We didn’t have a good time at all for the tour “Whole Experience Tour”

First of all, you should warn people that can get sea sick as the ferry journeys are very rough. My partner and I spent the the whole 1h30 trip to Barbuda being very sea sick. Some other passengers were sick too.

Second, we didn’t appreciate spending the majority of the time in the small and claustrophobic van driving by Henri. It takes for ever to drive on the island due to poor road conditions. We didn’t understand for example the purpose of visiting the cave then drive from one side of the other (45 min) without stopping at the pink sand beach : the must-see thing to see in Barbuda.

Third, I personally didn’t appreciate that the entry price for the bird sanctuary suddenly went up when we were paying. It was supposed to be US$5 per person. I ended up paying almost US$20 for 2 people.

Finally, the ferry to Barbuda departed with 1h delay. We then had to speed up the entire tour in order to not miss the ferry back. A very speedy and looks like being on a “school trip” experience.

Overall, a very poor experience.

poor value for a lot of money
transfers to and from st johns to your resort not inclusive
4 hour round trip to/from barbuda on a commercial ferry catamaran
too much travel on island on a horrendous road
lunch is just adequate
drinks, sunbeds at diana beach not inclusive
tax payable after bird sancuary visit

bird sanctuary is excellent
pink beach and diana beach gorgeous

The Barbuda express leaves from the bottom of High street (next to heritage quay). I understand that the journey is supposed to take about 1hr 30, but for us it was 2hrs on the way out and 1hr 45 on the way back. To be honest it is a long way to go in open water and can be difficult for people who get sea sick because you spend most of the time side on to the waves, which causes a lot of rocking and some big drops.

But it is worth it for the rest of the tour. Note: you will need to pay tax on top of your ticket price which is $7 US per person (or around $19 EC). I would also wear trainers or sandals with straps.

Once on the other side you’ll get picked up and driven to some smaller speed boats which will take you into the mangroves where the frigate birds nest. When we went the adult males (which have the red sack) had already migrated leaving begins the females and young. I think the best time would be go during breeding season (which I understand is mid-December to April).
Once you’ve taken the speedboat through the mangroves you stop of at one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches I have ever seen. With hints of pink in the sand and turquoise water, it is stunning and great for a swim to cool off, before getting back in the boat and heading for land.

The next stop is the caves, it is a bit of long car journey on bumpy dusty roads, and the caves where a bit underwhelming. Quite shallow, they are mostly open, but there is a nice “path” up to the top where you can see out over the ocean. I say “path”, it is steep and rocky, but luckily short, I would definitely wear trainers or sandals with straps.

After the caves you stop for a nice meal of rice, salad and chicken, fish or vegetables (you place your order before you go). Before continuing on to Diana beach, which is beautiful and a great place to cool down and relax in the sea. Finally you get back on the boat to St John’s

If it wasn’t for the long choppy boat ride I would recommend it to everyone. But if you get through that bit, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and enjoy seeing the beauty in Barbuda.