The island of Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St. Barths, is a luxurious destination not far away from Sint Maarten.
It is renowned for its pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant French Caribbean culture. If you’re planning a visit, there are several ways to get there, including by plane or boat.
This guide from Pyratz Luxury Boat Charters will walk you through the options for reaching St. Barths, whether you’re coming from St. Maarten or other nearby islands, or if you plan to sail to St Barths on one of our gourmet boat charters.
Getting to St Barths by boat
Traveling to St. Barths by boat is one of the most popular ways to get to the island, especially for those staying in the neighboring island of St. Maarten. The short distance between the islands (22 miles) makes this probably the most convenient option.
Ferry services from St. Maarten to St. Barths
Several ferry companies operate daily services from St. Maarten to St. Barths, offering a comfortable and affordable way to travel. The ferry ride typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather conditions and the type of service.
Ferry companies available in Sint Maarten to arrive to St Barths:
- Voyager Ferry operates from both the French and Dutch sides of St. Maarten. Departures from Marigot (French side, north) and Philipsburg (Dutch side, south) are available. The trip costs approximately €85 ($95) for a round trip, with daily services running several times throughout the day.
- Great Bay Express departs from Philipsburg (Dutch side, south) and arrives at Gustavia in St. Barths. The fare is around $80-$100 for a round-trip ticket, with ferry schedules typically running in the morning, afternoon, and early evening.
These ferries are perfect for day trips (or even longer stays) in St. Barths and that’s the most common way tourists arrive to St Barths from Saint Martin.
Be sure to check the schedules in advance, as they may vary depending on the season and weather.
Private boat charters to St Barths with Pyratz SXM
For a more personalized and luxurious experience, consider chartering a private boat. Pyratz Gourmet Sailing offers exclusive multi-day boat charters from St. Maarten to St. Barths, providing a tailor-made experience with flexible departure times, gourmet meals, and a luxury sailing adventure. You can also request to be picked up at any location in St. Barths, offering complete convenience and privacy.
Getting to St Barths by plane
Flying to St. Barths could be another option, especially if:
- you’re traveling from far away and not from a neighboring island
- you are not in Sint Maarten or not planning to stay here
- simply you prefer the quickest possible way to reach the island
The island is served by Gustaf III Airport (airport code SBH, also known as Rémy de Haenen airport), a small airport known for its tricky landings, difficult approach (with a hill in front of you), and short runway.
Gustaf III airport is considered a slightly difficult landing. If you want to read more about how it is to land at St Barths, you can check this article from the aviation pilot James Henderson.
However, do not panic: the planes landing at Gustaf III Airport are small propeller-powered airplanes that are perfectly adapted to the short 2,000 ft runway of this airport.
Flights from St. Maarten (SXM to St Barths)
Almost all the travelers flying to St. Barths pass through Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. A couple of airlines operate flights between St Martin and St Barths, and the flight time is a brief 15 minutes.
Airlines offering flights from SXM to St. Barths:
- Winair:
A popular airline for inter-island travel, Winair offers frequent daily flights between St. Maarten and St. Barths. - St. Barth Commuter:
Another airline specializing in flights to St. Barths from SXM, offering multiple daily services.
Prices for these flights vary but typically range from $150 to $250 for a round trip.
Other flights to St Barths
You can also fly to St. Barths from other Caribbean destinations. For example, there are direct flights almost daily between St Barths and the island of Guadeloupe, which is 230 km (140 miles) south.
During high season you might also be able to find flights coming from Antigua or San Juan (Puerto Rico).
However, as mentioned above, travelers from the U.S. and Europe always fly into St. Maarten first and then take a connecting flight or ferry to St. Barths.
FAQ’s about how to get to St Barths
Some common questions we often receive about reaching St Barths are answered below.
How to get to St Barths from Miami and likewise US destinations?
Far-away tourists who want to arrive in St Barths will need to fly into St. Maarten or another nearby island first. Then, they will need to take the final 15-minute flight to Gustaf III Airport in St Barths, or the ferry as we describe above.
How far is St Barths from St Martin?
St. Barths is located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) south from St. Maarten. By ferry, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, while by plane, the journey is only 15 minutes.
Enjoy a Luxurious Charter with Pyratz Gourmet Sailing
If you’re looking to travel to St. Barths in style, Pyratz Gourmet Sailing offers luxurious private boat charters that will elevate your experience.
Sail across the beautiful Caribbean waters, enjoying gourmet cuisine and world-class service as you make your way to this stunning destination. Whether you’re departing from St. Maarten or need a pick-up in St. Barths, Pyratz will create a personalized and unforgettable journey for you.
Ready for an unforgettable Caribbean adventure? Book your luxury boat charter today at PyratzSXM.com, and sail into paradise!
