TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Best day trip to St Barth's

Looking for a day trip to St Barth's during our next trip March 23 - April 3. Either sail or powerboat. C/O is OK. Staying in Orient Beach Village area. Any suggestions?

We did a day trip a few years ago. Took the commuter plane from Grand Case's airport. No departure tax and a direct flight. Since we flew we had a lot more time on St. Barth's to sightsee.

I don't have a direct recommendation for you either, as the boat we took to St. Barts the last time is long gone, in some storm. If you don't know already, the boat trip TO St. Barts is normally extremely ROUGH. If you take that route and get seasick at all, make sure that you take seasick preventative. The trip back is normally much easier. Hopefully someone has a good recommendation for you.

The "seasick" thing was the main reason why we took the plane. Just checked and R/T is a bit pricey, $176 USD. Still was worth it since, for me, getting seasick would ruin the whole day trip.

We did a St Barth trip with Paul and crew and had a fantastic time. It was the highlight of our many trips to St Martin and we will probably do it again on our next visit. When we went, the trip back was much, much rougher than the trip to SB. Highly recommend!!!

https://www.nudetrips.net/index2.htm

The edge out of Simpson Bay marina is a high speed catamaran and goes to Barts. Usualy rough going and smooth returning.

Take the flight from Grand Case.

What is the approximate cost of the flight, round trip, from Grand Case, French airport ?
I would never consider the ferry again...

Looking at flights on St Barth Commuter to/from Grand Case tomorrow, fares are €80 (about $88) each way. It’s more expensive to fly Winair from Juliana on the Dutch side.
Voyager ferry from Marigot, the best of the ferries, is €37 - €56 each way, depending on ticket class.

Plus if you are going to St Barth's, the approach and landing at the airport is part of the adventure!

We did take a high speed ferry from Marigot a few years ago and it was great, no troubles getting sea sick at all! I guess it’s all depends on a sea that day... was a great trip to the Barts and even better on the way back- we came across the huge whales that were breaching all around us! The captain of the ferry decided to circle around for a bit to look at the show! That was awesome !

having gone to SBH a bunch of times by plane and ferry, we somewhat prefer ferry...we used to take the ferry out of Pelican Marina (The Edge) for day trips, but now take the Great Bay Express out of Philipsburg...45 minute ride...we prefer the ferry because of the “casualness” and not having to deal with an airport...we’ve been on some brutal ferry crossings, but they don’t really bother me

but if it’s your first time, the plane might be the way to go for the views/experience...although pulling in to the SBH marina when the big mega yachts are there is also pretty cool, but you could save that for next time

Yes its pretty cool entering the harbor and seeing all the boats at anchor.

Thanks for all the input and options. We are not in a hurry to get to the island by plane or high speed ferry, so looks like either Paul's powerboat with multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, etc or if the seas aren't too rough while we are there, a similar trip on a catamaran. Will post a review after the trip. Thanks!

I flew earlier this year. Spend the whole day there!

I would also recommend flying out of Grand Case. The flight was as much fun as the island. If you are ready for a good laugh, read this St Barts trip report:

https://britishexpats.com/forum/rec...mas-naked-french-people-st-barts-417415/

Agree with Bahston to fly. 80 Euros each way, takes 10 minutes. Great flight.

I would only go to SBH by water if seas are 6 feet or less. Really 3 feet. Check the weather and waves yourself.

I’m sure on a beautiful day it would be awesome.

Our New Years round trip in an open 34 ft powerboat in very high winds and Very heavy seas was the closest thing to death we’ve experienced. Very dangerous.

Nice trip report. Funny stuff right there!

Pelican--while I agree in principle with your post, to not go by sea if the seas are rough, don't you have to make a reservation ahead of time, when you won't know what the seas will be like?

That was hysterical! OMG...even the seagulls.....lol!!! "thin protective line of French naked people"....
Thanks for sharing.

Yes, and that game day decision might be to lose your money down if the captain doesn't make the right decision which is a conservative one.

I wont revisit our fateful trip but all can rest assured that Captain is no longer in business and ive heard nothing but good things about those that still are.

https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/gustavia

BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN.

Don't most of them require the entire payment down? To me, that's a fair amount of money to blow off..

Perhaps the buyer should have the seller agree to a “customer unconfortable with the weather conditions clause at the time of booking.

I gladly gave our Joker 220 Euros for the hell ride. Knowing what I know now, yes i would not go and forfeit my cash.

I am cheap but my life is worth more than a hundred euros😀

Was that the last thing available? Yikes..sounds awful.

Were you going for the Jimmy Buffet concert?

No, booked weeks in advance before arrival.