Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Taking the Great Bay Express Ferry from

Sint Maarten to St. Barth

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Billy and I have never been to St. Barth.

Since we have been staying on Sint Maarten and there was an express ferry available, we decided to go to the island of the "rich and famous" for a few days. 

Which is appropriate for us... and who knew, after 35 years of retirement, we'd be rubbing shoulders with the stars?

The day before we were to leave, Billy walked to the Express Ferry Office to get our tickets.

It was $230USD round trip for the two of us to take the ferry St. Maarten – St. Barth – St. Maarten which seemed reasonable enough.

So off we go!

The schedule for the ferry

The next morning.

Even though we already purchased tickets, we were told to be at the dock an hour before the ferry took off.

All packed and ready to go, we walked down to the harbor, over the little bridge and into the office. We had our receipts for the tickets, but needed to present our passports and get the physical tickets themselves.

Our tickets

We waited in a gazebo for about half an hour then walked back to the entrance where the ferry would arrive.

Inside the ferry

The Ferry seats about 66, but there weren't that many people in line.

It seemed to take forever for the passengers to de-board the arriving ferry and get their passports approved.

In fact, we were about 30 minutes late in boarding.

Pulling out of Sint Maarten

Due to my issue with seasickness, I had taken half a Dramamine and put my electric Relief Band bracelet on to prevent any problems.

We went through the line to have our passports approved and stamped out of Sint Maarten. Then we boarded the ferry.

The worker told us that we would definitely get seasick, due to rough seas and the bouncing of the boat, and if that were an issue, then to please sit outside.

Oh boy.

Leaving Sint Maarten, it's peaceful so far...

Instead, we chose to sit in the air conditioning of the central part of the ferry.

The worker had been right in that the ferry ride between islands was VERY ROUGH – and rougher than Billy or I had anticipated.

Looking out the ferry window

 However, (thank GOD) my bracelet and Dramamine combination worked for me, and I easily survived the 45 minute ride between the islands.

If you don't suffer from motion sickness, consider yourself to be blessed.

Coming into Port Gustavia

Gustavia Harbor in St. Barth is named after King Gustav III of Sweden.

Sweden had control of the island from 1784–1878.

Gustavia became a key free port under Swedish rule, thriving during the Napoleonic Wars due to its neutral status.

But St. Barth is now a part of what is called the Francophone Caribbean.

Our hotel is on this street

Once we arrived, we waited in line to get our passports stamped into St. Barth.

Then we walked out the door, took a left out of the port, then another left to walk to the Sunset Hotel.

This was to be our home for the next few days. 

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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