Barbuda — Codrington Lagoon
Codrington Lagoon · Frigatebird Sanctuary
17°39.0'N 61°50.0'W
Depth
2–3m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m alarm radius inside the lagoon. Fully protected from swell once inside. Holding is good on sand/mud. The lagoon is so calm that anchor drag is unlikely in normal conditions — set alarm conservatively to detect any unexpected movement. If anchoring near the entrance breach, increase to 65m in case of tidal/wind-driven current overnight.
About This Anchorage
Codrington Lagoon is one of the most extraordinary natural anchorages in the Caribbean — a vast, shallow lagoon spanning virtually the entire western coastline of Barbuda, enclosed by the island's low limestone landmass and the barrier of Barbuda's west-facing beach. The lagoon is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve candidate and home to one of the largest colonies of magnificent frigatebirds in the world — an estimated 5,000 birds including over 2,500 breeding pairs nest in the mangrove islands within the lagoon each December–April season. The flamingo population (several hundred pink flamingos) inhabits the shallow northern sectors. The lagoon entrance requires careful negotiation of very shallow water — the breach is barely navigable for keelboats; local knowledge and current depth information from Codrington village are essential. Once inside, the lagoon offers complete protection in one of the most spectacular wildlife environments in the region. Access to the frigatebird sanctuary is ONLY via guided tours from Codrington — a short boat trip across the lagoon.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No formal fee currently; donation to local guide/Codrington village appropriate
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NO MOTORISED VESSELS in frigatebird/flamingo sanctuary zones — guided tours only from Codrington village; lagoon entry through breach only; very shallow entrance — sound carefully throughout; no discharge of any waste in lagoon; no coral disturbance; carry Barbuda clearance documentation (cleared in Antigua is sufficient).
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: Entrance breach is very shallow — 0.8m charted, 1.8m navigable (variable with conditions); approach VERY slowly with depth sounder; draft over 1.5m requires ideal conditions; if unsure, do NOT enter
- !Hurricane Irma (2017): reef positions may have shifted; treat all charts as approximate and navigate by eye in clear water
- !No facilities on Barbuda — fuel, water, and provisions MUST be loaded in Antigua before departing
- !Remote island — no marine services; 30nm open water passage back to Antigua
- !No motorised vessels in sanctuary zones — fines apply; approach to frigatebird colony only via guided tour
Skipper's Tips
- →Contact Codrington village before arrival via VHF 16 — local guides will advise on current entrance conditions and will lead you through the breach
- →The frigatebird tour from Codrington is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the Caribbean — book a guide through the village; cost is very reasonable
- →Best time to arrive at the breach: mid-morning in calm conditions with sun high (maximum visibility of the bottom)
- →Draft over 1.2m: the breach is your limiting factor; consider anchoring at Low Bay instead and taking the dinghy across
- →Barbuda's recovery from Irma continues — visiting sailors who spend money locally (guides, rum bars) support the recovery economy
Facilities
Codrington village (0.5nm by dinghy across lagoon) has very limited facilities since Irma 2017 — a few small shops and local rum bars. Fuel: none reliable — stock completely in Antigua. Water: bring all you need. Check current situation with Barbuda Council before visiting.
Nearest provisions: Codrington village (very limited) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May only. Frigatebird breeding season December–April — maximum wildlife activity. Hurricane season June–November: DO NOT visit Barbuda; the island is severely exposed and was essentially destroyed in 2017 by a direct hit.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
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