We just booked a private boat to St. Barths. I am very concerned about getting sick. I am terrified of flying in small planes so the flight over to there is out of the question. What experiences have people had with taking a boat to the island? Is a private boat smoother than the ferry? When traveling to the island do you see land or do get get deep into the caribbean?

It all depends on the size of the boat, and clearly the weather.

People are routinely sick on the ferry, a lot less so in the private boats in my experience.

The crossing should take you no longer than 45 minutes.

There is pretty much always land in sight. St Maarten and St Barts can be seen from either island and you have Forchue, an uninhabited island, between the two.

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I would recommend taking something - Bonine or dramamine. I did not the last time I took the ferry as it was not a planned thing (missed the Winair) we were all sick. Private boat, of course depends on size and seas. So it is impossible to tell you. If you ever take anything though for seasickness going to SBH is the place to do it. I have sailed there from SXM in various size boats and done power as well. It is just not usually a great trip if you tend to feel bad. GL

I am starting to wonder if the flight is a better option.....Is it pretty scary? Our plane arrives at 3:55pm and the last plane goes at 4:55. I am not sure if that is enough time to catch it. I am not sure what to do....

from what I have heard and read....the ferry is "scarier".

Isnt the Caribbean a lot less wavy than the ocean?

The ferry is way worse -- I grew up on boats in South Florida. I have never been on a worse boat trip than SXM to St Barts. I hate to fly & I booked a flight out of there just so I wouldn't have to get back on the boat. Seriously, I would rather be on the water than anywhere; I would rather NEVER be in the air -- I chose to fly out of St Barts.

yes, the Caribbean coasts have less surf than the Atlantic coasts,although it can get choppy in the Caribbean too.
The wind usually comes from the east so when you go to St. Barth's from St. maarten, you are heading into the wind which makes the ride rougher. However, sometimes the ride is not bad at all..it just depends...
The ride back to St. maarten is usually a piece of cake.

Tuleppy-I suffer terribly from motion sickness and last year we were lucky enough to cruise the area on our friend's yacht. I took Less Drowsy Dramamine and amazingly felt GREAT the whole time! Such a relief. The trip one way (can't remember which) between St. Barts and St. Martin was extremely choppy. But again I was in great shape-I wish the same for you!