×

Antigua & Barbuda🇦🇬 | national parksCodrington Lagoon National ParkFrigatebird colony, mangrove boat ride, Barbuda barrier beach, boatman by phone | things to do and best time to go

Explore Antigua Rainforest National ParkExplore Devil’s Bridge National Park

Backpacking in Codrington Lagoon
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The decision most visitors face at Codrington Lagoon National Park is a quick day trip from Antigua or a night on Barbuda, and the birds tip it. Day trips leave you maybe two hours on the water, while sleeping over lets you catch the boats in calm early light and skip the ferry rush. The park sits on the west side of Barbuda, the sister island in the north of Antigua and Barbuda, a short walk from Codrington village. There are no marked hiking trails here. You get flat, shallow, mangrove-fringed water, a long barrier beach, and one of the biggest frigatebird colonies in the Caribbean. Crowds stay small, though cruise days can fill the boats. Barbuda runs on island time, so book your boatman by phone the day before instead of turning up at the dock. Bring cash, because card machines are rare.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Antigua & Barbuda Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 national park in Antigua & BarbudaReasons people choose to explore here

Codrington Lagoon National Park suits backpackers who like to arrange things themselves, because the whole experience is a conversation with a local boatman, not a packaged tour. You walk to the dock, agree on a price and a departure time, and share the boat with other travelers to split the cost. Nothing is scripted. The draw is the frigatebird colony at Man-o-War Point, where thousands of magnificent frigatebirds nest in low mangrove scrub, so close to the boat that you can see the males’ scarlet throat pouches without binoculars. During breeding season the sight and the noise are hard to match anywhere else in the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond the birds, Barbuda gives you quiet, uncrowded beaches and a village of guesthouses and small eateries that costs far less than Antigua’s resort strip. … read more 👉
Codrington Lagoon National Park suits backpackers who like to arrange things themselves, because the whole experience is a conversation with a local boatman, not a packaged tour. You walk to the dock, agree on a price and a departure time, and share the boat with other travelers to split the cost. Nothing is scripted. The draw is the frigatebird colony at Man-o-War Point, where thousands of magnificent frigatebirds nest in low mangrove scrub, so close to the boat that you can see the males’ scarlet throat pouches without binoculars. During breeding season the sight and the noise are hard to match anywhere else in the Eastern Caribbean. Beyond the birds, Barbuda gives you quiet, uncrowded beaches and a village of guesthouses and small eateries that costs far less than Antigua’s resort strip. Sleeping on the island turns a two-hour excursion into a proper trip, with the long pink-tinted barrier beach to walk at your own pace afterward.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Frigatebird Sanctuary at Man-o-War Point: The reason almost everyone comes. Thousands of magnificent frigatebirds nest in the mangroves, and boats ease close enough to see adults, chicks and bare nests at eye level.
  2. Male courtship displays: In breeding season, males inflate bright red throat pouches into balloons and shake their wings to attract females. It is loud, comical and best seen from the boat early in the day.
  3. The boat crossing of the lagoon: The ride runs across shallow, glassy water, past channels of red and black mangroves. Look for pelicans, herons and egrets on the roots, and turtles and fish in the clear shallows.
  4. Chicks in the nests: Later in the season the mangroves fill with fluffy white chicks waiting for food, while parents wheel overhead. The sight is quite different from
… read more 👉
  1. Frigatebird Sanctuary at Man-o-War Point: The reason almost everyone comes. Thousands of magnificent frigatebirds nest in the mangroves, and boats ease close enough to see adults, chicks and bare nests at eye level.
  2. Male courtship displays: In breeding season, males inflate bright red throat pouches into balloons and shake their wings to attract females. It is loud, comical and best seen from the boat early in the day.
  3. The boat crossing of the lagoon: The ride runs across shallow, glassy water, past channels of red and black mangroves. Look for pelicans, herons and egrets on the roots, and turtles and fish in the clear shallows.
  4. Chicks in the nests: Later in the season the mangroves fill with fluffy white chicks waiting for food, while parents wheel overhead. The sight is quite different from the courtship period, and equally good.
  5. Barrier beach between lagoon and sea: A narrow strip of sand separates the calm lagoon from the open Caribbean, with sand that has a faint pink tint in places. Walk it for shells, birds and almost no company.
  6. Codrington waterfront and landing: The village edge on the lagoon is where boats leave and where fishermen work. It gives you a feel for daily Barbuda life and is the easiest place to find a boatman.
For a first visit, the frigatebird sanctuary is the one to prioritize, since Codrington Lagoon National Park exists largely to protect it.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Codrington Lagoon National Park

