journey and fly back to Antigua.
- Allow extra time at the airport If you fly on the outward trip, do not forget to allow extra time at the airport to go through customs – there is only one queue for both domestic and international flights so it might be crowded.
- Baggage allowance since the airplane is tiny, the baggage allowance might be lower than the standard allowance on most international flights. In Dec 2024, they only allowed 1 hand luggage of 13 lbs (6kgs) and the checked luggage could not exceed 44 lbs (20 kgs). However, for those with little ones, our car seat was checked at no charge.
- Google Map in Barbuda if you plan to go to the airport in Barbuda, DO NOT follow Google Map directions. We followed Google map instructions and ended up at a landfill instead of at the airport… The location of the airport on Google Map is correct but Google uses roads that do not exist anymore… There is a billboard on the side of the main road indicating the airport direction. If you see it, follow it. If not, ask locals, they are better resources than Google
Where to stay in Barbuda
There are only a few accommodations in Barbuda so, again, booking early is highly recommended! There are currently some great deals on Booking.com and on TripAdvisor.
What to do in Barbuda
Family Travel Packing Tips
Travelling with young kids can easily feel overwhelming. To ensure a stress-free trip, here are my kid travel essentials:
- Plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the tropical sun.
- Kid friendly insect repellent – some beaches have sand flies that can be quite active before sunset
- A pop up beach shade and a large beach blanket – Barbuda has very little tourism infrastructure so you will not easily find sunshades or deckchairs on the beach
- A baby carrier
- If you rent a car, you may consider bringing your own car seat as car seats are difficult to find
- And of course, all the beach essentials: swimsuits, and toys for little ones.
- Do NOT take your stroller – we went to Barbuda with our 20 month old without our stroller and never felt like we needed it.
For more family vacations travel essentials, you can read my article here: The 10 Family Travel Essentials.
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