Complete guide

Ferry from St Maarten to St Barts: Complete Guide (Schedule, Price & Tips)

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts is the most popular sea route between the two islands, with three main operators (Voyager, Great Bay Express, and The Edge) running scheduled crossings of roughly 45 to 90 minutes. Expect one-way fares between €70 and €110, departures from Marigot or Oyster Pond on the French side and Philipsburg on the Dutch side, and arrival directly into Gustavia harbor. This guide breaks down every operator, every schedule, every fee, and the realistic on-board experience, plus when a private boat transfer makes more sense than a public ticket.

By St Barth Charter · · 10 min read

Getting from St Maarten to St Barts by boat

St Barts has no commercial jet airport, so almost every visitor arrives via St Maarten (SXM) and continues either by light aircraft, helicopter, or boat. The sea crossing covers about 15 nautical miles (28 km) of open Caribbean water between the two islands.

Three options exist for the water route:

For most travelers the scheduled ferry strikes a workable balance between cost and convenience. For families with luggage, anyone arriving on a late flight, or guests who simply don't want to wait at a terminal, a private charter is usually the smarter call. Helicopter transfers via gosbh.com round out the premium options if you're connecting from a delayed long-haul.

Ferry operators: Voyager, Great Bay Express & The Edge

Three companies dominate the route. Each has a slightly different boat, departure point, and personality.

Voyager

Voyager runs the largest French-side service, with two catamarans (the Voyager I and Voyager II). Crossings depart from Marigot (French side) and Oyster Pond (east coast), arriving in Gustavia. Voyager is generally considered the best ferry from St Maarten to St Barts for travelers staying on the French side because Marigot is closer than Philipsburg for most villas in Terres Basses, Grand Case, and Anse Marcel. Crossing time runs 45 to 75 minutes depending on swell and departure point.

Great Bay Express

Great Bay Express is the Dutch-side operator, departing from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg. It's the natural choice if you're staying in Maho, Simpson Bay, or Philipsburg, or arriving on a same-day cruise call. Three sailings on most days make it the most frequent option. Schedules and live booking are published on the Great Bay Express official site. Crossing time is 75 to 90 minutes, the longest of the three because Philipsburg sits further south.

The Edge

The Edge is a smaller, faster boat (around 60 minutes from Pelican Marina in Simpson Bay). Service is more limited and seasonal, and its schedule has been inconsistent in recent years. Verify directly before counting on it.

Departure points: where do ferries leave from?

Choosing the right ferry largely comes down to which side of St Maarten you're staying on.

All ferries arrive at Quai de la République in Gustavia, the main harbor of St Barts. You'll clear a small port formality and step ashore in the heart of town.

Current schedule & frequency

The ferry from St Martin to St Barts schedule shifts seasonally. Always confirm 24 hours before travel. Weather cancellations are not uncommon between November and February when the trade winds peak.

Typical schedule

Voyager (Marigot ↔ Gustavia)

Voyager (Oyster Pond ↔ Gustavia)

Great Bay Express (Philipsburg ↔ Gustavia)

High season runs roughly mid-December through mid-April. In the off-season (September to November), expect fewer crossings and occasional cancellations. The authoritative St Barts destination guide is a useful cross-reference for current operator status.

Ticket prices: one-way and round-trip

The cost of ferry from St Maarten to St Barts has crept upward in recent years as fuel and port fees have risen.

Voyager

Great Bay Express

The Edge (when running)

Hidden fees to know

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts price you see online is rarely the final number. Add:

Budget €100 to €120 per adult one way once everything is included. Round trip with the same operator is almost always cheaper than two one-ways.

How long does the ferry ride take?

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts time depends on the operator, departure point, and sea conditions:

Sea state is the variable nobody advertises. On a calm day, even Philipsburg crossings can land in 70 minutes. With 6-foot easterly swell (common from December through February), the same boat can take over 100 minutes and feel rough most of the way. The Oyster Pond route is sheltered for the first leg, which is why experienced travelers prefer it in winter.

Add 30 minutes on each end for check-in, boarding, and clearing the harbor.

What to expect on board

Ferries on this route are mid-sized catamarans seating 80 to 150 passengers. Expect:

The boats are functional, not luxurious. Seats can be tight, and during winter swell the ride is bumpy. Many travelers head to the open-air deck specifically because it helps with seasickness, fresh air and a horizon line make a real difference. Honest accounts on the TripAdvisor St Barts ferry forum confirm the experience varies dramatically by sea conditions and operator.

