One of only four boats of its kind in the world, the $5 million dollar Rapid Explorer, (Sea Shuttle One) ferry was launched on May 1, 2004 and provides first-class transportation between the islands of St. Maarten and St. Barts. The trip to St. Barts from Oyster Pond in St. Maarten takes just 30 to 40 minutes, and the return trip averages 40 minutes.

Due to its technologically advanced catamaran design, the Rapid Explorer, which is propelled on a hydrofoil by environmentally friendly water jets, is extremely stable at sea and the ride to and from St. Barths is safe, reliable and comfortable.

The owners of the Rapid Explorer have spared nothing in their effort to make travelling between St. Barts and St. Maarten as pleasant as can be. Passengers are greeted dockside where the crew carries their luggage on board and safely stows it for the duration of the trip and retrieves it when the Rapid Explorer reaches its duration. The cabin of the Rapid Explorer is spacious and bright and features air conditioning, 150 large airline-type seats, plasma screen DVD players, four well appointed restrooms and even a snack bar!

The Rapid Explorer ferry operates under the flag of the United Kingdom, and both the boat and its crew are certified according to UK maritime laws and regulations. The Rapid Explorer is wheelchair accessible.

Take a look inside the Rapid Explorer-- a 360° panoramic view!