St Maarten + St Barths Group Programs
Two ways across, and they suit different groups. The decision is about sea state and comfort, not about price.
Ferry or Fly
Saint-Barthélemy is reachable from Sint Maarten by ferry or by a short air sector, and the two are not interchangeable for a group. The ferry is the cheaper movement and carries more people per departure; the air sector is much quicker and far more comfortable when there is a swell running, which is common in the winter months.
For most groups we recommend flying one direction and sailing the other. It gives the group the approach into Saint-Jean, which is genuinely part of the experience, without committing them to a return crossing in the afternoon if the sea has got up. Which direction to fly depends on your day, and we will say which we would pick for yours.
Group Capacities
- Ferry — operators run from both Sint Maarten and Marigot. Per-sailing capacity depends on the vessel rostered, so we confirm it against your party size before quoting.
- Air — the aircraft on this sector are small, so a group of any size is usually more than one rotation or a charter, and the rotations do not land together. The ground program has to absorb the gap.
- Mixed — splitting a party between a sailing and a flight works, but only if the program on the far side starts after both have arrived.
Sailing times, operators and the current return options are live on the St Maarten ferry board and the St Barths ferry board. We plan the day backwards from the return rather than restating a timetable here.
What the Island Demands of a Program
Saint-Barthélemy is small, expensive and busy in the winter season. Group restaurant space in Gustavia is limited and goes early, so we contract group meals well ahead or plan for the party to eat in shifts. Road transport is by small vehicle, so a larger party becomes a convoy, and the convoy sets the pace of the day.
Formalities
Saint-Barthélemy is a French overseas collectivity and a separate jurisdiction from Sint Maarten, so the party travels on passports in both directions. Port fees and any taxes are set locally and change, so we confirm the current amounts at quoting time and itemise them in your proposal rather than publishing figures here.
What We Handle
- Ferry inventory and air seats booked as a group, including split departures
- Formalities, and any port fees or taxes confirmed at quoting time, processed for the party
- Small-vehicle transport sized to the group, with a lead vehicle setting the timing
- Group meals contracted in advance, with the fallback named before departure
- A contingency for the return leg when the forecast turns
Planning St Barths for a Group?
Tell us the group size and the season and we will tell you which way round to run it.
Request a Group ProgramFrequently Asked Questions
Should a group take the ferry or fly to St Barths?
For most groups, fly one direction and sail the other. The air sector is much quicker and far more comfortable in a swell; the ferry is the cheaper movement and carries more people per departure. In the winter months the sea state is usually the deciding factor rather than the fare. Current sailings are on the St Barths ferry board.
Can a group fly to St Barths together?
Usually not in one movement. The sectors are flown by small aircraft, so most group sizes are several rotations or a charter, and the rotations do not arrive together. The ground program starts after the last one lands. We confirm the equipment and the rotation pattern for your dates before quoting.
Can we get a group dinner in Gustavia?
In the winter season, only if it is contracted well ahead — group restaurant space in Gustavia is limited and goes early. We book it with the program and name a fallback before departure.