Is it better to fly or ferry between islands?

Ferries are generally more reliable and cheaper if the distance is under 50 miles. Use flights only for longer jumps (e.g., St. Lucia to Antigua).

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While USD is widely accepted, you will get a better rate paying in local Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD). Always carry small bills for local buses and water taxis.

How to Island-Hop the Lesser Antilles in Two Weeks

Focus on three islands maximum to avoid spending your entire trip on small regional planes. Use a mix of regional airlines like LIAT or inter-island ferries for the short hops between islands within the same group.

Choose your cluster. The Lesser Antilles are long. Don't try to see them all. Pick either the Northern Leeward Islands (Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis) or the Southern Windward Islands (St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada) to minimize travel time.
Book regional flights early. Regional flights are notoriously unreliable and expensive. Use Caribbean Airlines or inter-island prop-plane services like Winair. Book these at least 3 months in advance as flights are small and fill up quickly.
Use ferries for short distances. If you are in the Windward islands, take the L'Express des Iles ferry between islands like Martinique, St. Lucia, and Dominica. It is often cheaper and more reliable than flying for short segments.
Limit your transit days. Assign exactly one 'transit day' per island jump. Factor in that regional flights often get delayed; never book a flight on the same day you have a major excursion or an international departure.

Is it better to fly or ferry between islands?: Ferries are generally more reliable and cheaper if the distance is under 50 miles. Use flights only for longer jumps (e.g., St. Lucia to Antigua).
Do I need to carry cash?: Yes. While USD is widely accepted, you will get a better rate paying in local Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD). Always carry small bills for local buses and water taxis.