Ferries to St. Barts

The St. Barts airport can accept only limited traffic, so there are three ferries traveling to the island, all from neighboring St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Rapid Explorer/HC Katia

The Rapid Explorer company runs the HC Katia, a high speed 140-passenger catamaran, daily between Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Gustavia, St. Barts. The 27-meter long vessel makes the trip in about 40 minutes.

Advance reservations are necessary and you should be at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure. The rate is US$68 one-way, $110 roundtrip.

It is possible to reserve in advance online. See Rapid Explorer/HC Katia schedule.

Voyager I and Voyager II

Voyager has two ferries, the 76-foot Voyager I that carries 117 passengers and the 78-foot Voyager II with a capacity for 154 passengers. Both vessels are aluminum catamarans that cruise at 20 knots, but Voyager II is 20 feet wider.

The two Voyagers feature large picture windows, sun decks and shade decks. The bar located on the main deck offers a complimentary drink during transit. The fare is 65 euros for a roundtrip on different days, 52 euros for a roundtrip made the same day. Children under 12 are almost half fare and infants are free. A port fee and fuel surcharge add another 12 euros.

Voyager has a good deal for frequent visitors with its discounted “Frequence” tickets and Voyager Card that offers reduced rates and a free trip after a fifth trip made in the same year. Groups of 8 and more also qualify for a discount.

Reservations are needed since the boat may be full or have a private charter. There is no service on Mondays. Sunday and Wednesday ferries leave from Oyster Pond in Dutch St. Maarten. See Voyager schedule.

The Edge

Another catamaran ferry, The Edge leaves Pelican Bay Marina on St. Maarten at 9 a.m. Tues.-Saturday. Check-in 45 minutes
ahead of time.

Most of the passengers are making a 45-mintue daytrip to St. Barts. The ferry leaves Gustavia Harbor for the return at 4 p.m.

However, it is possible to use The Edge for ferry service , with a roundtrip of about US$80 plus a US$9 port fee. Contact Aqua Mania Adventures for reservations.

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