Customs and immigration

Even though both islands are part of the EU/French and Dutch jurisdictions, you'll still complete a short passenger manifest. Bring your passport. There's no formal customs queue on arrival, just hand in your form and walk into Gustavia.

Tips for a comfortable crossing

Real-world advice from travelers who've done this dozens of times:

  1. Take Bonine or Dramamine 30 to 45 minutes before boarding. Even good sailors get caught out on a windy day. Non-drowsy formulas work fine.
  2. Sit on the upper deck if conditions allow. The motion is smoother in the middle of the boat, near the waterline.
  3. Pack light and use soft luggage. Hard suitcases are awkward in the cargo hold and more likely to get scuffed.
  4. Arrive 45 minutes before departure. Boarding starts early and seats aren't assigned.
  5. Carry essentials in a daypack. Sunglasses, sunscreen, water, phone charger, a light jacket. The AC cabin can be cold.
  6. Avoid the early morning crossing if you arrive on a red-eye. A full ferry day after a transatlantic flight is brutal. Spend a night in St Maarten instead, or upgrade to a private transfer.
  7. Check the swell forecast. Windguru or PredictWind for the Anguilla Channel will tell you what to expect.
  8. Bring euros and cards. Euros are king on the French ferries; USD works on Great Bay Express.

Ferry vs. private boat transfer: which is right for you?

The public ferry is fine for solo travelers and budget-conscious couples. It becomes painful for families, groups, and anyone with tight flight timing.

When the ferry makes sense

When a private boat transfer makes sense

A private transfer typically runs €1,200 to €2,200 for up to 8 passengers, picks you up directly at the SXM airport dock, and lands you in Gustavia in 35 to 45 minutes. For a family of 4 with bags, you're often within €200 of the total ferry cost, but the experience is in a different league.

Want the 40-minute private version?

Send us your flight details and group size. We'll match you to the right boat.

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Getting to your hotel after you land in St Barts

You arrive at Quai de la République in Gustavia, the heart of the capital. From here:

If you haven't locked in lodging yet, a quick browse of curated St Barts villas and hotels will help you match the right property to your arrival point. Staying near Gustavia means a shorter dock-to-bed transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a ferry service from St Maarten to St Barts every day?

Yes. In high season (mid-December to mid-April) all three operators run daily, with multiple crossings on Voyager and Great Bay Express. In low season expect one or two crossings per day and occasional cancellations from weather or low demand. Always confirm 24 hours before.

What's the cheapest ferry from St Maarten to St Barts?

Voyager from Marigot is typically the cheapest at around €87 one way. Great Bay Express same-day round trip at $130 USD can also be competitive. Round-trip with a single operator is almost always cheaper than two one-ways.

Can I take a ferry from St Maarten to St Barts the same day as my flight?

It depends on your flight arrival time. SXM arrivals before 14:00 generally connect to the late-afternoon Voyager or Great Bay Express crossing. Late afternoon or evening arrivals don't, you'll need to overnight in St Maarten or book a private transfer, which can run later into the evening.

Is the ferry ride rough?

It can be. The Anguilla Channel is open Caribbean water, and from December to February the trade winds push 4 to 6-foot seas regularly. The Oyster Pond Voyager route is the smoothest. If you're seasickness-prone, take medication 30+ minutes before departure and sit on the upper deck.

Do I need a passport for the ferry?

Yes. Even though St Maarten and St Barts are part of the EU's outermost regions, you cross between Dutch and French territories, and operators require valid passports for the manifest. Bring the same passport you used to enter St Maarten.

What happens if my ferry is canceled?

Operators will usually rebook you on the next available crossing or refund your ticket. They are not responsible for missed flights or hotel costs. This is the single biggest reason travelers with tight schedules book private transfers, a private boat operates in conditions where the public ferry cancels.

Plan the crossing that matches your trip

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts works well for the right traveler: light bags, daytime arrival, flexible plans, calm sea forecast. For everyone else, a private boat transfer turns the worst part of the journey into the best part: 40 minutes of open Caribbean, your own schedule, and a glass of rosé at the Gustavia dock. If you want a quote tailored to your group size and flight times, get in touch. We'll match you to the right boat and the right departure time, no ferry queue required.