St. Maarten is one of the better connected islands in the northeast Caribbean, and a number of neighbouring islands can be reached by boat. A November 8, 2026 Caribbean Journal guide sets out seven options, from a short hop to Anguilla to a longer crossing to St. Kitts. Below is a summary of the routes and times it reports. Timetables change often, so confirm everything with the operator before planning around it.

A temporary timetable this month

The report says a temporary timetable was in effect in early November 2026 while a substitute vessel served the Makana route. It also notes that the Edge route to Saba ended in April 2026, so older guides may be out of date. Sailings vary by day and season, and weather can change departure times. Carry your passport on every inter-island route and check each operator’s check-in cutoff.

The seven destinations

Anguilla. A public ferry runs from the Marigot Ferry Terminal on the French side to Blowing Point, about 20 minutes, with multiple departures daily. The last boat back from Anguilla is listed at 5:15 p.m. on Marigot’s published schedule. Tickets are bought at the terminal. Shared or private boat transfers also leave from the airport area dock on the Dutch side, with operators named as Calypso Charters and Funtime Charters.

St. Barth. Great Bay Express runs from Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg and Voyager from Marigot, both to Gustavia. The crossing from Marigot takes about 50 minutes. Aqua Mania lists an Edge service from Simpson Bay, and the report advises confirming availability for your dates.

Saba. Makana runs from Bobby’s Marina to Fort Bay, about 1 hour 40 minutes on the published timetable. Several sailings arrive in the afternoon or early evening, so check which run on your dates. The ferry docks well below the villages, so arrange a taxi in advance.

St. Eustatius. Makana runs from Bobby’s Marina to Gallows Bay, about 1 hour 45 minutes nonstop or about 3 hours on sailings with a stop. Makana also sells Saba to Statia sailings.

St. Kitts. Makana runs from Philipsburg to Port Zante Marina in Basseterre, taking 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on stops. Outbound sailings typically arrive late afternoon or evening, so the report recommends staying overnight.

Nevis. From St. Kitts, a passenger ferry runs from the Basseterre Ferry Terminal to Charlestown in about 45 minutes. An alternative is a road transfer to Reggae Beach on the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts, then a water taxi to Oualie Bay. The Nevis ferry is booked separately from the Makana sailing.

Pinel Island. A small shuttle runs from Cul-de-Sac on the French side, about a 10 minute ride. Round trip tickets are sold at the dock, so bring cash and ask about the last boat.

The report does not list fares, and we have not quoted any.

Planning tips

• Do not cut the return close. Anguilla’s last boat is early evening, and some longer routes arrive late. If you have a flight the next morning, return the day before.
• Check which side you depart from. The Dutch and French sides use different terminals, and a taxi to the wrong one costs time. Our guide to resort airport transfers explains how to plan ground transport at each end.
• Allow for sea conditions. Some crossings can be rough. If you are prone to seasickness, read our guide to seasickness on resort boat excursions.
• Keep your documents handy. Immigration checks apply when crossing between jurisdictions. Check entry rules for each island, and note that some, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, have specific electronic requirements, as in our coverage of electronic travel authorisations.
• Book hotels with flexibility. Because schedules change, avoid prepaying non-refundable activities on the far island until you have a confirmed ticket.

Which crossing suits which traveller

For a simple day trip, Anguilla, St. Barth and Pinel Island are the most manageable, with short crossings and frequent service. Saba and Statia suit travellers who want quiet islands and are willing to plan around a limited schedule. St. Kitts and Nevis are better treated as an overnight or longer extension, since the crossing is long and the arrival times are late.

If your base is on St. Maarten, our guide to things to do in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin beyond the resort covers what to see on the island itself before you go further afield. Ferry schedules change often, so treat this summary as a starting point and confirm times, check-in cutoffs and departure terminals directly with the operator.