Snorkel· Barbuda· Leeward Islands
Spanish Point Reef
17° 32.6′ N · 61° 43.8′ W · approximate
The windward reef wrapped around Barbuda's south-east tip, in clear water swept by the trades, with tropical fish, rays, turtles and spiny lobster. The island's many historic wrecks are scattered along this reef line.
Practical
Coordinate approx: placed just south-east of the tip of Spanish Point (OpenStreetMap coastline near N17 32.7 W061 43.9), on the windward reef the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Guide recommends. Dinghy from Spanish Point Anchorage in calm conditions only, because the windward side takes the Atlantic swell and current. Do not anchor the dinghy on coral; drop onto sand or drift. A 2020 crew saw tropical fish, a stingray, turtles and spiny lobster here. Recent cruisers report the coral is not in the healthiest condition. Wrecks are protected (see Barbuda Reef Wrecks). Spearfishing and taking anything is prohibited. Navigation (Marine Guide): enter the Spanish Point lagoon in good light only. Either pass windward of Palaster Reef and follow in toward Spanish Point, or come between Palaster Reef and the mainland. Watch for breakers on the reef to the south. You can carry twelve feet fairly close inshore inside the reef by the point. A 2020 crew found the anchorage itself 'littered with reefs' and not well charted, but rich in stingrays, turtles and big spiny lobster. For the named 1695 wreck, see Santiago de Cullerin Wreck Site (Spanish Point).
Best for
Wild windward snorkelling with a chance of wreck debris
Season
Calm, light-trade days