khanh Setting off on a ferry journey from St. Martin to St. Barts? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, this comprehensive guide is designed to ensure a smooth and memorable trip.
From selecting the right ferry operator to understanding the logistics of the voyage, we’ve got all the essential information to make your trip a breeze so you can focus on the adventures that await on these idyllic island destinations.
Why Visit St. Barts
St. Barts is an idyllic volcanic island located in the French West Indies, around 22 miles away from St. Martin.
It is renowned for its beauty and exclusivity, with many celebrities visiting its shores and admiring its picturesque beaches, coral reefs, and chic boutiques. This quaint island may be small, but it has plenty to offer – whether it’s a day trip or a luxurious getaway.
Start the morning sunbathing on one of the 22 stunning beaches, take a break for lunch at a waterfront cafe, and then head to the capital of Gustavia to browse the boutiques.
For those staying on the island, watch the sunset over the harbor and then enjoy a delicious evening meal at one of the many excellent restaurants. However, it is worth noting that budget options are limited.
From kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling to shopping, sightseeing, and dining, St. Barts offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or a relaxing escape, this Caribbean paradise is the perfect destination.
Why Choose to Ride the Ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts
If you’re looking for a convenient and enjoyable way to travel between the islands of St. Martin and St. Barts, then taking the ferry is a great option. There are multiple ferry companies operating routes between the two islands, each offering a range of services to suit your needs.
Taking the ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts is an ideal way to travel between the two stunning islands. The open ocean gives you a breathtaking journey that only takes about an hour, making it ideal for those who don’t have a lot of time to spare. Not only that, but you’ll be able to take in the majestic views of both islands as you sail.
You can even make new acquaintances while you’re on the boat. Plus, you won’t have to worry about meeting the same restrictions as you would with flights, allowing you to bring your furry friends and have a more enjoyable journey.
Ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts: Routes and Operators
Visitors to St. Martin and St. Barts can take advantage of ferry routes that travel between the two islands. Some of these routes are only available during certain times of the year, while others are available all year long.
Philipsburg
Great Bay Express offers a convenient and reliable service from Philipsburg to St. Barts daily, with up to three (3) departures a day. Their modern vessels, Shantiwa and Big B, can take you from St. Martin to St. Barts in a mere 45 minutes.
These vessels are equipped with bathrooms, air conditioning, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable journey for their passengers. All services depart from Bobby’s Marina, making it the perfect choice for cruise ship passengers who want to explore St. Barts.
Marigot
Marigot, the northern district of French St. Martin, is a great gateway to the islands of St. Barts. To make the most of the experience, travelers can book a trip with the Voyager ferry, one of the most luxurious ways to cross the sea. Voyager3 Dreamliner is the newest vessel of the company, offering a variety of cabins and sundecks, as well as complimentary refreshments.
The journey takes only an hour, and travelers can enjoy the views of the sea and the islands while resting in comfort. The ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts offers daily departures from Marigot, making it easy to plan a holiday.
Furthermore, Voyager offers a choice of Economy and Business cabins, so travelers can pick the one that best fits their needs. Whether you are looking for a short getaway or an extended vacation, Voyager ferry can help you make the most of your stay in St. Barts.
Simpson Bay
If you’re looking for a convenient way to travel from the Simpson Bay area of St. Martin to St. Barts, then look no further than the Edge ferry.
This distinctive ferry features a wave-piercing design, allowing it to make the journey in just 45 minutes – three (3) times a week. Plus, they have their own private dock located directly in front of the Simpson Bay Resort, so you don’t have to worry about traveling too far from the Princess Juliana Airport.
Schedules of Ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts
Great Bay Express
The Great Bay Express is a ferry service from St. Martin (Philipsburg) and St. Barts (Gustavia). It operates from Mondays to Saturdays, with four journeys in the morning and two in the evening.
Ferries from St. Martin depart at 7:15AM, 9:45AM, and 5:30PM, while ferries coming from St. Barts leave at 8:30AM, 11:00AM and 6:45PM. On Sundays, there are two trips in the morning and two in the evening. Sunday ferries from St. Martin depart at 9:45AM and 5:30PM, while ferries from St. Barts depart at 11:00AM and 6:45PM.
Passengers must check-in 1 hour before departure and no later than 20 minutes before the boat sets off. The ferry service provides passengers with a luggage allowance of one piece for carry-on/cabin and two pieces for checked baggage.
Passengers must be able to carry the weight of their own luggage, as there are no size restrictions. It is important to note that schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
The Great Bay Express ferry terminals are located at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, St Maarten, and the Gustavia Ferry Dock – Gare Maritime in St Barts.
Voyager Ferry
Set your sails and come aboard the Voyager Ferry for a journey between St. Martin and St. Barts. The ferry departs from the Marigot Ferry Terminal in St. Martin and the Gustavia Ferry Dock in St. Barts.
On Mondays, the ferry travels from Marigot to Gustavia at 8:20AM, 4:00PM, and 6:55PM, and from Gustavia to Marigot at 7:00AM, 10:15AM, and 5:30PM. On Tuesdays through Sundays, the ferry departs Marigot at 8:50AM, 4:00PM, and 6:55PM and departs Gustavia at 7:25AM, 10:15AM, and 5:30PM.
For those interested in taking the ferry, the check-in process begins an hour before departure and closes 20 minutes before the journey sets off.
There is a luggage allowance for the ferry, with each passenger allowed to carry on up to two pieces of baggage. Those who have purchased ECO Flex tickets are permitted two pieces of checked baggage, while those with SMART Class tickets are allowed three pieces, and passengers with BUSINESS Class tickets are allowed four.
Please note that the ferry schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
Edge Ferry
Edge Ferry offers convenient transportation between St. Martin and St. Barts. The ferry runs three days a week, with trips departing from Simpson Bay on St. Martin and arriving in Gustavia on St. Barts.
Departure time from St. Martin is 9:00AM, and passengers must check in by 8:15AM. Meanwhile, the ferry from St. Barts leaves at 4:00PM, and check-in is at 3:45PM.
Passengers are allowed to bring one (1) small carry-on item for free. Additionally, they may check two (2) bags not more than 50 lbs, but this comes at a cost of US$20 per bag.
It’s important to note that the ferry schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Therefore, passengers should confirm the details of their trip prior to departure.
Prices of Ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts
To get the best deal for your ferry trip from St. Martin to St. Barts, we suggest checking out online booking platforms to get up-to-date pricing information. Prices are likely to vary depending on the route, the transportation operator, the time of departure, and the season.
Generally, the average cost of the journey from Philipsburg to Gustavia is about £171.
What You Need to Know Before Taking the Ferry from St. Martin to St. Barts
- Before embarking on your ferry trip from St. Martin to St. Barts, make sure to double-check the departure port to make sure you are in the right place at the right time.
- Plan to arrive early so that you can check in without any delay.
- All travelers departing from St Barths will be charged a departure tax or port fee at the time of check-in. This fee is the same for both one-way and round trips, and it amounts to $15.
- Upon arriving at the ferry port in Gustavia, St. Barts, you must present your passport and other required paperwork to go through immigration.
- If you suffer from motion sickness, the crew of the ferry will be more than happy to help you out. The ferries are designed to combat seasickness, however, if you are particularly sensitive, you may still experience some discomfort.
