Is island hopping by boat easy?

It is scenic but unreliable. Flights are faster, while ferries provide a better 'local' experience but are prone to cancellation due to rough seas.

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While hotels take cards, small taxis, markets, and water taxis operate strictly on Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD) or USD cash.

Island Hopping the Eastern Caribbean in 10 Days

Focus on the 'hub' islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada to minimize travel time. Use a mix of regional airlines like LIAT or inter-island ferries to bridge the gaps without burning your entire trip in transit hubs.

Book an Open-Jaw Flight. Fly into Hewanorra International (UVF) in St. Lucia and fly home out of Maurice Bishop International (GND) in Grenada. This prevents you from wasting a full day backtracking.
Secure Regional Flights Early. Regional airlines in the Caribbean are prone to delays and sell out. Book flights between islands (e.g., St. Lucia to St. Vincent) at least 6 weeks in advance.
Verify Ferry Schedules. For closer islands, use the Osprey Express ferry. Check their website weekly; schedules change based on season and weather.
Pack Carry-On Only. Small regional propeller planes have strict weight limits. Keep your bag under 15 lbs to avoid checked bag fees and long waits at tiny island airports.

Is island hopping by boat easy?: It is scenic but unreliable. Flights are faster, while ferries provide a better 'local' experience but are prone to cancellation due to rough seas.
Do I need to carry cash?: Yes. While hotels take cards, small taxis, markets, and water taxis operate strictly on Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD) or USD cash.