We were surprised to find that flying to Martinique from St Lucia was actually cheaper than taking the boat. We’re not sure why – but we heard that the boat is an all-inclusive drink all you want party boat, which would explain it. The flight was a short island hop that left from the local airport in Castries, George F L Charles.
We flew LIAT air. They were 3 hours late leaving for a 20 minute leave (which is pretty average for them), but at least the airport has free wi-fi.
Social Share
7 Comments
CalixteFebruary 9, 2009 at 1:43 am
There is in fact a fast-ferry that runs daily to Martinique. The travel time is one hour and it is definitely cheaper than flying. There are different sized vessels, the smallest of which I believe holds about 150+ persons. The seats are comfortable though I think the journey is best enjoyed on the top deck, where seating is also available, out in the open where you’re afforded the wonderful coastal views.
The same ferry company also services the other two Francophone islands of Dominica and Guadeloupe.
Thanks for the information. What is the name of this company? The only boats we found out about were “party boats” with unlimited drink on board (and quite expensive – more expensive than flying!)
I know this was posted a long time ago, but I was wondering whether you have the answer to the name of the company. I am joining a sailing boat in St Lucia this January, and will be on it until Martinique. I then need to get a return passage to St Lucia somehow, for the cheapest possible price! Currently working out budgets, so would be very grateful for any responses.
It seems Express des Iles does run that route. Right now I don’t seem to be able to get the English version of their site to work, but here’s the link to the French version. http://www.express-des-iles.com We used them to get from Martinique to Dominica. But you might want to check airfare – we found it was sometimes cheaper! Good luck and let us know how it goes!
we are traveling to Martinique with my family and 2 little dogs via St lucia and are wondering what is the best way to go from one island to another since lexpress des iles told me on the phone they do not accept dogs….thank-you to answer if you have any idea, as well as ARE DOGS ACCEPTED IN ST LUCIA?
Sorry, didnt catch the earlier requests but the company as alluded to by the last comment is L’Express Des Illes. It services the four Francophone islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and Saint Lucia. The service is very regular to Martinique-Saint Lucia (once a day usually) but then if connecting, there is not always a continuous service all the way up, say Saint Lucia-Dominica or Saint Lucia-Guadeloupe so check the schedules at http://www.express-des-iles.com/#. A little French would be useful as the English version of the website seems not to work. As for animals, there are often quarantine issues which may apply so in terms of Saint Lucia I’d suggest calling the local authorities, Quarantine Desk 1-758-468-4130. Good luck!
It is a big pleasure for me to visit your site and to enjoy your wonderful articles here. I like that very much. I understand that you paid much attention for those posts, as all of them make sense and are very useful. Thank you for sharing. I can be very good reader & listener. Appreciate your work!
There is in fact a fast-ferry that runs daily to Martinique. The travel time is one hour and it is definitely cheaper than flying. There are different sized vessels, the smallest of which I believe holds about 150+ persons. The seats are comfortable though I think the journey is best enjoyed on the top deck, where seating is also available, out in the open where you’re afforded the wonderful coastal views.
The same ferry company also services the other two Francophone islands of Dominica and Guadeloupe.
[Reply]
Ian replied on February 11th, 2009 11:32 pm:
Thanks for the information. What is the name of this company? The only boats we found out about were “party boats” with unlimited drink on board (and quite expensive – more expensive than flying!)
[Reply]
I know this was posted a long time ago, but I was wondering whether you have the answer to the name of the company. I am joining a sailing boat in St Lucia this January, and will be on it until Martinique. I then need to get a return passage to St Lucia somehow, for the cheapest possible price! Currently working out budgets, so would be very grateful for any responses.
[Reply]
Wendy replied on November 1st, 2010 4:07 pm:
It seems Express des Iles does run that route. Right now I don’t seem to be able to get the English version of their site to work, but here’s the link to the French version. http://www.express-des-iles.com We used them to get from Martinique to Dominica. But you might want to check airfare – we found it was sometimes cheaper! Good luck and let us know how it goes!
[Reply]
we are traveling to Martinique with my family and 2 little dogs via St lucia and are wondering what is the best way to go from one island to another since lexpress des iles told me on the phone they do not accept dogs….thank-you to answer if you have any idea, as well as ARE DOGS ACCEPTED IN ST LUCIA?
[Reply]
Sorry, didnt catch the earlier requests but the company as alluded to by the last comment is L’Express Des Illes. It services the four Francophone islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and Saint Lucia. The service is very regular to Martinique-Saint Lucia (once a day usually) but then if connecting, there is not always a continuous service all the way up, say Saint Lucia-Dominica or Saint Lucia-Guadeloupe so check the schedules at http://www.express-des-iles.com/#. A little French would be useful as the English version of the website seems not to work. As for animals, there are often quarantine issues which may apply so in terms of Saint Lucia I’d suggest calling the local authorities, Quarantine Desk 1-758-468-4130. Good luck!
[Reply]
It is a big pleasure for me to visit your site and to enjoy your wonderful articles here. I like that very much. I understand that you paid much attention for those posts, as all of them make sense and are very useful. Thank you for sharing. I can be very good reader & listener. Appreciate your work!
[Reply]