We are taking a 6.40am flight from London Heathrow, connecting in Paris and arriving in St Martin just before 2pm. The thought of then having to take a cab to the other side of the island to then take a boat just kills me - we booked the Funtime shuttle and shall spend an hour or so waiting for the boat with a cocktail or too. Far more civilised way to start a holiday!

It's a personal choice whether or not to take the public ferry or one of the private shuttles. We have used the public ferry many, many times with no problem. And actually last trip, Feb. 08, Funtime was at the airport meeting folks at the same time we were getting into a taxi to Marigot. When the public ferry docked in Blowing Point, Funtime was also just docking. So, if you want personalized service for a price, go for it. We prefer not to have to worry about our flights being on time wondering if we'll miss our reservation. We get to Marigot (takes 20-30 min.) when we get there and take the next ferry, or the one that is already docked and loading. Much more relaxing for us. And we use the saved money for an extra dinner out at one of Anguilla's outstanding restaurants. It's entirely a personal preference.

Pj

Plus, if you go on the public ferry, you get to take a cab ride through St. Maarten and see some of the island. Maybe see a place or two you want to check out. You don't have to worry about keeping the reservations or rushing if you decide to stop somewhere. For one person, the extra may be worth it but if you got 4 or more people you're probably paying an extra $150. It depends on what you're used to and how you like to vacation. The shortest route isn't always the sweetest!!!...nor the most scenic.

Me and 4 girlfriends are heading to Anguilla for Memorial Weekend (YIPPEE).

I've been there several times and did not find it difficult to take a taxi to Marigot and hop on the ferry for $12. Just think, for the price of one person on FunTime, you can purchase tickets for 5 people. I say save the funds for food, massage or great jewelry shopping in St. Maarten.

I realize it will feel like a very long day; just think about the tranquility you will enjoy once you arrive at your destination.

there are other options to get from SXM to AXA. Check out Shauna.

http://www.best-stmartin.com/Typ_32.asp?typID=177&catID=32

The Shauna looks like a good deal. The Link Ferries are even cheaper and they offer service from Juliana to Anguilla also. As far as I know, they book reservations and leave when everybody's aboard. So even if you're scheduled to leave @ 5, if everybody's on the boat by 4 you're good to go. I've never used them though so can't speak from experience.

I will post about Link Ferries when we return.

They say they will meet us with a sign at the baggage area in SXM and walk us to the boat. We leave when everyone is on the boat.

We are traveling from Binghamton, NY and have only one connection. You do give your flight number and stuff so they are aware of any delays.

Plus, we pay in cash when we get there. So, if we have to make other arrangements, we aren't really out anything

Oh and Link Ferries are $50.00 PP..The website info is outdated

Thanks for all of the responses. We're still undecided but are leaning towards the public ferry or the other alternatives suggested here. What concerns me about the public ferry is that we can't make reservations, so I don't want to end up in a situation where the ferry is full and our already long day gets even longer as we wait for an available ferry. I just don't have a sense of how crowded the public ferries are.