Have been to SXM many times but have never taken the ferry to St Barths. I know it's known to be pricey. Can anyone tell me where to get the ferry, the approx. cost, and the length of the ferry ride? We are beach people but are also open to any suggestions as to what not to miss.

Thanks

We took the ferry from Oyster Pond, it's about a 45 minute run. We booked a return day pass at Coco's (next to Pineapple Pete's in Simpsons Bay) and got a bit of a discount. I think we paid $89 per person, and that included a rental car while on St. Bart's. Having done the rental car thing, wouldn't recommend it. Better to take a taxi tour of the island, you will enjoy it more. Shell Beach in Gustavia is a good beach to go to, although we didn't make it to that one so can't say what's there. We landed at Gouveneur Beach; nice beach but no chair rentals or eateries that we could see.

We took the boat once---worst water ever!

You can get a small plane at the Grand Case Airport. Not sure of the rate but they have a daily commuter. If someone here knows more they'll post or check on line.

New Voyager ferry is much smoother. Renting a car is cheaper than taking a taxi with a group to two locations. I would recommend Grand Saline Beach with lunch at Au Grain de Sel (reasonable prices for St. Barth) and then get drinks at Nikki Beach. Colombier is also a great setting, but requires a bit of a hike down to the beach.

Thanks

In declining order of preference:

St Barth Commuter from Grand Case (not Juliana):
http://www.stbarthcommuter.com/

Voyager Ferry:
http://www.voy12.com/

Great Bay Express:
http://www.greatbayferry.com/

Thanks for the information...

there is also WinAir out of SXM

http://www.fly-winair.sx/

We took the Great Bay ferry (? - the one out of P'burg). Wasn't a bad trip at all, but I like to sit outside anyway (sometimes I feel queasy if I sit below!) There were 4 of us, we hired a taxi and had a great tour of the island, then had lunch on the main st, and walked down to the beach at the end. A fun day, made even more exciting by being the last day of the Bucket regatta, oh those amazing huge sailing yachts! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Anyone done the Nude Sail to St Barts from Orient Beach?