Turtle Beach Power Snorkeling Adventure (Pickup Included)

Turtle Beach Power Snorkeling Adventure (Pickup Included)

5.0(701) 2h
From €140
per personViator
Scenic Full Day Tour of Antigua

Scenic Full Day Tour of Antigua

4.9(645) 6h
From €132
per personViator
Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour

Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour

4.9(425) 3h 30m
From €181
per personViator
Antigua Stingray Experience with Hotel Pickup & Local Guide

Antigua Stingray Experience with Hotel Pickup & Local Guide

4.9(333) 3h 10m
From €132
per personViator
Antigua VIP Tours - Private Platinum Tour

Antigua VIP Tours - Private Platinum Tour

4.8(257) 6h
From €154
per personViator
Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua

Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua

4.9(206) 3h 30m
From €82
per personViator
6h Ultimate Antigua Tour: Stingray City, Beach & Local Lunch

6h Ultimate Antigua Tour: Stingray City, Beach & Local Lunch

4.9(181) 6h 10m
From €186
per personViator
Antigua VIP Tours - Semi-Private Gold Tour

Antigua VIP Tours - Semi-Private Gold Tour

4.9(157) 5h
From €123
per personViator
Antigua Explorer Tour

Antigua Explorer Tour

4.8(153) 4h
From €118
per personViator
4h Antigua Must-Do: Stingray City, Devil’s Bridge & Long Bay

4h Antigua Must-Do: Stingray City, Devil’s Bridge & Long Bay

5.0(122) 4h 10m
From €127
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

The best window for Codrington Lagoon National Park on Barbuda is December to April, when rain is light and the sea is calm enough for the boat ride to the frigatebird colony.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Days run 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F), nights 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F), with steady trade winds. Daylight lasts about 11 to 12 hours. This is peak time for boat trips, beach walks and the pink sand of Princess Diana Beach. Lodging prices are at their highest.
  • Nesting Season (September to December): Magnificent frigatebirds nest in the mangroves, and males inflate their red throat pouches from roughly late September into the early months. Tour guides know the colony well at this time.
  • Hurricane Season (June to November): Highs reach 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F) with humid air and mosquitoes. Storms peak
… read more 👉
The best window for Codrington Lagoon National Park on Barbuda is December to April, when rain is light and the sea is calm enough for the boat ride to the frigatebird colony.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Days run 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F), nights 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F), with steady trade winds. Daylight lasts about 11 to 12 hours. This is peak time for boat trips, beach walks and the pink sand of Princess Diana Beach. Lodging prices are at their highest.
  • Nesting Season (September to December): Magnificent frigatebirds nest in the mangroves, and males inflate their red throat pouches from roughly late September into the early months. Tour guides know the colony well at this time.
  • Hurricane Season (June to November): Highs reach 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F) with humid air and mosquitoes. Storms peak August to October, and Barbuda was devastated by Irma in 2017. Some guesthouses and restaurants close, but rates drop 20 to 40 percent.
  • Shoulder Months (May and June): Quiet, hot and affordable, with long 13-hour days.
Book the lagoon boat a day ahead, since sea conditions decide whether it runs.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutAntigua & Barbuda Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Antigua and Barbuda
The digital guide (130 pages) contains:
✅ 36 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 2, 3 & 5-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Antigua & Barbuda

