The Beaches of Barbuda

Beach with Coco Bay in the background.

Barbuda is Antigua’s sister island although it could not be more different. On Barbuda vacations you will see a Caribbean island that is unspoiled by tourism. The most prominent inhabitant of Barbuda is the Frigate Bird; the island is home to the largest colony in the world. There’s a Nature Reserve in a lagoon not far from the airport, and while there’s not really a “scheduled” boat service, local fishermen are used to ferrying tourists around that for a fixed price (which, as far as I remember, is rather high - in the region of US$ 20 per person). Barbuda is not a fast paced island, but rather an island that you can relax and enjoy. It is unspoiled by the crowds of tourist that you usually find on busy beaches.

Barbuda is one of the leeward islands of the Caribbean and part of the State of Antigua and Barbuda, which makes it kind of like Antigua’s little brother. It is a sparsely populated island, with most inhabitants making their homes in the city of Codrington. Antigua and Barbuda is predominantly dependent on tourism. The contribution of Tourism to the economy is estimated to be about 60% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Barbuda is a fifteen minute flight or a ninety minute ferry ride. Explore underground caves, or enjoy a game of cricket.

Coco Point Lodge in beautiful Barbuda is my favorite place in the world to be. I have traveled to many islands in the Caribbean and many beautiful places on the Mediterranean. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, Barbuda is renowned for its natural beauty, peaceful way of life, and a friendly population ready to please. Nearby Barbuda is small, with little development aside from a few resorts on its gorgeous coastline. These independent islands are located in the Leeward Island chain.

The beaches are fabulous, stretching unbroken and unpopulated to the horizon, the longest one being 12 miles long. They are seemingly endless and are left to the peaceful wanderings of those lucky enough to sojourn there.

Several other cave systems exist, some of which go below the ground or underwater. Visitors can usually go spelunking with cave experts if they wish to explore these more elaborate systems. In one are ancient cave drawings and in others it is possible to climb right through to the top of the Highlands and see for miles. Other caves go underground and underwater and requires expert knowledge to explore them.

The coral around both islands has been damaged due to hurricanes but it is slowly growing back. Antigua is a popular destination for large Carribean cruises. The favourable underwater landscape is only the beginning: The coral encrusted walls and jumbles of boulders you will see create a myriad of hiding places for all types of Caribbean reef fish which congregate in numbers! Larger marine life such as turtles, stingrays, barracuda, jacks, permit, nurse sharks and morays are regularly seen here.

The south-west corner is hilly, rising to 402 meters at Boggy Peak, the island’s highest point.Barbuda, a low-lying coral island is located 32 miles north of Antigua and has a land area of approximately 64 sq. Barbuda encompasses the expansive Codrington lagoon, which is bound by a long undeveloped beach.

Jobos Beach, Isabela - Puerto Rico

Jobos Beach, Isabela - Puerto Rico

You can’t leave Isabela, Puerto Rico without dropping by Jobos Beach. This whole area, just west of the former Ramey Air Force Base, now Raphael Hernandez Airport, is breathtaking. You can hop on Jet Blue, as of this writing, from JFK and be here in a few hours. Most tourism to Puerto Rico happens around San Juan. This coast is often overlooked.

The northwestern Puerto Rican shore has wild sand dunes and a handful of recommended beaches we have to tell you about, as they are better known to surfers. But we were asked about what locals consider the better sites to surf and Jobos Beach in Isabela was always mentioned. So with a little research we found that even though it takes some work to get to - the reward is great. You’ll be presented with a family beach that encompasses something for everyone. Seems people have grown up coming here and have great memories of it.

Jobos Beach, Isabela - Puerto RicoWe just reviewed Shacks Beach for you, some five miles from Isabela. But two miles east you’ll see Jobos Beach. It’s a nice walk from one to the other. Jobos curves beneath an unusual geological formation known as a fossilized sand dune. It’s incredible to see. The cove her seems serene, but be aware of the rip currents. Even in the calm area, tidal currents move deep.

This natural beauty, Jobos Beach, Puerto Rico, is a haven for surfers. You’ll catch the local gang in the southwestern corner by the coral heads. But Jobos also offers a strip of sand great for families with children. Bunches of restaurants line the beach. There’s fishing here, snorkeling, scuba diving, along with kiteboarding and windsurfing. This area is great for exploring, too. See some unusual surf and shore formations.

There are a few hotels close by, but most are high priced between November and April. You’ll get more reasonable accommodations inland at Isabela.

Jobos Beach - Beach Index:

  • Sand - nice white/tan combination
  • Facilities - full
  • Shade - great palms and umbrellas
  • Sports - snorkel, diving, kiteboarding, boogie boarding, windsurf, surfing
  • Notes - amazing terrain makes for a spectacular beach

The surf keeps getting bigger. We make our way to Montones Beach! Next! >>

Surf at Jobos Beach, Isabela - Puerto Rico

Playa Rincon, Samana - Dominican Republic

Playa Rincon Samana

Las Galeras, the once small fishing village has awakened. It was once untouched, with a natural beauty found only in the most remote spots. But, because it is close to the city of Samana, wealthy Dominicans made it their weekend paradise.

Since that time, Las Galeras has been set on the map mainly by abundance of beaches and the landscape that is majestic and simple, all at the same time. Las Galeras Beach is here, as well as the more famous Playa Rincon. And people are awakening to see that this is prime ocean front property with beautiful year-round weather in a country with a stable government, and far away from it all. What more could you ask for? Oh, and the problem with mosquitoes? Ask me what they’re doing to combat them. Pretty high tech!

Rincon is a quiet beach, usually deserted, on a small bay - but with no hotels in site. And, no vendors, booths, signs, radios - all the paraphernalia that comes with a popular beach. Nearby, a fresh-water lagoon to rinse off in. Sweet.

You don’t need a boat to get to Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic. You can get a taxi out of Las Terrenas or Samana to Las Galeras. Just before Las Galeras you’ll see the turn-off to Playa Rincon. The road is pretty rugged from here, so plan accordingly (timewise). If you do have the time, plan a stop at one of the local eateries and experience what food in this neck of the woods is like. You won’t find more hospitable people than Dominicans. They know what they have and they are proud of it. This is pretty close to paradise. Just look.

Playa Rincon SamanaSo plan to eat at Playa Rincon as the fish and langosta are reportedly the best in the Dominican Republic. And, if time permits, take a tour down to beautiful Playa Bonita. It’s romantic and peaceful.

But any place along the shore is simply breathtaking and well worth your visit. See if you can book online for a week or month and spend time here getting to know the whole concept of living in the Caribbean.

Maybe Columbus didn’t have it so bad?

Las Terrenas is busy; Las Galeras somewhat less, and Playa Rincon is sleepy. Enjoy.

Playa Rincon - Beach Index:

  • Sand - medium grain.
  • Facilities - few, some food huts.
  • Shade - palms, trees.
  • Sports - none.
  • Notes - pretty deserted - enjoy!

When I visited this area earlier this year, I was so impressed, I’ve decided to invest in real estate here. A nice home right on the beach would suit me fine. OK, doesn’t have to be year-round or when the hurricanes are moving in, but it would be paradise to get away from the rat race. And did I mention the cost of living here is cheap?

A very special thanks to Tony van der Heijden of Immomexx for these pictures. Please visit his site http://www.dr2007.com/ for information about Real Estate in this super hot area of the Dominican Republic.