TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Help with day trip by plane

I'm asking here (and elsewhere) if anyone knows the logistics of a day trip via air to another island. My questions would include, which island (leaning toward St. Barts and Nevis/St Kitts although Antigua is on the table if it's possible-open to suggestions-I don't think I want Saba), clear input on travel time required like how early do I have to be at the airport on SXM then how much time is required at airport for return flight? If the other islands are anything like SXM and it turns out I'd have to check in 2 hours prior to flight, are there places nearby (like Sunset's) to kill time? It might turn out that it would be easier to just check out of SXM hotel and spend 2 days somewhere else? but a day trip without relocating completely seems easiest and I NEED easy. Thanks for any input.

Try St Bart Commuter from SFG on the French side to St Barth. SFG is a small airport, less hassle, lower taxes/fees. Be checked in an hour ahead of time, 10-15 minute flight, same thing on the return. SBH airport has a small bar/restaurant upstairs, Chez Joe (closed on Sundays). All is easily doable as a day trip.

Have you been to Anguilla? That's easy and doable.
I would say no to Antigua.

We did the Commuter flights out of Gand Case to St Barths. Depending on the time of year you can get a full day out of it. I think they run 75 each way. And definitely get to the airport an hour early, they will leave if everyone is there! We arrived in March before our flight was even supposed to take off!!!

I personally wouldn't bother to fly to Anguilla, but that's just me. But Anguilla is probably the easiest day trip from SXM.

I'm with you, Carol. It's much easier to take the ferry to AXA. Saba, even if not on the OPs wishlist is an easy flight from PJIA and St. Barths a quick trip from L'Esperance on the French side. Not so sure about St. Kitts as there used to be a dedicated daily flight from PJIA but I think today it's one that hops around to multiple islands and makes for a short day or possibly an over-nighter? It used to be a golfing trip r/t same day but that was a while back. Of all of them my personal choice is Saba because it's so very different from most of the other islands, and I think St. Barths is the one to see and be seen on. Bring lots of $$. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

exactly the info I'm scoping out. thank you so much

exactly the info I'm scoping out .. thank youi.

I took a tour to Anguilla in 2015. It was fine but too structured for my taste but the price was right at the time. Now I want something different.. Why no Antigua? I had some awesome soup there years ago...and a nice half morning before a Windjammer sail. I always thought it was too expensive to do a whole week there, so I was considering a day trip.

cool. thank you. how do you find out about commuter flights? do you go directly to individual airlines or is there an airport website at grande case? this sounds really doable

Just google st Barth commuter. That's the name of the airline. I just booked online. Not sure if there is a savings if you do it at the airport. But because we wanted the earliest and latest flights we booked in advance. Took taxi to town and shopped a bit. Then took Taxi to St Jean Beach. Hung out at the Tom Beach Hotel. Have done Nikki Beach and just "too much" for us, wanted to try Eden Rock but wallet said Tom Beach! Nice day and then we just walked up to the airport!!

Commuter refers to St Barth Commuter, the only airline with scheduled service between SFG and SBH. Their website is http://www.stbarthcommuter.com/en/

Make sure you're looking at flights between SFG and SBH, not SXM and SBH. SXM flights are a whole different story, and will not work for you on St Barth Commuter. SXM flights work for Winair, but at a different hassle and likely price point.

I would contact Win-Air, based in St. Maarten.

As others have said, IF your goal is St. Barts, it is cheaper and easier to fly out of the French side airport.

I wouldn't fly Win-Air. Much easier and quicker Flying out of Grand Case on SBC. . Nice small airport. Little planes. Almost like taking a shuttle. Super quick. Just know they will check your lotion going over, but not on the return, but honestly not a big deal!

Flying out of SXM you pay all of the usual SXM Departure/Taxes and fees. Flying out of SFG, the taxes/fees are considerably lower.

Kim, did you fly Winair previously?

Joe--the point is that you are dealing with the French side airport, which has a teeny percentage of the amount of pax that PJIA does, so immigration/security/etc., is a breeze and there's no departure tax, flying from a French airport to a French airport, so it's also cheaper.

Joe - yes this is why, its a breeze in and out of Grand Case and not having to deal with PJIA

Points well taken, I'd still prefer the ferry to Anguilla for a nice day trip!

Antigua has little to offer that you won't find in St Maarten. And it isn't as nice.

St Barth is easy and can be done on the cheap if you are careful
You will book with the airline direct. St Barth commuter or Winair

Saba is amazing and such a different experience. Hardly feels Caribbean.
Winair wil take you there to land on the world's shortest commercial runway.

Hope this helps.

As to Saba, one thing I missed the last time I was there, was seafood. None available on an island. I didn't understand. It is great there but I don't think I need to return. so NO to Antigua. Ok. Last time I was on St, Barths it got stupid. We stopped for wine and cheese for a beach picnic... found a local beach bar... a beer at le Select, more wine waiting for the shuttle back to windjammer,, then a wine and cheese party on board then back to the island for one of the most memorable meals I've ever had. (lobster medallions and lentils-I cried).. I know we'd never get this done with a plane to catch, but we're not as young any more

That's why we planted ourselves on St Jean. Just walk to airport!!!!

maybe I'll try to talk my friend into using the money on cab fares on the island instead of going to another island. hmmmmmmm

What is the ferry like. We've been to St. Maarten many times but have never left on a day trip to go elsewhere. Does the ferry handle the water pretty well?

Ferry to WHERE? The waters going over to Anguilla are fairly calm and it's a pretty short trip. The waters going over to St. Barts can be very rough, and the trip is a little over an hour, one way.

I guess I found out where the ferries go. Is Anguilla worth the trip?

In my opinion the short trip to Anguilla is worth it. The beaches and eateries are great.

my anguilla excursion:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRevi..._St_Martin.html