Day trips from St. Barts: exploring St. Martin and Anguilla

Have you ever felt that urge to step beyond the familiar shores of St. Barthélemy, just for a day? When you’re settled into island life here, the neighboring gems of St. Martin and Anguilla suddenly feel impossibly close. And they are – literally minutes away by ferry or a quick flight.

Why venture beyond St. Barts?

St. Barthélemy offers unmatched sophistication and those postcard-perfect beaches we all adore. But here’s what we’ve learned: each island has its own personality. St. Martin brings a dual-nation experience with French and Dutch influences colliding beautifully, while Anguilla whispers tranquility through impossibly white sand beaches that stretch forever.

Getting to St. Martin

The Voyager ferry operates daily routes from Marigot, departing from the Marigot Ferry Terminal with up to 5 crossings daily. The Great Bay Express service departs from Philipsburg (Bobby’s Marina) on the Dutch side. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour, though sea conditions can occasionally affect timing.

Ferry tickets range from €70-99 for adults one-way depending on the operator and booking class. The Voyager offers multiple seating options including outdoor sun decks, economy cabins, and premium WiFi cabins for added comfort.

If boats aren’t your thing, consider the 15-minute flight via Winair, which offers a scenic alternative for those preferring to travel by air.

Read : High season vs low season in St Barts: What you need to know

St. Martin highlights

Orient Bay tops our recommendation list – this vibrant beach stretches along the northeast coast with crystal-clear waters. Beachfront restaurants like Kontiki and Coco Beach serve exceptional food with your toes in the sand.

Grand Case deserves special mention for its restaurant scene. Boulevard de Grand Case runs along the waterfront, lined with incredible dining options. Ocean 82 serves fresh seafood that’ll spoil you for anywhere else.

For adventure seekers, Maho Beach offers that famous plane-spotting experience. Watching aircraft descend practically overhead creates genuinely thrilling moments.

Making the jump to Anguilla

Reaching Anguilla requires routing through St. Martin first. From Marigot, public ferries depart throughout the day to Blowing Point in Anguilla. The crossing takes approximately 20-25 minutes and costs around $30 USD one-way.

Be prepared for additional costs: the Marigot Ferry Terminal charges a €7 passenger head fee, and upon arrival in Anguilla, visitors pay a departure tax ($11 USD for day visitors or $28 USD for stays over 12 hours), plus an additional €5 USD Marigot departure tax. Have your passport and cash ready for these requirements.

Anguilla’s must-visit spots

Shoal Bay East consistently appears on “world’s best beaches” lists. The powder-soft white sand and impossibly clear turquoise water create immediate relaxation. Gwen’s Reggae Grill serves authentic Caribbean food right on the beach, with live reggae music on Sunday evenings.

Meads Bay offers a more refined experience. Straw Hat restaurant has built a loyal following for their spicy fish sandwich, and the setting couldn’t be more picturesque with St. Martin visible across the water.

Arrange a boat trip to Sandy Island if possible. This tiny cay feels like a movie set: brilliant white sand surrounded by stunning shallow waters.

Practical tips

Bring your passport – each island maintains its own immigration procedures. Have cash ready for departure taxes at each crossing.

Car rentals make sense for exploring, especially in Anguilla where distances surprise visitors. Book rentals at the ferry terminals for convenience. Remember: driving happens on the left in Anguilla.

Weather matters more than you might expect. Ferry crossings can be rough during windy periods. Check conditions before committing to your day trip.

Plan midweek when possible – weekends see more local traffic on ferries. The first morning ferry often offers the smoothest crossing. For the return to St. Barts, the last Voyager ferry from Gustavia to Marigot departs at 5:30 PM (arriving 6:30 PM), while the last Great Bay Express ferry from Gustavia to Philipsburg departs at 6:45 PM (arriving 7:30 PM).