Codrington - Restrictions

Where is Codrington?

Approaching Barbuda you may be deceived into thinking there is nothing there, the Island is so flat, and many a sailor has succumbed to joining the wrecks already scattered here, of which there are many.

Codrington lies midway down the western side of Barbuda.  About 1500 residents returned after Hurricane Irma with several hotels and guest houses re-opening.

Entrance Notes and Cautions

Yachts must anchor outside the lagoon at Codrington. In an easterly wind the north side of the cut is a little less rolly. The bottom is sand and holding is good. On both north and south sides of the cut, the depth shallows very gradually as you approach, making it easy to find a comfortable depth. Ask a local if you are not sure where to anchor.

It's a long, uncomfortable dinghy ride into the waterfront.

The cut (the opening to Codrington Lagoon) is marked by a very basic buoy (resembling an old fishing float or round fender with a couple of bleach bottles attached, pink-ish colour). This  marks the safest entry point and is quite hard to find given the amount of breaking water all across the cut.

Instead of using your own dinghy, you may prefer to call the boatman (Kevin +1 268-732-2643) - cost $40US for the round trip. Kevin also does tours to the frigate bird nesting area.

The sand spit to the North of the breach into the lagoon has extended to the South and overlaps the Southern end. In March 2020 a yellow and black buoy had been placed in the channel. To enter the lagoon it was necessary to line up those buoys with the high land behind until reaching the buoy when one can alter to Starboard to head straight for Codrington. There was still a minimum of 6 ft depth through the breach, but this may well change. Exercise caution. Most boats anchor off and use the entry for dinghies only. [Our thanks to Richard Kingsnorth - RCCPF for this info.]

Stay clear of the south coast during a storm. It is littered with uncharted reefs and coral heads. From the south spot Martello Tower on the southeast of the Island. Almost 5 miles east is Coco Point. From the southwest, head for the tower until your bearing to the building indicates you are inside Codrington Shoals and Codrington Bank.

Approaching from the eastern side of Antigua head to Coco Point, keeping it to bear north by east. Offshore hazards include a seven foot shoal five miles offshore, Codrington Shoals to the south and a nine foot spot on the north corner of Codrington Bank. Sail under a high sun and keep an eye out for reefs. Remember all fishing should be done on a Barbudan boat, no spearfishing and no anchoring to reefs.

Cruisers need to be aware of what is happening on the island re. new development, as there may be bays and anchorages that are no longer cruiser-friendly, where luxury resorts have been built and beaches privatised. See this news item for details.

Cruiser Highlights

Home to the world's largest breeding and nesting colony of Frigate birds. Port of entry and exit. Locals are very welcoming.

Links

Barbuda’s Resilience: Top 10 Attractions Six Years Post-Hurricane Irma

Position:

17° 39'N, 61° 49'W