The Operators
The two ferry companies between St Martin and St Barts
Two operators run regular service between St Martin and St Barts. Both dock at the port of Gustavia, in the heart of town. Which one you choose depends on which side of St Martin you start from.
| Operator | From | Crossing |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bay Express | Philipsburg (Dutch side, near SXM airport) | ~45 min |
| Voyager | Marigot (French side) | ~60 min |
| Voyager | Oyster Pond (east coast) | Shorter, closest port to St Barts |
Great Bay Express departs from Philipsburg on the Dutch side. It is generally the faster, smoother ride and is convenient if you are flying into SXM airport[1]. Voyager departs from Marigot on the French side, or from Oyster Pond on the east coast, which is geographically closer to St Barts[2].
Schedules and fares change seasonally and are best checked directly with the operators. See Sources below.
Onward
Being met when the ferry docks
This page covers the crossing itself. What happens at the Gustavia dock afterward is a separate arrangement, and it is the part worth settling in advance rather than on arrival.
The Crossing
What the ferry crossing to St Barts is actually like
- The open-water channel between St Martin and St Barts can get choppy. December through March is the roughest stretch, when trade winds build. If you are prone to seasickness, the 10-minute flight is the gentler option.
- Ferries carry luggage, but oversized items such as surfboards or golf bags may need special arrangements, so check with the operator before traveling.
- Peak-season ferries sell out. Book ahead if you are traveling between mid-December and April.
- If you are flying into SXM and then taking the ferry, you still need a taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal in either Philipsburg or Marigot, and that transfer takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on St Martin traffic.
The ferry is cheaper and avoids strict luggage limits. The plane is faster and steadier in rough seas. There is also a third way across: a private boat charter from St Martin to St Barth runs on your own schedule, takes 30 to 45 minutes and handles bigger groups and extra bags. Many visitors fly one way and take the ferry or a charter the other to enjoy both. See the airport and flights guide for the air option.
Arrival
Docking in Gustavia: getting from the port to your hotel
The ferry docks at the port of Gustavia, the capital, surrounded by restaurants, shops and the harbor where mega-yachts moor in high season. It is a beautiful place to arrive.
When the ferry docks, there may be a taxi or two waiting. However, if two ferries arrive close together, those taxis vanish within minutes. The reliable approach is to have a driver waiting when the ferry docks in Gustavia, so someone is already there when you step off with your bags. The official Gustavia port taxi stand can also be reached at +590 590 27 66 31.
Catching an early-morning ferry back
If you are leaving on an early ferry, arrange your ride the night before. Book a pickup from your hotel to Gustavia port. Ferries do not wait, and the first departures leave before most of the island is awake, so do not count on finding a taxi last minute.
FAQ
St Barts ferry: frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from St Martin to St Barts?
About 45 minutes from Philipsburg with Great Bay Express, or about 60 minutes from Marigot with Voyager. Both dock at Gustavia.
Is the crossing rough?
It can be, especially December through March. If you get seasick easily, consider the 10-minute flight instead.
Should I book in advance?
Yes, in high season. Ferries sell out between mid-December and April. Buy tickets directly from the operators.
How much is the ferry from St Maarten to St Barts?
Fares vary by operator, route and whether you book a round trip, so we point you to the operators rather than quote a figure that dates quickly. Great Bay Express and Voyager both publish current prices on their own sites.
Can I take the ferry straight from St Maarten airport?
Not directly. You first need a taxi from Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) to the ferry dock in Philipsburg or Marigot, which takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Build that connection time into your plan.
Does the ferry to St Barts run every day?
Both operators run daily service in high season, with reduced sailings in quieter months. Always check the live timetable on the operator site before you travel, since weather can cancel a crossing.
Sources
Sources for this page
- Great Bay Express, official ferry operator, Philipsburg to Gustavia. greatbayexpress.com
- Voyager, official ferry operator, Marigot and Oyster Pond to Gustavia. voy12.com
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