How to Get to St. Barts from Saint Martin

Imagine this: you’ve just landed in Saint Martin, suitcase in hand, sunglasses already locked on the horizon. Somewhere beyond that electric-blue line lies St. Barts — but how do you get there without losing your seasoned traveler glow? After years of hopping between these islands, here are our secrets for a smooth (and spectacular) arrival.

Option 1: Ferry – the art of island hopping

Every morning at 9am, the ferries begin their elegant ballet in Marigot Bay. Two companies share the spotlight:

• Voyager offers a 60-minute crossing with air-conditioned cabins, departing from Marigot or Oyster Pond depending on the season.
• Great Bay Express gets you to St. Barts in about 45 minutes, with departures from Philipsburg on the Dutch side.

Good to know: Online booking is available, and some regulars even reserve via WhatsApp depending on the company.

Bonus tip: It’s worth checking — rumor has it the Voyager captain sometimes plays a 1960s jazz playlist. A small detail? Not when your mojito lands right on cue with Fly Me to the Moon.

Option 2: Helicopter – above the clouds

“Seven minutes. That’s how long it takes to erase Saint Martin from your memory,” whispered a Winair pilot during a golden-hour flight.

• Departure from Grand Case airport.
• Landing in front of Eden Rock? Possible, depending on conditions and the company.
• Prices: Around €210/person, but it varies with season and availability.

Why it’s worth it:

• Unmatched aerial views of Tintamarre Island and its heart-shaped lagoon.
• A chance to spot the *Prosperity* shipwreck, marooned since 1978.
• The luxury of arriving before your perfume even fades.

Insider tip: Ask for the rear left seat – it’s the only angle from which you can see both Saba and Sint Eustatius.

Option 3: Private boat – luxury on your terms

From Oyster Pond, companies like St Barth Sailor offer VIP transfers (up to 6 people) aboard semi-rigid yachts.

For around €800, you get:

• A detour through the deserted islets of the Nature Reserve.
• A snorkeling stop — crystal-clear mask in Swarovski (yes, that’s an upgrade).
• The right to choose your arrival soundtrack (Vintage reggae or Vivaldi?).

Also read: 7 Must-See Beaches in St. Barts

Option 4: Plane – the classic with a twist

With its 650m runway, Gustaf III Airport only accommodates small aircraft. St Barth Commuter and Tradewind Aviation run short hops from Saint Martin (12-minute flights).

Iconic experience:

• Landing just over the rooftops of Lorient, with wings brushing the treetops.
• Tip: avoid flights after 5pm — the trade winds can make for a dramatic approach.

Local secret: Some pilots give kids a signed “bravery certificate” — a keepsake more precious than any seashell.

So, which one suits your style?

• For romantics: The last ferry at 6:30pm — the sea turns to liquid gold at sunset.
• For those in a hurry: Helicopter at 8am — you’ll be on Saline Beach before the sand even gets warm.
• For the epicureans: Private transfer with a swim stop — why arrive on time when you can arrive in style?