St Barthélemy / Getting There

St Barths doesn’t make it easy for travellers to reach its exclusive environs, but that’s the key to its upmarket appeal. Those from Europe, the USA and even other, larger Caribbean islands have to take at least one onward connection to reach the island as its airport can only take 19-seater planes.

It is an “interesting” flight with an even more “interesting” landing, but travellers not wanting to experience it, can catch one of the numerous ferries from St Maarten. However, sometimes there is a problem with timings, as the last crossing is at 5pm, which may be hard to catch after any international delay. The last plane to St Barths also leaves at around this time as well because the airstrip closes just after sunset. If you do miss your connection and you simply can’t wait, it is still possible to reach the island on the same night if you particularly want to, through one of the many speedboats.

Another option for getting to St Barths is to travel via Guadeloupe, from where there are direct flights, or possibly via San Juan.