Ferries to Saint Barths

St Martin to St Barts ferry: choosing your route

There are two main ferry routes between St Martin or St Maarten and Gustavia on St Barts. Your best option depends less on the operator and more on where you are staying, which departure fits your schedule and how much time you have for the transfer to the port.

Marigot or Philipsburg?

Marigot is usually the more practical departure point from the French side of St Martin. Voyager sails from the ferry terminal on the Marigot waterfront to Gustavia. This route can suit travelers staying around Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay or elsewhere in northern St Martin.

Philipsburg is generally the more convenient option from the Dutch side. Great Bay Express departs from Bobby’s Marina and is especially useful for travelers staying near Philipsburg or visiting St Barts from a cruise ship. The sea crossing is usually shorter than the route from Marigot.

Do not choose solely by crossing time. Traffic across St Martin can be slow, and a well-timed departure from the more distant terminal may still produce the easier overall journey. Use the map to compare both ports with your accommodation before booking.

Traveling from SXM Airport

Princess Juliana International Airport is on the Dutch side of the island, but that does not automatically make Philipsburg the best connection. Compare your flight arrival with the live departures from both Philipsburg and Marigot.

Allow time for immigration, baggage collection, the road transfer and ferry check-in. Avoid combining an international flight and ferry with a tight connection. After a late arrival, staying one night on St Maarten may be more reliable than depending on the final sailing of the day.

Day trip or overnight stay?

A day trip works best when you can take an early ferry to Gustavia and secure a suitable return departure in advance. It gives you time to explore the harbor, have lunch and visit part of the island, but the schedule can feel restrictive if you also want to see several beaches.

An overnight stay gives you more freedom to explore beyond Gustavia, have dinner without watching the time and build in some protection against delays or changed sailing conditions. For a same-day trip, always book the return before traveling rather than assuming space will remain available.

Ferry or flight to St Barts?

The ferry is often the most practical option for a day trip and has the advantage of arriving directly in Gustavia. It can also be easier when traveling with more luggage or when the ferry schedule fits your accommodation better than a regional flight.

A flight may be worth considering when you are particularly sensitive to seasickness or when the ferry transfer and check-in make the total journey less convenient. Sea conditions can be unsettled even on a sunny day. Sitting lower and closer to the center of the vessel may reduce the feeling of movement, but it cannot remove it completely.

What to check before departure

• Travel documents: bring a valid passport and check whether you need a visa or other entry documents for St Barts.
• Departure port: confirm whether your ticket leaves from Marigot or Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg.
• Check-in time: deadlines differ between operators, so follow the instructions shown on your booking.
• Return sailing: reserve both directions in advance when planning a day trip.
• Airport connections: leave a generous buffer before a departing flight from SXM.
• Current conditions: schedules can change because of weather, operational restrictions or seasonal demand.

Both ferries arrive at the harbor in central Gustavia, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, taxis and car rental offices. Use the interactive map to see how the ferry terminal relates to the rest of St Barts before deciding whether you need onward transportation.