We all love island hopping. But when we think of it in the traditional sense, it tends to involve a small prop plane. Of course, island hopping is not limited to the skies. One of the most enjoyable ways to trek the Caribbean is on the region’s many inter-island ferry services. Here are five great Caribbean ferry rides for island hopping. What’s your favourite Caribbean ferry ride?
Above: Roseau
Guadeloupe to Dominica
The stretch of the Caribbean chain from Guadeloupe to St Lucia has some of the region’s best ferry service, led by operator Express Des Iles. One lovely ride is the two-hour jaunt from the French island of Guadeloupe to Dominica. And once you get close to Dominica, the approach to Dominica’s capital, Roseau, is particularly kind to the eyes.
Above: Tortola
St Thomas to Tortola
Going from a US Virgin Island to a British Virgin Island is very simple, and it makes for the best kind of day trip — in either direction.
Above: Anguilla
St Maarten-Anguilla
St Maarten is one of the ferry hubs of the Caribbean, and the short St Maarten-Anguilla service is used by travelers and locals alike. Of course, you’ll probably want to stay in Anguilla beyond the late afternoon return trip.
Above: Port of Spain
Trinidad-Tobago
Tobago is a weekend escape for Trinidadians as much as it is a long-term retreat for travelers, and the 20-mile trip from Trinidad to Tobago is completed in about two and a half hours on the Inter-Island Ferry Service from downtown Port of Spain.
St Lucia to Martinique
It’s always fascinating to go from an English-speaking country to a French-speaking one in just a few hours, and when you get to Martinique, you’ll find that Fort de France is an intoxicating Caribbean metropolis.