Diving in Barbuda

Explore 12 dive sites in Barbuda, Antigua & Barbuda. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Barbuda

The warmest water temperatures in Barbuda occur in January, averaging 27.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • February: 27.0°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • March: 27.0°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • April: 27.0°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • May: 27.0°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • June: 27.0°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • July: 27.0°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 27.0°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • October: 27.0°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • November: 27.0°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 27.0°C (air: 26.1°C)

Marine Life in Barbuda

Home to 157 recorded species including 142 reef fish, 5 other, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 octopus & squid, 1 sharks & rays.

Dive Site Difficulty in Barbuda

Barbuda has 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for experienced divers.

Recommended Packing List for Barbuda

Based on average water temperature of 27.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Barbuda

  • Diamond Reef - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Palaster Reef - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Devil's Bridge - National Park (IUCN Category III)
  • Northeast coast - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Codrington Lagoon - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Fort Barington - National Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Nelson's Dockyard - National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Cades Bay - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Codrington Lagoon - National Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Palaster Reef Sanctuary - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Goat Point Sanctuary - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Low Bay Sanctuary - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Two Foot Bay Sanctuary - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Redonda - Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)

Getting to Barbuda - Nearest Airports

  • Burton-Nibbs International Airport (BBQ), Codrington - 2 km away, approx 17 min travel time
  • V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU), Osbourn - 56 km away, approx 76 min travel time
  • John A. Osborne Airport (MNI), Gerald's Park - 103 km away, approx 128 min travel time

Dive Sites