What ferries go to St Barts?

Great Bay Express is the only service going to St. Barths from Philipsburg on St. Maarten. Within just 45 minutes you will be taken to Gustavia on St.



Traveling to St. Barts by sea is a popular alternative to the notoriously short runway at the island's airport. For 2026, the primary ferry operators remain Voyager and Great Bay Express. Voyager operates high-speed hydrofoil catamarans from Marigot (the French capital of St. Martin) and occasionally from Oyster Pond, with a journey time of about 60 to 90 minutes. Great Bay Express departs from Philipsburg (the Dutch capital of St. Maarten), offering a faster 45-minute crossing to Gustavia, St. Barts. Additionally, the Edge ferry provides a seasonal service from Simpson Bay. These vessels are equipped with air conditioning and often offer both indoor and outdoor seating. It is important to note that the waters of the St. Barthélemy Channel can be quite choppy; travelers prone to motion sickness are often advised to take the larger Voyager 3 Dreamliner or opt for a morning crossing when the seas are generally calmer.

Excellent question! Getting to St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy) by ferry is a popular and scenic option. There are no direct international ferries; you must first fly or ferry to a neighboring island, then take a local ferry to St. Barts.

The two main departure points are St. Martin/Sint Maarten and St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands).

1. From St. Martin / Sint Maarten (The Most Common Route)

This is the busiest and most frequent ferry corridor. Ferries depart from two locations on the island: Marigot Bay (on the French side, Saint-Martin) Phillipsburg or Bobby’s Marina (on the Dutch side, Sint Maarten) Oyster Pond (on the Dutch side, for a specific high-speed service)

Major Ferry Companies: The Voyager: Fastest service (approx. 30 min) from Marigot Bay to Gustavia. Very popular, can be rough seas. Great Bay Express: Departs from Philipsburg to Gustavia (approx. 45 min). The Edge: Departs from Oyster Pond to Gustavia (approx. 40 min). Known for a smoother ride along the coast. Teamer Express: Connects Marigot and Philipsburg to Gustavia.

Travel Tip: Schedules change seasonally. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (December-April).

2. From St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands)

This is a longer, open-water crossing but a great option if you are coming from the USVI. Operator: The Voyager (same company as above). Route: Departs from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Gustavia, St. Barts. Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Important: This route is highly weather-dependent and runs less frequently than the St. Martin routes. It often only operates during the high season (roughly December to May) and may not run at all if seas are rough. Always verify current schedules.

Key Details for All Ferries:

  • Arrival Port in St. Barts: All ferries arrive at the main harbor in Gustavia.
  • Booking: Essential, especially for the St. Thomas route and on weekends/holidays.
  • Check-in: Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before departure for check-in and immigration.
  • Passports: Required for all passengers, as you are crossing international borders (even from St. Martin to St. Barts).
  • Seasickness: The crossings, especially the shorter ones from St. Martin, can be very rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication, choosing a larger boat like The Edge, or flying.
  • Luggage: There are usually fees for checked luggage.

Alternative: Flying

For a quicker, often calmer (but more expensive) option, consider a short 10-12 minute flight from St. Martin’s airport (SXM) via St. Barth Commuter, Tradewind Aviation, or Air Cara

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