How to Visit Saint Martin, Anguilla & St Barths in One Trip

There’s something magical about island hopping in the Caribbean especially when you can visit three different countries without changing your home base. During our recent family trip, we discovered that Saint Martin (split between French and Dutch territories) makes the perfect launching point for day trips to both Anguilla and Saint Barthélemy. This is your guide on How to Visit Saint Martin, Anguilla & St Barths in One Trip

In just a week, we experienced three distinct Caribbean islands, each with its own currency, culture, and charm.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own three-country Caribbean adventure.

Saint Martin island hopping

This blog breaks down exactly how we planned it, where we stayed, how to book the ferries, what to know before you go, and how to make this trip feel smooth instead of overwhelming.

Do these before your trip

Before your trip begins, here are some things you should do. This is not just specific to Saint Martin, but travel in general.

• Download an eSim so you have internet access throughout the island. I got Airalo as usual and it worked so seamlessly everywhere. Here is a link to get yours. Use code JESSIC6325 when you sign up or check out for some complimentary credits.
• Buy travel insurance. Saint Martin is safe but you still need to be prepared and protect yourself. In general, don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, including on your trip to Saint Martin. Here’s the travel insurance I use.

How to Visit Saint Martin, Anguilla & St Barths in One Trip

Why Saint Martin Is the Perfect Base

Saint Martin is uniquely positioned in the northeastern Caribbean, making it incredibly accessible to neighboring islands. The island itself is split between two countries:

• Dutch side (Sint Maarten) – lively, energetic, resorts, nightlife
• French side (Saint-Martin) – slower pace, great food, chic cafés

This means you’re technically already experiencing two countries just by staying here. Add in easy ferry access to Anguilla and Saint Barthélemy, and you’ve got yourself an efficient island-hopping itinerary that doesn’t require constant hotel changes or dealing with multiple airports.

It’s also the transport hub for nearby islands, which makes it ideal for day trips to Anguilla and St. Barth.

Our 5-Day Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Arrive + settle into Saint Martin
• Day 2: Day trip to Anguilla
• Day 3: Explore Saint Martin
• Day 4: Day trip to St. Barth
• Day 5: Relaxed Saint Martin day

Saint Martin was the base for the entire trip, which made everything easier.

Where to Stay in Saint Martin

We stayed at The Hills Residence in Saint Martin, which provided the perfect home base for our island-hopping adventure. Having a comfortable place to return to each evening meant we could pack light for our day trips and really settle in rather than constantly moving hotels.
When choosing where to stay in Saint Martin, consider proximity to the ferry terminals if you’re planning day trips. The French side tends to be quieter and more laid-back, while the Dutch side has more nightlife and casino action.

The Hills Residence is very close to restaurants and shops, Captain Rib Shack, one of my favorite restaurants in St Martin was only about a 10 minute walk from the place.

Why it worked well:

• Central location
• Spacious and comfortable for longer stays
• Easy access to ports and restaurants
• Quiet enough to actually rest between day trips

If you’re planning to move around like we did, prioritize location and comfort over hopping hotels.

Day 1: Arrival & Settling Into Saint Martin

We flew into the Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) from Toronto, Canada via Westjet. It was about a 4 hour 30 minute direct flight and we were transported from the snow to the sun. Even though Westjet delayed our flight multiple times, the flight itself was smooth and straightforward. I love that St Martin has many direct flights from the US & Canada.

Use your first day to get oriented, settle into your accommodation, and recover from travel. Saint Martin operates on Atlantic Standard Time, and you’ll notice the island uses both euros (French side) and US dollars (Dutch side), though most places accept both currencies.

Key tip: Stock up on cash early. While many restaurants and larger establishments accept cards, you’ll need cash for ferries, departure taxes, and smaller vendors.

What We Did

• Checked in and unpacked properly
• Dinner at Captain’s Rib Shack
• Leisure time resting and taking in the view

Day 2: Anguilla Day Trip

Anguilla day trip from Saint Martin

Anguilla was one of the easiest and most relaxing day trips of the entire vacation. It was truly breathtaking and may be my favorite island of the three. The water is so blue and relaxing with the softest sand to dip your toes in. I recommend a relaxing day here with no agenda.

Anguilla is also just a short 20-minute ferry ride from Saint Martin, making it the perfect day trip. The island is a British Overseas Territory known for its pristine white sand beaches and upscale-yet-relaxed vibe.

How to Get to Anguilla from Saint Martin

The public ferry departs from Marigot on the French side of Saint Martin. We caught an early morning ferry (around 9:00-9:30 AM) to maximize our day in Anguilla. Ferries run multiple times throughout the day, and we returned on the second-to-last ferry in the evening.

• Departure point: Marigot (French side)
• Ferry: Public ferry. Cost $30 USD per adult one way. Both ways cost $60 USD per adult.
• Travel time: About 25–30 minutes

We took an early morning ferry (around 9:00–9:30am) and returned on one of the last ferries back, which gave us a full day on the island.

