Skipping the small commuter plane isn’t the only way into St Barts — a ferry from St Maarten is a genuine alternative, and for some families a more comfortable one. Here’s how the crossing actually works.
What to Know
- Ferries run from Marigot or Oyster Pond on St Maarten to Gustavia, St Barts, typically in 45-75 minutes depending on the operator and route.
- Voyager and Great Bay Express are among the main operators running the route.
- The open-water crossing can get choppy — seasickness-prone travelers should plan accordingly.
- Ferry schedules are lighter than flight schedules, so check timing carefully around your travel dates.
- Luggage limits on ferries are generally more generous than the small commuter planes.
Choosing a Ferry Operator
A few operators run the St Maarten-St Barts route, generally departing from Marigot on the French side or Oyster Pond. Crossing times run roughly 45 minutes to just over an hour depending on the operator and conditions. Book in advance during busier weeks — sailings are less frequent than flights, and a missed one can mean a long wait for the next.
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This is open Caribbean water, and it can get bouncy, especially in windier months. If anyone in your family is prone to seasickness, consider timing your booking for calmer morning sailings and having motion-sickness remedies on hand. Most crossings are perfectly manageable, but it’s worth being prepared rather than surprised.
Ferry vs. Flying: Which Makes Sense
The ferry avoids the small-plane baggage limits and can be a better fit for a family traveling with a lot of gear, or with a nervous flyer. Flying is faster and generally smoother once you’re past the connection logistics. Neither is clearly better for every family — it comes down to how your group handles a choppier boat ride versus a short, steep flight.
Arriving in Gustavia
Ferries dock right in Gustavia harbor, putting you within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and shops the moment you arrive — a nice bonus if your hotel or villa transfer isn’t ready immediately. Confirm your accommodation’s pickup point in advance, since it may differ from the airport transfer arrangement.
Packing for the Ferry
Keep valuables, electronics, and anything you don’t want to get splashed in a dry bag or sealed pouch. A light jacket or cover-up is worth having even on a warm day, since spray and wind on the open water can feel cooler than expected.
What to Pack for the Crossing
Keep phones, cameras, and anything else you don’t want splashed in a dry bag or sealed pouch, since the open-water crossing can get spray even on a calm day. A light jacket or cover-up is worth having on hand even in warm weather.
Ferry vs. Flying with a Baby or Toddler
A calmer, seated ferry ride can be easier on a nervous or motion-sensitive young child than the short but steep commuter flight — worth weighing against the ferry’s longer overall travel time when deciding which way to go.
What to Pack for a Baby or Toddler on the Crossing
Bring extra snacks, a favorite comfort item, and any motion-sickness remedy your pediatrician approves for young kids — the crossing is short enough that most kids handle it fine, but having backups on hand reduces stress either way.
Booking the Ferry in Advance
Reserve your crossing ahead of time during busier weeks — sailings run less frequently than flights, and a sold-out departure can mean a multi-hour wait for the next one, which is harder to absorb with tired kids.
Combining the Ferry with Other St Maarten Plans
If your trip includes time on St Maarten before or after St Barts, the ferry terminal’s location in Marigot or Oyster Pond makes it easy to combine the crossing with a stop on that side of the island.
Seasickness Remedies Worth Packing
Ginger chews, acupressure wristbands, or a pediatrician-approved motion-sickness remedy are all worth having on hand for a child prone to seasickness, tried out before the trip rather than for the first time on the boat.
Comparing Departure Points
Marigot generally offers more frequent sailings than Oyster Pond — worth checking both if your schedule has some flexibility, since the difference can matter for a family working around nap times.
A Note for First-Time Ferry Riders
If this is your family’s first time taking an open-water ferry, a shorter local practice trip beforehand can help gauge how everyone handles it before committing to the full St Barts crossing.
Plan Your Days in St Barts
Browse family-friendly tours, snorkeling, and day activities on St Barts.
Quick Answers
How long is the ferry from St Maarten to St Barts?
Roughly 45 minutes to just over an hour, depending on the operator and departure point.
Is the ferry to St Barts rough?
It can be choppy on open water, especially in windier months — manageable for most families, but worth planning around if anyone gets seasick.
Is the ferry or the flight better for families?
It depends on your priorities — the ferry has more generous baggage limits and lands you right in Gustavia; flying is faster and generally smoother.
Where to Stay in St Barts
A few family-friendly places to base your St Barts trip:
Hotel Manapany, Anse des Cayes
Hotel Le Toiny
Le SerenoReady to Plan Your Trip?
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