Nobody sleeps inside Codrington Lagoon National Park, so you stay in Codrington village, the only real town on Barbuda, which sits right on the lagoon's edge.
Codrington has a handful of small guesthouses and apartments, usually US$80 to 150 a night for a simple double. They put you a short walk from the shop, bakery and the dock where lagoon boat tours leave. Book well ahead from December to April, because the number of beds on the island is tiny.
Along the west coast, the Pink Sand beach strip holds the upscale resorts. These cost far more, often US$500 and up a night, and sit 15 to 25 minutes … read more 👉
Nobody sleeps inside Codrington Lagoon National Park, so you stay in Codrington village, the only real town on Barbuda, which sits right on the lagoon's edge.
Codrington has a handful of small guesthouses and apartments, usually US$80 to 150 a night for a simple double. They put you a short walk from the shop, bakery and the dock where lagoon boat tours leave. Book well ahead from December to April, because the number of beds on the island is tiny.
Along the west coast, the Pink Sand beach strip holds the upscale resorts. These cost far more, often US$500 and up a night, and sit 15 to 25 minutes by vehicle from the village. They are a splurge only if you want beach luxury.
There are no hostels and few formal campgrounds, so true budget travelers rely on Codrington rooms or a rented house. Self-catering helps, since restaurants are few.
Most people arrive from Antigua by ferry (about 90 minutes) or small plane (about 20 minutes), and a few stay on Antigua and come over for the day. I would spend at least one night in Codrington to catch the lagoon in early morning.
Best hostels in Antigua & Barbuda


Best quality hotels in Antigua & Barbuda

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Expect to spend about US$215 a day at Codrington Lagoon National Park if you stay in a Codrington guesthouse and take a guided boat trip.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park Access and Boat TourUS$50 to 90A guided lagoon boat to the frigatebird colony is the main cost, often priced per person for groups or per boat; a small fee may apply.
Accommodation (High Season)US$80 to 150Simple guesthouse or apartment in Codrington. Resorts on the coast run US$500 and up, and rates fall in summer.
Local TransportUS$20 to 60Taxis or a rented vehicle for the beach and caves. Ferry from Antigua is about US$85 to 90 round trip, extra per day.
Food and SuppliesUS$25 to 50Local restaurants serve lobster, fish and rice; groceries cost more than on Antigua because they arrive by boat.
Total Daily BudgetUS$175 to
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$215 a day at Codrington Lagoon National Park if you stay in a Codrington guesthouse and take a guided boat trip.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park Access and Boat TourUS$50 to 90A guided lagoon boat to the frigatebird colony is the main cost, often priced per person for groups or per boat; a small fee may apply.
Accommodation (High Season)US$80 to 150Simple guesthouse or apartment in Codrington. Resorts on the coast run US$500 and up, and rates fall in summer.
Local TransportUS$20 to 60Taxis or a rented vehicle for the beach and caves. Ferry from Antigua is about US$85 to 90 round trip, extra per day.
Food and SuppliesUS$25 to 50Local restaurants serve lobster, fish and rice; groceries cost more than on Antigua because they arrive by boat.
Total Daily BudgetUS$175 to 350About US$215 for a mid-range day in high season, paid in Eastern Caribbean dollars or US dollars.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Codrington Lagoon national park

