Island Hopping from St. Maarten: Which Island Should You Visit?
One of the best things about staying in St. Maarten is how easy it is to explore another Caribbean island during your vacation. Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba are all within easy reach, but each offers a completely different experience.
Choose Anguilla for white-sand beaches and laid-back island vibes, St. Barts for Gustavia, shopping, dining and beautiful beaches, or Saba for hiking, nature and a quieter Caribbean escape.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Fast ferries connect St. Maarten with Anguilla and St. Barts, while Saba can be reached by ferry or a short flight. Compare the options below and find the island trip that fits your vacation.
Anguilla from St. Maarten
Best for: Beaches, relaxation and easy island hopping
Travel: Fast ferry in approximately 20 minutes
Ideal for: Day trips, airport transfers or longer stays
Explore Anguilla Ferry & Day Trip Options →
St. Barts from St. Maarten
Best for: Gustavia, shopping, dining and beautiful beaches
Travel: High-speed ferry in approximately 45 minutes
Ideal for: Day trips or overnight stays
Explore St. Barts Ferry & Day Trip Options →
Saba from St. Maarten
Best for: Hiking, nature and a completely different Caribbean experience
Travel: Ferry or short flight
Ideal for: 2-night island escapes
Fast Ferries from St. Maarten to Anguilla
Funtime Fast Ferry
GB Fast Ferry
Planning a day trip or want more information?
Explore our complete St. Maarten to Anguilla ferry guide →
Fast Ferry from St. Maarten to St. Barts
Travel from Philipsburg, St. Maarten to Gustavia, St. Barts aboard the Great Bay Express high-speed ferry. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes, making St. Barts an easy choice for a Caribbean day trip or overnight escape.
Great Bay Express Fast Ferry
✓ High-speed ferry to St. Barts
✓ Departs from Philipsburg
✓ Arrives in Gustavia
✓ Approx. 45-minute crossing
Private VIP Island Boat Transfer
✓ Private boat transfer to St. Barts
✓ Personalized departure
✓ Ideal for couples, families & groups
✓ Premium alternative to the ferry
Planning a St. Barts day trip or want more information?
Explore our complete St. Maarten to St. Barts travel guide →
2-Night Saba Escape from St. Maarten
Discover Saba at a slower pace with a 2-night island escape from St. Maarten. Travel by ferry, stay two nights on the island and enjoy time to hike, explore Windwardside and experience one of the Caribbean’s most unique destinations.
Saba Budget Escape - Arawak Hotel
✓ Round-trip ferry from St. Maarten
✓ 2 nights at Arawak Hotel
✓ Fort Bay arrival & departure transfers
✓ Time to explore, hike & experience Saba
Saba Cottage Escape - The Cottage Club
✓ Round-trip ferry from St. Maarten
✓ 2 nights at The Cottage Club Hotel
✓ Fort Bay arrival & departure transfers
✓ Time to explore, hike & experience Saba
Want to learn more about visiting Saba?
Explore our complete St. Maarten to Saba travel guide →
St. Maarten Island Hopping FAQs
Planning a ferry trip or island escape from St. Maarten? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about visiting Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba.