We are chartering in Guadeloupe in April. Probably will head to Antigua and then Barbuda. Looking for any input on Barbuda for anchorages/snorkeling etc.
On the way back to Guadeloupe thinking of stopping at Monseratt. Has anybody been there recently ? Was it an interesting stop.

Thanks

Bob

Bob, your charter company may not allow you to stop at Monseratt check with them first. You can anchor anywhere along the Western beach at Barbuda, but there is one spot in the middle with some Palapas, this is where you take the water taxi (hail on 16)across if you want to visit the town and take an island tour. The Eastern/Southern side is usually off limits to charter boats. Being sand there isn't really any snorkleing, but I have never taken the dinghy out to the reefs.

If you need Internet, there is a service called HOT HOT Hot, which works in all those areas.

Montserrat was one of our favorite stops. You'll need to hire a driver if you want to see the "Exclusion Zone," but it's definitely worth it. The magnitude of the destruction is pretty incredible. The main anchorage is Little Bay, which can be exposed if there's any swell. Also, be aware that the fishing boats come in and clean their catch there, so it's not a place you want to swim at night <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Montserrat is stunning and worth a peak. spend the day touring the exclusion zone - i hired winston a retired police officer with a wealth of knowledge - including the famous hotel seen on youtube.. the phone was recently stolen.., air studio where elton john and stevie wonder recorded ebony and ivory and where elton john met his british wife decades ago..., visit the volcano observatory and hike down to Desert Storm bar for some bush rum.

if you are looking for some down time.. sit and watch the ever changing volcano. no two blinks produce the same results.

the local and expat community are extra friendly.

the island is clean and the water is safe and delicious. stop at the gaunt for a sip... to ensure your return.

hiking trails can be easily found. i hiked up a steep mountain alone and never saw a soul. it was several hours in a meditative state.

i will be back to montserrat soon.

as for activities in barbuda.. do check out the frigate sanctuary. 20000 birds in a 1.5 sq mile area mating. the tour guide was fantastic and we stayed just long enough to get a real feel for the wonders of nature, up close and personal.

the longest caribbean beach, at 17 miles, is found in barbuda, and is where we took the canoe over to the sanctuary.

beaches are quiet and picturesque.

i can't comment on anchoring.... but keep us in the loop.

ps you'll enjoy antigua as well. check out shirley heights on sundays, nelson dockyard and english harbour areas. so much to do and see.

ahhhhhhhhh to be in your shoes....

Thanks for all the inputs, much appreciated. A couple of comments/questions.
Checked with Charter company - ok to visit Montserrat. Apologies for previous spelling !! Our group is split on whether to visit - versus spending more time in Antigua/Guadeloupe. Too many choices !! The inputs will help.
Barbuda - will definitely visit the frigate sanctuary. Any inputs on a tour guide ? Also I understand its possible to get lobster on the island....any recommendations ?
We will be spending time in Antigua - managing our itinerary to arrive on Sunday for Shirley heights. Will probably visit Green island and ?? TBD

We leave April 7th !!

cheers

Bob

Montserrat- to help sway the group... visit youtube and view the helicopter or land videos of the volcano. this is a once in a lifetime experience. if your group is still hesitant, take a heli ride from jolly harbour.. it's 250$ or a bit more/ea...

the land tour guide charged me $50 for about 6 or so hours. we stopped for lunch at a local stop, we visited the entire island including the economic development zone (they are building a pier and storefronts), new housing subdivisions for displaced locals, etc. lots of background history. very fascinating. there are no tourists in Montserrat so everyone is special. I read 300 overnight guests in NOv. including expats returning for the season.

Barbuda - I took the excellence over and there were many tour guides waiting for us. if you pm me your email add, i'll send you a video of the tour.. spoiler alert! you can get lobster in town as a few passengers commented on their lunch (they didn't go to sanctuary). check out the site: barbudaful.net (or .com or ???) you will find plenty of contacts here.

Antigua - I really enjoyed Eli's Eco-tour. very informative and great stops.
If you are anchored in English Harbour, you must stop in at Mad Mongoose or Abracadabras night clubs. go to pigeon beach (walking distance from Mad Mongoose/pier) for a azure, calm beach with two beach bars. Nelson's Dockyard around the corner has a few ubber cool places to chill and have a cool one while contemplating days of past.

Fig Tree Drive is worth a peak if you are into diverse topography. it is also your path from jolly harbour to Shirley heights... if you are anchoring here.. leave around 3 pm to savour many stops and the Shirley heights sunset. take a cab from castaways. ask marvelous marvin or randy and they will hook your group up for $20 ea/return. If the lot of you are going, I suggest securing your own taxi. the driver will wait for you at Shirley heights. food here is not all that good.

I enjoyed snorkeling at cades reef. we did not see the resident reef barracuda or other fun stuff as a bunch of power boats ruined it for us but it was still a good outing.

Shopping or eating were not a highlight for me in Antigua. sxm beats Antigua hands down. you may be interested in hot sauce or coconut oil. no spices.

fruit: you must try black pineapple - so sweet and grown on your way up fig tree drive (stop at the green church in Liberia) and tiny bananas called fig.

Antigua publishes an excellent magazine: antiguan. you may find a copy at antiguanice.com

so much more to share.. pm me and i'll answer all I can as I have been three times in a 13 month period. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />