Transportation for these islands varies. For St. Maarten, frequent short flights (10-15 minutes) depart from SBH to SXM via Winair and St. Barth Commuter. Regular ferry services (Voyager, Great Bay Express) connect Gustavia to Marigot or Philipsburg, with journeys taking 45-90 minutes.
For Anguilla, direct flights from SBH to Anguilla (AXA) are less frequent, often necessitating a connection via St. Maarten. A private charter generally is the best way to take a day trip from St. Barts to Anguilla, offering direct and flexible travel.
St. Barthélemy and its surrounding waters include appealing natural escapes. The St. Barthélemy Marine Reserve provides the main natural escape. Boat tours, snorkeling, and diving are excellent ways to explore this protected area.
Day trips venture to specific islets within the reserve, like Pain de Sucre or Île Fourchue. These locations are prime for snorkeling and observing diverse marine life.
Île Fourchue, a small, uninhabited island west of St. Barts, forms part of the marine reserve. It is popular for snorkeling, diving, and anchoring private boats. This island features a rugged, volcanic landscape.
For cultural excursions extending beyond Gustavia, options from St. Barthélemy are limited for separate day trips to distinct historical sites on other islands. St. Barts holds its historical sites mainly within Gustavia, establishing it as the central point for cultural exploration on the island itself.
A charming small village offering a glimpse into traditional island life.
Known for local straw weaving, a craft passed down through generations.
Visitors observe artisans at work and purchase unique items, connecting to authentic heritage.
Corossol offers the most accessible example of a traditional, less commercialized village within St. Barts.
Rural villages and agricultural areas are few for external day trips from St. Barts due to its small size and tourism-focused economy.
Extending your St. Barthélemy itinerary for 1-3 additional days presents enriching experiences by combining it with nearby islands. A trip with St. Maarten/St. Martin creates a contrast.
Spend a few days enjoying the bustling, diverse atmosphere, duty-free shopping, and nightlife of St. Maarten either before or after a tranquil St. Barts stay. This brings a change of pace and scenery.
Pair the chic luxury of St. Barts with Anguilla's more laid-back, yet equally luxurious, beach-focused vibe. This is ideal for a serene beach escape, with quieter, unspoiled beaches.
For nature and hiking enthusiasts, combining St. Barts with Saba or St. Eustatius presents a stark contrast to St. Barts' glamour. These nearby Dutch islands feature dramatic volcanic landscapes and historical sites, with access via a short flight from St. Maarten.
Logical next destinations after St. Barts, depending on your interests, include other French Caribbean islands like Guadeloupe or Martinique. These islands bring French Creole culture and cuisine, with a more immersive cultural experience. For sailing enthusiasts, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is another excellent choice, known for protected sailing waters.
Transportation connections facilitate these multi-day extensions. Flights and ferries connect St. Barts to St. Maarten, which then functions as a hub for connecting to other Caribbean islands. Inter-Caribbean flights are numerous but often involve connections, making careful planning important. Suggested routes for longer regional travel include flying from St. Barts to St. Maarten, then connecting to your next island destination.
St. Maarten serves as a central point for onward travel.
Inter-Caribbean flights often need careful schedule coordination.
Create a trip tailored to your specific interests.
