If the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda are on your radar, Barbuda might not be the first island you think of. But for those seeking a slower pace and slice of paradise, this place is worth the detour as it lies just about 55 km north of Antigua. Tourism hasn’t overrun Barbuda, it’s still a blissfully undeveloped paradise. Despite the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017, which left much of the island damaged, Barbuda has made an impressive comeback, and its natural beauty is as stunning as ever.

Barbuda is an eco lovers’ paradise as this place doesn’t have hordes of tourists, shopping malls, nor extravagant nightlife. Man-made tourist attractions are limited here which will appeal to visitors who are after peace and quiet. The island’s coastline being adorned with miles of mostly deserted beaches, is the perfect place for you to not only sunbathe but also slow down and just collect shells on the beach.

For bird lovers onboard, you will find the Frigate Bird Sanctuary a paradise. The largest Frigate Bird colonies outside of Galapagos call Barbuda home. These majestic creatures live on mangrove that is part of the Codrington Lagoon National Park. But of course, the underwater animals are just as fascinating with marine species like reef fish, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles.

Nearby is the 11 Mile Beach which ticks every yacht charterer box. This gorgeous beach has fine sugar-white sands and calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. And because it is on the western side of Barbuda, you can enjoy the sunset views from this place. But the option for beaches doesn’t end there as Princess Diana Beach is also a good choice to visit. This beach is named after the Princess of Wales because she’s always spotted going on a vacation here. And if you still have time to visit one more beach, find Pink Sands beach. This place is a 13 km stretch of pink sand that got its hues from the tiny rose shell and corals that were crushed by the wave.The shade shifts with the seasons, making it a visual treat for those arriving by yacht.

Just a short walk is the Martello Tower where you can learn more about the island’s historic past. This fort that is 56ft tall, known to be the island’s tallest building, is once part of the fort that protected Barbuda’s first harbor – the River Landing. Today, this tower is not only historical but has also become a popular site for weddings.

Barbuda also boasts a lot of sinkholes and underground caves that even have petroglyphs carved inside. Two Foot Bay Cave is a famous example of this. There’s even a collapsed sinkhole that visitors can explore – Darby’s cave. This will bring you to a huge hole with vegetation like a rainforest.

Barbuda doesn’t only have beaches but also coral reefs like the Palaster Reef that is about 2 km from the land. The diving opportunities also extend to Palmetto point which is a famous spot for free divers and advanced level scuba divers.

If you’re starving after all the adventure, the Nobu Restaurant is a recommended place. This is the fancy restaurant owned by the famous Hollywood icon, Rober De Niro. In this restaurant, you can see chefs swimming in the sea to catch the famous Barbudan lobster.

If exploring Barbuda’s pristine paradise is on your bucket list, now’s the time to make it happen. Check out all the superyachts available for charter.