Redonda, Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide

Discover the untouched beauty of Redonda, a secluded island in Antigua and Barbuda known for its dramatic cliffs, rich wildlife, and crystal-clear waters.

Redonda is a small, uninhabited island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. This rocky and rugged island is known for its breathtaking cliffs and unique wildlife. Once a guano mining site, it offers a glimpse into the history and natural beauty of the region. The island is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers, with several species of seabirds calling it home. The surrounding waters are crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts eager to explore the vibrant marine life. Though there are no accommodations on Redonda, it can be visited on a day trip from Antigua or Barbuda. Redonda's dramatic landscape, with its steep cliffs and rocky terrain, makes it a unique and adventurous destination. The island’s untouched beauty and sense of isolation provide a perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature and experience something truly different.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Redonda.

Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on Redonda.
Bring sturdy shoes for exploring the rugged terrain.
Consider hiring a local guide for a more informative experience.
Don’t forget your binoculars for bird watching.
Make sure to arrange your day trip in advance, as boat services may not be frequent.

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Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Redonda

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Nelson's Dockyard

Explore Antigua's naval past at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beautifully restored Georgian dockyard and active marina.

4.6

Stingray City Antigua

Swim with gentle Southern Stingrays in their natural Caribbean habitat at Stingray City Antigua, an unforgettable marine encounter for all ages.

4.7

Carlisle Bay Beach

Discover Antigua's tranquil Carlisle Bay Beach: Swim, snorkel, and unwind in a serene Caribbean paradise away from the crowds.

4.5

Devil's Bridge National Park

Witness nature's power at Devil's Bridge National Park, a coastal landmark with stunning views and a poignant history on Antigua's eastern shore.

4.6

Best landmarks in Redonda

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Heritage Quay Complex

Discover the vibrant Heritage Quay Complex in St. John's, Antigua - a blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences waiting for you.

4.3

Nelson's Dockyard

Discover the historical charm and breathtaking scenery at Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

4.6

Antigua

Experience the beauty and culture of Antigua, a Caribbean gem with stunning beaches, rich history, and endless adventures for every traveler.

4.6

Redcliffe Quay

Discover the charm of Redcliffe Quay, St. John's premier shopping destination, where local crafts meet Caribbean culture in a picturesque setting.

4.3

Best restaurants in Redonda

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Sweet-Ts

Experience delicious meals and unique milkshakes at Sweet-Ts in Piccadilly – a culinary gem perfect for all food lovers.

4.4

Al Porto

Discover authentic Italian flavors at Al Porto, the charming restaurant in Jolly Harbour known for its fresh ingredients and inviting atmosphere.

4.4

Ana's On The Beach

Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine with stunning beach views at Ana's On The Beach in Antigua.

3.9

Sheer Rocks

Experience exquisite tapas and breathtaking views at Sheer Rocks - where fine dining meets Caribbean charm.

4.4

Best bars in Redonda

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Sheer Rocks

Experience the best of Caribbean fine dining at Sheer Rocks, where stunning views meet exquisite flavors in a tranquil setting.

4.4

Bay House Restaurant & Bar

Experience family-friendly dining at Bay House Restaurant & Bar, where delicious breakfast meets stunning views in Antigua.

4.2

The Nest -Beach Bar, Antigua

Discover The Nest Beach Bar in Antigua - a tropical retreat for grilled delights, stunning ocean views, and unforgettable sunsets.

4.3

Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant

Discover the perfect blend of Caribbean cuisine and stunning beach views at Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant, Antigua's coastal gem.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Redonda

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The Nest -Beach Bar, Antigua

Experience the flavors of the Caribbean at The Nest Beach Bar in Antigua, where stunning views and delicious cuisine await.

4.3

Kon Tiki Bar and Grill

Experience the best of Caribbean cuisine at Kon Tiki Bar and Grill, where every meal is a journey and every view is a paradise.

4.1

Loose Cannon Beach Bar

Discover the vibrant Loose Cannon Beach Bar, where fine dining meets a festive beachside atmosphere in English Harbour.

4.7

The Boardroom - The Premium Gentleman's Club

Discover the ultimate nightlife at The Boardroom, Jolly Harbour's premier gentleman's club, combining vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service.

3.8

Best shops in Redonda

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Heritage Quay Complex

Heritage Quay Complex: A bustling shopping mall and cruise terminal in St. John's, Antigua, blending local culture, shopping, and dining experiences.

4.3

Redcliffe Quay

Explore the vibrant shops and dining options at Redcliffe Quay in St. John's, Antigua, a must-visit shopping destination for tourists.

4.3

Royal Palm Place

Discover Royal Palm Place, a vibrant shopping mall in Antigua with diverse shops, dining, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.1

BJ's Supermarket

Discover local flavors and essentials at BJ's Supermarket, your one-stop shop in Antigua for fresh produce and Caribbean goods.

4.0

Explore Redonda on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Redonda, mapped for you.

