Private island transfers from St Maarten & St Martin
Travel between St Maarten, Anguilla and St Barts by private boat, with local coordination and availability confirmed before payment.
Routes:
St Maarten ↔ Anguilla
St Maarten ↔ St Barts
St Barts ↔ Anguilla

No blind bookings — we check everything first
Small network, personally vetted
No back-and-forth with multiple providers
We check options and reply quickly
Private boat transfers between islands
Private boat transfers are the most flexible and commonly used way to travel between nearby islands.
They are ideal for groups, luggage, and travellers who want a smoother and more direct experience.

Common routes
This type of charter works particularly well for:
- St Maarten ↔ Anguilla
- St Maarten ↔ St Barts
- St Barts ↔ Anguilla (on request)

Why choose a private boat transfer
- Flexible departure times
- Direct routing (no waiting)
- Space for luggage
- Private experience for your group
Why guests choose private island transfers
Travel on your schedule
Choose departure times that fit your plans rather than working around ferry timetables.
Direct and efficient
Avoid multiple transfers, waiting areas, and fixed departure schedules.
Easier with luggage
Private transfers are often more comfortable for guests travelling with suitcases, sports equipment, or family belongings.
Ideal for villas and airport connections
Many guests use private transfers when coordinating flights, villa check-ins, or onward travel between islands.
Who private island transfers work best for
Villa guests
Travelling directly between islands and accommodation.
Families
More flexible timing and easier luggage handling.
Groups travelling together
Keep everyone on the same transfer without splitting bookings.
Flight connections
Useful when coordinating arrivals and departures around airport schedules.
Travellers valuing convenience
For guests who prefer direct travel and flexible timing.
What a private island transfer actually feels like
A private island transfer is usually simpler and more relaxed than many travellers expect.
Rather than working around fixed schedules, queues, and multiple travel stages, your transfer is organised around your route, group size, luggage, and timing requirements.
For many guests, the biggest benefit is not speed alone, but the convenience of travelling directly between islands with local support before departure.
Popular private island transfer routes
St Maarten ↔ Anguilla
Fast and flexible private boat transfers between St Maarten and Anguilla, popular for airport connections, villa stays, and same-day travel.
St Maarten ↔ St Barts
Longer open-water crossing with flexible departure timing and direct routing depending on sea conditions.
Anguilla ↔ St Barts
Available on request depending on routing, conditions, and operator schedules.
Other transfer options
Helicopter transfers
Available on request for certain island routes depending on operator availability and conditions.
Private aircraft
Additional island connections may occasionally be possible depending on routing and schedules.
Is a private island transfer worth it?
For many travellers, yes.
Private transfers offer more flexibility, direct routing, and easier coordination than fixed transport schedules.
They are particularly popular with families, villa guests, travellers carrying luggage, and visitors coordinating flights or onward travel between islands.
Whether the additional convenience is worthwhile depends on your priorities, group size, and travel plans.
How booking works
Share your travel plans and number of passengers
We contact the most suitable operators
You receive details and pricing
Secure the transfer once availability has been confirmed.
No obligation until availability is confirmed
Airport and arrival coordination
Many guests use private island transfers alongside arrivals into:
- Princess Juliana Airport (SXM)
- Grand Case Airport (SFG)
- nearby villas
- hotels
- or same-day island connections.
Depending on timing, weather, and routing, transfers can often be coordinated around arrival and departure schedules.
Availability always depends on:
- route
- sea conditions
- timing
- and operator schedules.
Need an urgent island transfer?
Some private boat transfers between:
- St Maarten
- Anguilla
- and St Barts
can occasionally still be arranged on short notice depending on:
- weather
- customs timing
- captain schedules
- and routing flexibility.
For urgent travel requests, WhatsApp is usually the fastest way to check current availability.
For urgent travel plans, you can also check our last-minute boat charter availability.
Request your island transfer
Many guests arranging island transfers are coordinating flights, luggage, villa arrivals, or same-day travel plans — so we try to keep the process as simple and clear as possible.
Tell us your route, date, and group size — we’ll confirm availability and reply quickly.
What guests say about booking with EXPLR.SX
Real feedback from guests who trusted EXPLR.SX to plan their time in St Martin & St Maarten — from private boat charters to island day trips.
- Chelsey
- March 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Helene
- April 2026
- Canada
- Verified Guest
- Kristen
- April 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Stefani
- April 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Marcus
- September 2025
- USA
- Verified Guest
- Sara
- January 2026
- USA
- Verified Guest
Can island transfers be arranged last-minute?
Some private island transfers can still be arranged on short notice depending on:
- route
- weather
- operator availability
- and departure timing.
Flexible travelers often have more options available, especially outside major holiday periods.
For urgent requests, WhatsApp is usually the fastest way to check current availability.
Related guides
Most guests have similar questions before booking.
You may also find these guides useful:
→ How weather conditions are handled and what options may still be available.
→ The easiest private charter options when your time on the island is limited.
→ Compare flexibility, travel time, and overall experience.
