How to Hop Around Four Caribbean Islands on One Ferry

One morning you’re sipping coffee on the veranda of a Nevisian inn, the slopes of Nevis Peak rising in the distance. The next, you’re on Saba, winding along its mountain roads toward a trailhead that leads to the clouds. A few days later, you’re exploring the quiet lanes of St. Eustatius, before ending your journey in the bright cafés and beach clubs of St. Maarten.

The multi-destination program officially launched at the end of last month at the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, marking a milestone in regional cooperation among six tourism authorities: St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and St. Martin. The concept is built around the Makana Ferry, which links these neighboring islands through regular, scenic crossings, allowing travelers to experience the Caribbean’s variety without ever boarding a plane.

Redefining Island-Hopping

Delegates marked the launch with a multi-island voyage, beginning in St. Maarten and continuing through Saba, Statia, and St. Kitts, each stop celebrating a shared vision of connection and sustainable growth. “This initiative is proof of what’s possible when we move beyond borders,” said representatives of the participating tourism boards in a joint statement provided to Caribbean Journal. “By working together as one Caribbean family, we not only enhance the visitor experience but also strengthen the ties that bind our islands together.”

For travelers, the appeal is clear: each island offers a distinct rhythm and character. St. Kitts brings a mix of lively beaches, historic sites, and easygoing charm. Nevis exudes understated luxury and intimacy, its beaches lined with small inns and plantation-style resorts. Saba remains one of the Caribbean’s last untouched outposts, famed for its hiking and diving. Statia offers cultural depth, from its restored 17th-century fort to its living Afro-Caribbean heritage. And St. Maarten/St. Martin, long a culinary and shopping hub, ties it all together with its blend of Dutch and French influences.

The initiative also aims to encourage longer stays and greater regional spending — a model that tourism leaders hope will strengthen local economies across multiple destinations. By creating shared marketing, booking platforms, and cooperative transportation, 4 Islands, One Escape represents a new kind of regional storytelling — one that frames the Caribbean as a network of connected experiences rather than a collection of standalone resorts.

Travelers can now begin booking routes and stays through the Makana Escape platform, which will continue to expand with more partners, including boutique hotels, resorts, and local tour operators.

With the turquoise waters of the Caribbean as its backdrop, 4 Islands, One Escape offers not just convenience, but a rare chance to experience the region’s diversity — island by island, day by day.

Inside the Experience

The Makana Ferry runs scheduled routes that make it easy to design your own itinerary. You could start in St. Kitts, hop to Nevis for a few quiet days, cross to Saba for diving or hiking, then stop in Statia before finishing in St. Maarten — all with one integrated booking system.

Accommodations range from boutique inns and guesthouses to full-service resorts, with each island offering its own blend of local food, culture, and scenery. The program’s official site, makanaescape.com, offers sample itineraries, lodging options, and travel details.

How to Book

Bookings are now open through the Makana Escape platform, which packages ferry routes, hotels, and local experiences into one journey. More participating partners are expected to join in the months ahead, expanding the network and adding themed escapes — from culinary weekends to eco-travel adventures.

By linking five destinations in one itinerary, 4 Islands, One Escape isn’t just simplifying travel. It’s reimagining the Caribbean as a connected region — one that rewards curiosity and invites travelers to explore beyond a single shoreline.