Redonda Essentials

Redonda is a small, uninhabited island that is part of Antigua and Barbuda. The nearest international airport is V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua. From there, you can charter a private boat or join a guided tour to Redonda. The journey by sea typically takes a few hours, depending on weather conditions. Note that there are no regular ferry services to Redonda, so planning ahead is essential.
As Redonda is uninhabited and largely a nature reserve, there are no transportation options on the island itself. Visitors will need to rely on boats to reach and explore the island. It's advisable to arrange transportation with experienced local tour operators familiar with the waters around Redonda. For those exploring the main islands of Antigua and Barbuda, taxis, rental cars, and local buses are available.
The official currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). U.S. dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops on Antigua and Barbuda, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when dealing with smaller establishments or when traveling to more remote areas. There are no facilities on Redonda, so ensure you have enough provisions and payment options before departing.
Redonda is generally safe as it is uninhabited, but visitors should be cautious due to its rugged terrain and lack of facilities. Ensure you have appropriate footwear, plenty of water, and a first aid kit. In Antigua and Barbuda, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Petty theft can occur, particularly in tourist areas.
In case of an emergency while on Redonda, immediate access to emergency services is not available due to its remote nature. Visitors should have a means of communication, such as a satellite phone, and inform local authorities of their plans before departing. On Antigua and Barbuda, dial 911 for emergency assistance. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable, practical clothing suitable for hiking and exploring rugged terrain. Avoid wearing flip-flops. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions when visiting Antigua and Barbuda. Public Transport: Do use licensed taxis and agree on fares beforehand. Don't rely on public transport to reach Redonda, as it is only accessible by private boat. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day.' Eating & Drinking: Do bring sufficient food and water when visiting Redonda, as there are no facilities on the island. Don't litter; take all trash with you to preserve the natural environment.
To experience Redonda like a local, consider joining a guided eco-tour to learn about its unique flora and fauna. Bring binoculars for bird watching, as the island is home to various seabird colonies. When in Antigua and Barbuda, explore local markets and try traditional dishes such as ducana and saltfish. Engage with locals to learn about the rich history and culture of the islands. Always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.

When is the best time to visit Redonda?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Redonda

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Redonda. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloWah gwan
  [Wah gwan]
- GoodbyeLata
  [Lata]
- YesYea
  [Yea]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePleez
  [Pleez]
- Thank youTenk yuh
  [Tenk yuh]
- Excuse me/SorryScuse me
  [Scuse me]
- How are you?How yuh doin?
  [How yuh doin?]
- Fine. And you?I good. An yuh?
  [I good. An yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Yuh speak English?
  [Yuh speak English?]
- I don't understandI nuh understand
  [I nuh understand]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wan si di menu, pleez
  [Mi wan si di menu, pleez]
- I don't eat meatI nuh eat meat
  [I nuh eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMi wan fi pay, pleez
  [Mi wan fi pay, pleez]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Goh weh!
  [Goh weh!]
- Call the Police!Call di Police!
  [Call di Police!]
- Call a doctor!Call a doctah!
  [Call a doctah!]
- I'm lostMi lost
  [Mi lost]
- I'm illMi sick
  [Mi sick]
- I'd like to buy...Mi wan buy...
  [Mi wan buy...]
- I'm just lookingMi jus lookin
  [Mi jus lookin]
- How much is it?How much dat?
  [How much dat?]
- That's too expensiveDat too pricey
  [Dat too pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Yuh can lower di price?
  [Yuh can lower di price?]
- What time is it?What time it?
  [What time it?]
- It's one o'clockIt one o'clock
  [It one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMornin
  [Mornin]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin
  [Evenin]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Wheh di...?
  [Wheh di...?]
- What's the address?Wha di address?
  [Wha di address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Yuh can show mi (pon di map)?
  [Yuh can show mi (pon di map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When di next (bus)?
  [When di next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ...)
  [A ticket (to ...)]

History of Redonda

Redonda, a small and rugged island in the Caribbean Sea, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. He named it 'Santa María la Redonda' due to its round shape. The island remained largely uninhabited and undisturbed for centuries, with only occasional visits by passing ships.
In 1865, Matthew Dowdy Shiel, an Irish-Montserratian trader, declared himself King of Redonda and proclaimed the island a kingdom as a birthday gift to his son, Matthew Phipps Shiel. This whimsical act set the stage for a literary legacy, as Matthew Phipps Shiel went on to become a renowned writer. The title of 'King of Redonda' has since been passed down through various literary figures, creating a unique and storied tradition.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Redonda experienced a brief but intense period of economic activity due to phosphate mining. The island's rich deposits of guano were highly valued as fertilizer. A small community of workers inhabited the island during this period, but the challenging living conditions and the decline in phosphate demand eventually led to the abandonment of the mining operations by the 1920s.
Redonda is known for its rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and unique flora and fauna. The island is home to several species of seabirds, including the Red-footed Booby and the Brown Booby. In recent years, conservation efforts have been initiated to protect and restore the island's natural habitat. These efforts include the removal of invasive species and the reintroduction of native plants and animals, aiming to preserve Redonda's ecological balance.
Despite its small size and remote location, Redonda has left an indelible mark on Caribbean culture. The legend of the Kingdom of Redonda continues to captivate imaginations, and the island is often referenced in literature and popular culture. Today, Redonda is a protected nature reserve and is part of Antigua and Barbuda. It attracts adventurers and history enthusiasts who are drawn to its rich history and untamed beauty.