Codrington Lagoon National Park is about water and flat ground, not marked trails, so the walking is gentle and the real adventure is by boat. Terrain is sand, packed shoreline and low scrub, with almost no shade and no elevation change.
  • Boat crossing to the sanctuary: from the Codrington dock, a small boat takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to reach Man-o-War Point. Allow about two hours round trip including time among the nests. Easy, though sun and spray are strong, so bring a hat and water.
  • Barrier beach walk: the sand strip between lagoon and open sea can be strolled for an hour or two in either
… read more 👉
Codrington Lagoon National Park is about water and flat ground, not marked trails, so the walking is gentle and the real adventure is by boat. Terrain is sand, packed shoreline and low scrub, with almost no shade and no elevation change.
  • Boat crossing to the sanctuary: from the Codrington dock, a small boat takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to reach Man-o-War Point. Allow about two hours round trip including time among the nests. Easy, though sun and spray are strong, so bring a hat and water.
  • Barrier beach walk: the sand strip between lagoon and open sea can be strolled for an hour or two in either direction. Flat and easy, with bird sightings of pelicans, herons and terns, but no shade at all.
  • Village shoreline stroll: a short walk along the lagoon edge near Codrington, about 30 minutes, easy, good for watching fishing boats and wading birds.
  • Wildlife: frigatebirds are the main event, with pelicans, herons, egrets and other waders around the mangroves. Turtles sometimes show in the shallows.
Getting here means taking the ferry or a small plane from Antigua to Barbuda, then a short taxi ride or walk to the lagoon edge, since public transport on Barbuda is limited. Arrange a boat directly with a local operator, usually around US$ 40 to 60 per person on a shared trip, paid in cash. Crowds are thin most of the year, but cruise and ferry days can fill the boats, so go early. The birds are most active during breeding season, roughly from autumn into spring.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Codrington Lagoon

Codrington Lagoon National Park is flat, low-key and easy on the body, and the main hazards are sun, wind and insects. The lagoon is shallow and edged with mangrove, so most visitors see it by guided boat; going with a local guide is the sensible way, because channels and sandbars shift and signs are minimal. Wear a hat, long sleeves and reef-safe sunscreen, and carry more water than seems necessary, as shade is scarce on the beach tracks. Mosquitoes and sand flies swarm at dusk and after rain, so bring repellent. The frigatebird colony is sensitive, so stay seated in the boat, keep your voice down and never approach the nests. Mobile coverage is patchy and few shops exist outside Codrington, so stock up on snacks and cash there. During hurricane season, check forecasts before traveling, since … read more 👉
Codrington Lagoon National Park is flat, low-key and easy on the body, and the main hazards are sun, wind and insects. The lagoon is shallow and edged with mangrove, so most visitors see it by guided boat; going with a local guide is the sensible way, because channels and sandbars shift and signs are minimal. Wear a hat, long sleeves and reef-safe sunscreen, and carry more water than seems necessary, as shade is scarce on the beach tracks. Mosquitoes and sand flies swarm at dusk and after rain, so bring repellent. The frigatebird colony is sensitive, so stay seated in the boat, keep your voice down and never approach the nests. Mobile coverage is patchy and few shops exist outside Codrington, so stock up on snacks and cash there. During hurricane season, check forecasts before traveling, since ferries and flights stop in rough weather. Petty crime is rare and the island feels relaxed.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Plan one full day for Codrington Lagoon National Park, or two if you want beaches and caves too. The boat tour to the frigatebird colony takes about 2 to 3 hours, and adding Princess Diana Beach and the Darby Sinkhole fills the rest of the day. Staying one night in Codrington village makes the schedule relaxed.
Yes, but only with local help. Codrington Lagoon National Park lies right beside Codrington village, and you reach Barbuda from Antigua by ferry (about 90 minutes) or a short flight (about 20 minutes). Boat operators run the lagoon trips, and taxis or rented vehicles cover the distances to beaches, usually US$20 to 60 a day.
There is no major entrance fee for Codrington Lagoon National Park, but you pay for the guided boat trip, typically US$50 to 90 per person depending on group size. No special hiking permit is generally required for the tour. Ask your guide or accommodation about any small park fees, and bring cash, since card machines are rare.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Antiguan and Barbudan national parks near Codrington Lagoon

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Antigua & Barbuda including Codrington Lagoon and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Antigua & Barbuda has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Antigua & Barbuda
Country photo of Antigua & Barbuda
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Codrington Lagoon National Park pairs best with a night or two on Barbuda, followed by the beaches on the island’s southwest side before you return to Antigua. Pair it with a rented bike or a taxi hire for a beach day. I would book the boat for the earliest slot, when the water is flat and the colony is busiest, and bring cash and sun protection.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Antigua & Barbuda. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story