Saint Martin to Anguilla Ferry Guide

• Bring cash
• For tickets to Anguilla, you cannot reserve the public ferry in advance. You have to buy it at ferry terminal.
• The ferry ride itself is paid in cash directly on the boat. Someone will come around to collect payment during the crossing
• Departure tax: You also pay a departure tax in cash. The departure tax is about $28 USD per adult. Bring small bills
• Passport: Don’t forget it. You’re crossing international borders.
• Currency: Anguilla uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), though US dollars are widely accepted

This is one of those moments where having small bills matters.

What We Did in Anguilla

We kept things intentionally chill in Anguilla, embracing the island’s laid-back energy. Our main stop was Savi Beach Club, where we spent a relaxing day soaking up the sun and enjoying the beachfront atmosphere. Anguilla is known for having some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, so even just posting up at a beach club for the day is time well spent.

The beauty of a day trip is that you can customize it to your pace. Whether that’s beach club hopping, exploring multiple beaches, or simply unwinding at one perfect spot.

• Relaxed at Savi Beach Club. Budget wise, I would say Savi Beach Club’s menu is mid-range. The food is good though. And when you order food from them, you get access to beach chairs so you can eat first and then spend the rest of your time at the beach taking in the views and relaxing.
• Beach time, food, drinks, zero rushing

Anguilla feels polished, calm, and truly relaxing. Perfect contrast to Saint Martin’s energy.

Moving around in Anguilla

We had a driver Daryl take us around Anguilla for the day. He ended up being affordable and better than if we had gotten individual taxis every time we wanted to move around. Daryl’s number is +1-264-476-6718. Alternatively, you can rent a car but we didn’t want to deal with driving around and also just in case someone wanted to drink, they weren’t restricted.

Day 3: Exploring Saint Martin

This day was all about enjoying Saint Martin itself.

After a day trip, we dedicated Day 3 to exploring our home base. Saint Martin has plenty to keep you busy, from beaches to dining to the unique experience of watching planes land at Maho Beach.

Must-Do Experience: Maho Beach
No trip to Saint Martin is complete without visiting Maho Beach on the Dutch side. This famous beach sits at the end of Princess Juliana International Airport’s runway, meaning you can watch (and feel!) massive planes flying just overhead as they land. It’s thrilling, slightly terrifying, and completely unforgettable. The beach gets packed during big plane arrivals, so check the flight schedule posted at the beach bars to time your visit.

What We Did

• Breakfast at Reveil – easily one of the best meals of the trip
• Headed to Maho Beach to watch planes land and take off
• Catch the sunset at Mullet Bay
• Dinner at JAX Steakhouse

What We Loved

• Driving around the island
• Watching planes land and take off at Maho Beach
• Experiencing both the French and Dutch sides
• Letting the day unfold naturally without strict plans

Saint Martin rewards flexibility. Some of the best moments happen when you’re not rushing.

Moving around in Saint Martin

I believe the best way to move around if you are there for a few days is to rent a car. As we were island hopping and only had two full days in Saint Martin while staying centrally, we decided to just get a driver to take us around. Our taxi guy’s number is 721-553-7953. As always, if you contact him, please be respectful.

Where to Eat in Saint Martin

One of the highlights of basing yourself in Saint Martin is the incredible food scene, influenced by both French and Dutch cultures.

• Reveil: Start your day here. This breakfast spot completely won us over with fresh, delicious options that fueled us for a full day of exploring. Note that this is CASH ONLY but the food is so good. Check out the glowing reviews. I didn’t see this place talked about online and I stumbled on it as it is only a 3 minute walk from The Hills Residence but the food here was fantastic.
• Jax Steakhouse: Perfect for a special dinner out with excellent steaks and a great atmosphere
• Captain’s Rib Shack: For a more casual vibe, this local favorite serves up fantastic ribs and Caribbean flavors

The French side is particularly known for its culinary scene, with everything from beachside lolos (local BBQ shacks) to upscale French restaurants. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond your usual comfort zone.

Day 4: St. Barth Day Trip

Saint Barthélemy, affectionately called St. Barths is the most upscale of the three islands, known for its French Riviera vibe, designer shopping, and stunning beaches. Like Anguilla, it’s accessible by ferry from Saint Martin.

St. Barth felt like stepping into a completely different world. It’s very Europe meets Caribbean in a good way. Definitely felt like being in the South of France. Truly enjoyed our time there.

Getting to St. Barth

Ferries to St. Barths depart from the French side of Saint Martin (typically from Marigot). The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on sea conditions and which part of St. Barths you’re heading to.

Saint Martin to St Barths Ferry: Everything You Need to Know

• Ferry from Saint Martin
• Book in advance, especially during high season. Unlike the Anguilla ferry where you can’t book tickets in advance, with St Barths you have to. You must book your tickets at least 24 hours before. We booked on StMartinBookings.com and got the Voyager Ferry. It cost $88 USD round trip.
• Short but scenic ride. Keep in mind, it does get VERY bumpy. Try sitting in the middle of the ferry to make it a little easier.
• Passport required.