→ What may still be possible when plans change at short notice.
→ What the booking process actually looks like and why local guidance helps.
Frequently asked questions
How do island transfers work with EXPLR.SX?
We check availability with trusted local operators based on your route, date, and group size. Once options are confirmed, you can secure your transfer with a deposit. The balance is usually paid directly to the operator.
Why do travellers choose private island transfers instead of ferries?
While ferries work well for many travellers, private island transfers offer a different type of experience.
Guests often choose private transfers because they provide:
- Flexible departure times rather than fixed schedules
- Easier travel with luggage and personal belongings
- Direct routing between islands without waiting for the next ferry departure
- Simpler coordination around flights, villas, hotels, and arrival times
- A private experience reserved exclusively for their group
For families, villa guests, groups, and travellers with tighter schedules, the added flexibility and convenience can make a significant difference to the overall journey.
Can you arrange transfers at short notice?
Sometimes, yes. Availability depends on the route, weather conditions, and operator schedules. We’ll always tell you quickly what is realistically possible.
How long do transfers take?
Travel time depends on the route and conditions.
Anguilla crossings are usually around 20–30 minutes.
St Barts transfers take longer and depend more on sea conditions.
Do I need passports or pay additional fees?
For routes like Anguilla or St Barts, passports are required and customs or port fees may apply. We’ll explain everything clearly before confirming your transfer.
What happens if the weather is not suitable?
Safety always comes first. If conditions are not suitable, your captain may adjust timing, route, or reschedule. We’ll guide you through the best option.
Can I bring luggage on a private island transfer?
In most cases, yes.
Private island transfers are often used by travellers moving between hotels, villas, airports, and neighbouring islands, so luggage is usually expected.
However, luggage capacity varies depending on the boat, passenger numbers, sea conditions, and the type of transfer being arranged.
When contacting us, simply let us know:
- Number of passengers
- Number of suitcases or bags
- Any oversized items (golf clubs, sports equipment, strollers, etc.)
We'll confirm what is suitable before you book.
Ready to check island transfer availability?
Tell us your route, date, and number of passengers. We’ll confirm what’s possible with trusted local operators before any payment is taken.
Based on the island. Here to help.
Based in St Martin / St Maarten
Speak to someone who knows the boats
Flexible help before and after booking
EXPLR.SX is based in St Martin / St Maarten and works with a small network of trusted local operators. We match each enquiry with the most suitable private charter option based on your group, route, comfort level, and availability.
Island transfers from St Maarten: routes, timing and options
Island transfers between St Maarten, St Barts and Anguilla
Island transfers from St Maarten are most commonly arranged to nearby destinations such as St Barts and Anguilla. These routes are popular with travellers looking to move between islands quickly without relying on fixed ferry schedules.
Private boat transfers are widely used for both routes, offering a more direct and flexible alternative to shared transport. Anguilla is the closest crossing, while St Barts involves a longer journey across open water and requires more attention to sea conditions.
Because each route has different logistics, availability and timing can vary depending on the day.
Boat transfers from St Maarten: what to expect
Private boat transfers from St Maarten typically depart from marinas such as Simpson Bay, Marigot, or Anse Marcel, depending on your location and conditions.
These transfers are usually arranged as private trips, making them suitable for families, small groups, and travellers with luggage. Unlike shared ferries, private boats allow for flexible departure times and more direct routing.
Conditions on the day can affect both the route and the experience, especially for longer crossings like St Barts.
Travel time and conditions between islands
Travel time for island transfers depends on both distance and sea conditions.
Shorter crossings, such as St Maarten to Anguilla, are usually quick and relatively smooth. Transfers to St Barts take longer and involve more open water, which means conditions can vary more throughout the day.
Captains plan each journey based on weather and sea state to ensure a safe and comfortable crossing.
When to arrange island transfers in advance
Island transfers can often be arranged a few days in advance, but availability depends on demand, operator schedules, and weather conditions.
During busier travel periods, booking ahead is recommended to secure preferred times and routes. However, some flexibility may still be possible, especially for private boat transfers where schedules can adapt.
Checking availability before committing to plans is always the safest approach.
Other ways to travel between islands
In addition to boat transfers, helicopter and private aircraft options are sometimes available for travel between St Maarten, St Barts, and other nearby islands.
These options are generally used for time-sensitive travel or specific routing needs, and depend on operator schedules and availability.
Because they operate differently from boat transfers, they are usually arranged on request rather than booked instantly.
Private island transfers for families and groups
Private boat transfers are especially popular with:
- families traveling with luggage
- groups staying in villas
- travelers coordinating flights
- and guests wanting more flexible travel timing between islands.
Compared to fixed ferry schedules, private transfers often provide a smoother and more direct experience overall.
