Should I book all inter-island transport in advance?

Yes, especially flights. LIAT and Caribbean Airlines have limited routes and planes fill up. Ferries run only 2-3 times per week between some islands, so book ahead or risk being stuck. Only short ferry hops like St. Vincent to Bequia can be booked same-day.

Is it better to use flights or ferries between islands?

Mix both. Flights are faster (30-45 minutes vs 1-3 hours) but cost more ($150-400 vs $80-120). Ferries are scenic and run between St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. Use flights for longer distances like Barbados to Trinidad.

Do I need different currencies for different islands?

Yes. Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) on most English-speaking islands, Euro on French territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe), Trinidad Dollar on Trinidad. Most places accept US dollars but give change in local currency. ATMs available on major islands.

Which islands require the most time?

Trinidad needs 4+ days for its size and cultural complexity. Barbados and Jamaica can fill 3-4 days easily. Smaller islands like Bequia, Carriacou, or Union Island need only 1-2 nights. Dominica deserves 3 days minimum for its hiking opportunities.

What if flights get cancelled between islands?

Very common, especially during hurricane season. Build buffer days into your schedule. LIAT is notorious for delays and cancellations. Have backup ferry options researched. Travel insurance that covers missed connections is essential for Caribbean island-hopping.

How to Plan a 2-Week Lesser Antilles Island-Hopping Itinerary

A 2-week Lesser Antilles island-hopping trip works best visiting 4-5 islands with 2-4 nights each. Start in Barbados or St. Lucia for easy flights, then island-hop north through the Windwards and Leewards using inter-island flights and ferries. Book flights early as routes are limited and expensive.

Choose your entry and exit points. Barbados (BGI) and St. Lucia (UVF) have the most international flights and cheapest fares. Antigua (ANU) and Guadeloupe (PTP) also work but with fewer options. Plan to fly into one and out of another to maximize island coverage.
Select 4-5 islands maximum. More than 5 islands means too much travel time. Good combinations: Barbados-St. Lucia-Martinique-Dominica-Guadeloupe, or St. Lucia-St. Vincent-Grenada-Tobago-Trinidad. Stick to either the Windwards or Leewards chain for easier logistics.
Book inter-island flights first. LIAT and Caribbean Airlines are your main options but routes are limited. Book 2-3 months ahead. Expect $150-400 per flight. Alternative: use ferries between close islands like St. Lucia-Martinique-Dominica ($80-120 each way).
Plan 2-4 nights per island. Smaller islands like Bequia or Carriacou need only 2 nights. Larger islands like Barbados, Jamaica, or Trinidad can handle 3-4 nights. Factor in arrival/departure days - you lose half a day traveling between islands.
Book accommodation early on smaller islands. Popular islands like St. Lucia have plenty of options. Lesser-known islands like Dominica or St. Vincent have limited quality accommodation. Book 6-8 weeks ahead, especially during high season (December-April).
Research ferry schedules and book ahead. Express des Iles runs between St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. Ferries run 3-4 times per week, not daily. Book online at express-des-iles.com. Jeans for Paradise connects SVG islands but schedules change frequently.

Should I book all inter-island transport in advance?: Yes, especially flights. LIAT and Caribbean Airlines have limited routes and planes fill up. Ferries run only 2-3 times per week between some islands, so book ahead or risk being stuck. Only short ferry hops like St. Vincent to Bequia can be booked same-day.
Is it better to use flights or ferries between islands?: Mix both. Flights are faster (30-45 minutes vs 1-3 hours) but cost more ($150-400 vs $80-120). Ferries are scenic and run between St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. Use flights for longer distances like Barbados to Trinidad.
Do I need different currencies for different islands?: Yes. Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) on most English-speaking islands, Euro on French territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe), Trinidad Dollar on Trinidad. Most places accept US dollars but give change in local currency. ATMs available on major islands.
Which islands require the most time?: Trinidad needs 4+ days for its size and cultural complexity. Barbados and Jamaica can fill 3-4 days easily. Smaller islands like Bequia, Carriacou, or Union Island need only 1-2 nights. Dominica deserves 3 days minimum for its hiking opportunities.
What if flights get cancelled between islands?: Very common, especially during hurricane season. Build buffer days into your schedule. LIAT is notorious for delays and cancellations. Have backup ferry options researched. Travel insurance that covers missed connections is essential for Caribbean island-hopping.