What We Did

We spent our day at Gypsea Beach Club, which perfectly captured the chic-yet-relaxed St. Barths energy. The island is more upscale than both Saint Martin and Anguilla, with a distinctly French feel in everything from the architecture to the cuisine.
Even on a day trip, you’ll notice St. Barths has a different vibe. It’s more polished, more European, and yes, generally more expensive. But it’s absolutely worth experiencing, even if just for a day.

• Beach club lunch at Gypsea Beach Club
• Walked around and soaked in the atmosphere
• Explored Gustavia town for some shopping.

St. Barth is polished, stylish, and very curated. A day trip is perfect if you want the experience without committing to the prices.

Day 5: Final Day in Saint Martin

Use your last day to hit anything you missed, revisit favorite spots, or simply relax before your departure. We found that having this buffer day took the pressure off trying to cram everything into the previous days.

Consider exploring different beaches, trying another restaurant you’ve been eyeing, or just enjoying the pool at your accommodation. Sometimes the best travel memories come from unplanned moments.

Our last day was intentionally slow.

• Sleep in
• One last good breakfast
• Final beach moments
• Pack without stress

This is why using one island as a base matters. You don’t end your trip exhausted.

Things to Know Before You Go

Money Matters: The currency situation can feel confusing, but here’s what you need to know:

• Saint Martin (French side): Euros preferred, USD widely accepted
• Sint Maarten (Dutch side): USD and Netherlands Antillean guilder, euros accepted
• Anguilla: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), USD widely accepted
• St. Barths: Euros

Critical: Bring more cash than you think you’ll need. Many places accept cards, but you’ll definitely need cash for:

• Ferry rides
• Departure taxes
• Smaller restaurants and beach shacks
• Tips
• Taxis

Documents

• Passport: Absolutely essential. You’re crossing international borders between countries/territories
• Return ferry tickets: Print or have digital confirmation ready
• Accommodation details: Keep these handy for immigration

Getting Around

• Saint Martin: Rent a car for maximum flexibility, or use taxis (agree on price before getting in)
• Anguilla & St. Barths: Taxis are readily available at ferry terminals, or you can arrange for a rental car on the island if you want to explore more independently
• We got drivers in those places and here are their contact information:

Best Time to Visit

The peak season runs from December through April when the weather is dry and pleasant. We visited in December during the holidays and the weather was absolutely glorious. While it was a bit crowded in Saint Martin, both Anguilla and St Barths were less crowded. If you prefer, you can also consider going during the off-season as it offers better deals but comes with higher heat, humidity, and hurricane risk.

• December to April is ideal for weather
• Expect higher prices during peak season

Getting Around

• Renting a car in Saint Martin makes everything easier
• Ferries handle island hopping

What to Pack for Day Trips

Keep it light so you can move freely in these places.

• Beach bag
• Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
• Swimsuit and cover-up
• Towel (some beach clubs provide them)
• Cash in different currencies
• Passport
• Phone/camera
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks (especially if traveling with kids)
• Light jacket (ferry crossings can be windy and cool)

Is Three Countries in One Trip Worth It?

Absolutely. I’d say it was perfect for us.

This three-country itinerary works beautifully if you:

• Want to experience different Caribbean vibes without constantly changing hotels
• Enjoy day trips and don’t mind early mornings
• Are comfortable with ferry travel
• Want to maximize your vacation time by seeing multiple destinations efficiently
• Appreciate both beach relaxation and light exploring

It might not be ideal if you:

• Prefer to deeply explore one destination (I usually do but since its the islands with beaches, I don’t mind this).
• Get severe motion sickness
• Want a completely unstructured vacation
• Prefer to avoid early wake-ups

Each island felt distinct:

• Saint Martin: Variety, food, energy
• Anguilla: Calm, beaches, slow luxury
• St. Barth: Chic, stylish, elevated

Using Saint Martin as your base keeps the trip efficient, affordable, and enjoyable.

If you want a Caribbean trip that feels layered without being overwhelming, this itinerary is a win.

Final thoughts

And that’s how to visit Saint Martin, Anguilla & St Barths in one trip. Island hopping from Saint Martin gave us the best of multiple worlds. French sophistication, Dutch convenience, British colonial charm, and three distinctly different beach experiences. The ability to wake up in the same bed each morning while exploring three countries made the trip feel both adventurous and relaxing.

The key to making this work is embracing the laid-back Caribbean pace while also being organized about ferry schedules and cash needs. Plan the logistics, then let yourself be flexible with everything else.

Whether you’re watching planes roar overhead at Maho Beach, lounging at a chic beach club in St. Barths, or unwinding on Anguilla’s pristine shores, this corner of the Caribbean offers something truly special and you can experience it all without the stress of constantly packing and unpacking.

Want more? Check out my other free travel guides here.

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