Navire CORAIL Express de 437 places assises.
1 / 10

Bergevin Ferry Terminal

3.7
·2k reviews·Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe

Connects Caribbean islands by sea, offering vehicle transport and scenic views, but be prepared for delays and varied port experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, potentially smoother boarding.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Navire CORAIL Express de 437 places assises.

Bergevin Ferry Terminal

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, potentially smoother boarding.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Connects Caribbean islands by sea, offering vehicle transport and scenic views, but be prepared for delays and varied port experiences.

3.7
(2k reviews)

"Ferry ride itself is fine, but delays and disorganization are common frustrations."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pack for Delays

Delays are common. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment.

⏰ Arrive Early

Allow 1.5 hours for check-in and bag lines, especially at busy ports.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upper Deck Views

Upper Deck Views

Upper Deck

Enjoy unobstructed ocean vistas and fresh air on the non-air-conditioned upper deck. A great spot for photos and soaking in the Caribbean scenery.

Reddit
Onboard Refreshments

Onboard Refreshments

Onboard Shop

A small shop offers snacks and drinks at reasonable prices, a welcome amenity during your journey.

Reddit
Vehicle Transport

Vehicle Transport

Vehicle Deck

Efficiently transport your car between islands like Martinique and Guadeloupe. Staff are helpful with the process.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unpredictability

Ferry schedules can be notoriously unreliable, with significant delays common. Pack patience and consider backup travel plans, like flights, especially for time-sensitive itineraries. Reddit

Port Organization Varies

Expect varying levels of organization at different ports. Roseau is generally well-run, while Castries can have slow lines. Arrive early, at least 1.5 hours before departure, to navigate check-in and bag lines. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, potentially smoother boarding.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon Departures
Why
May see fewer delays than early sailings.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Pack for Delays

Delays are common. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Allow 1.5 hours for check-in and bag lines, especially at busy ports. Reddit

🤢 Motion Sickness Prep

Seasickness is frequent. Staff provide bags, but consider medication. Reddit

📱 Book Online (if possible)

Web booking can be tricky; sometimes only one leg is bookable. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pack for Delays

Delays are common. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Allow 1.5 hours for check-in and bag lines, especially at busy ports. Reddit

🤢 Motion Sickness Prep

Seasickness is frequent. Staff provide bags, but consider medication. Reddit

📱 Book Online (if possible)

Web booking can be tricky; sometimes only one leg is bookable. Reddit

🗣️ Language Barrier

Staff are helpful, but knowing basic French phrases can assist. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for the Bergevin Ferry are mixed, with many travelers highlighting significant delays and inconsistent port organization as major drawbacks. While some appreciate the ability to transport vehicles and enjoy the views from the upper deck, others are frustrated by unreliability, potential onboard odors, and dated facilities. Reddit

"Really not that good. 2 out of 4 ferries I took were too late (1 by one hour and 1 by three hours although for that last one I got a e-mail). The ports are partly really badly organised (Roseau being the exception here as most organised and Castries being the worst organised and having slow lines). Once on the boat all is good there is a small shop with okay prices. On one sailing I got annoyed by another drunk passenger. A lot of seasickness though and one another sailing I was sitting next to another passenger that unfortunately for her had to vomit, not the best smell. The staff is distributing bags so they are prepared. The ship I traveled on had two section down below which is nice cool but has dark windows so the views are a bit obstructed. The upper deck is not climatized but has nice views including an outside deck. Enjoy the nice views here.

You don’t have a lot of alternatives so one probably needs to keep exceptions low."

Patrick Kabouw

"I actually had a pleasant first experience. The staff was helpful even though I don’t speak French & it was easy getting my vehicle from Martinique to Guadeloupe. I deducted one star bc I did see a few roaches and that made me a little nervous but I would 100% book another trip."

KpTheG

"My experience was a nightmare. I was planning to visit 4 islands. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominic and St. Lucia. I try to book my tickets on the web but could just book one and when I was in Martinique they told me there is no tickets from the 21 December to the 26 December so I was stuck there for a week. And the manager of the company is RUDE."

Margarita Aparicio

What People Like

Vehicle transport
Upper deck views
Onboard shop prices

What People Dislike

Frequent delays
Port disorganization
Seasickness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bergevin Ferry Terminal is typically located in the main port areas of the islands it serves, such as Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe or Fort-de-France in Martinique. Access usually involves local taxis or pre-arranged transport from your accommodation. Reddit

Parking availability varies by port. It's advisable to check with the specific port authority or consider using local transport to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

The Bergevin Ferry commonly connects islands like Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, and St. Lucia, though routes can change. Reddit

It's highly recommended to arrive at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled departure due to potential long lines for ticketing and bag check. Reddit

Yes, the Bergevin Ferry accommodates vehicles, making it a convenient option for inter-island travel with your car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can often be purchased online through the ferry company's website, but some travelers report issues with booking multiple legs. Purchasing in person at the terminal is also an option, though lines can be long. Reddit

Ticket prices vary depending on the route and class of travel. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the terminal for current pricing. Reddit

Yes, ferries often have different seating areas, including lower decks which are air-conditioned and upper decks with open-air seating and better views. Reddit

Policies can vary, and it's crucial to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking. Delays are common, but cancellations might have specific procedures. Reddit

Typically, you will need a valid form of identification to board the ferry, especially for international travel between islands. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Departure times can be unpredictable, with significant delays being a common occurrence. It's wise to factor in potential delays when planning your day. Reddit

The onboard experience can be mixed. Some find it pleasant with a small shop, while others note issues like strong odors or dated interiors. The upper deck offers good views. Reddit

The ride can be quite rough, and seasickness is a common issue for many passengers. Staff do provide sickness bags. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available on the ferry. Reddit

The upper deck provides excellent views of the ocean and surrounding islands, especially if you can sit outside. The lower deck has darker windows, obstructing views. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small onboard shop that sells snacks and drinks at reasonable prices. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Reddit

Dining options vary significantly by terminal. Larger ports might have cafes, but it's not guaranteed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The upper deck, especially the outdoor areas, offers the best opportunities for unobstructed photos of the sea and coastline. Reddit

Yes, from the upper deck, you can get great shots of islands as you approach or depart. The lower deck's tinted windows make photography difficult. Reddit

Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing scenic shots of the sea and islands. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Traveling with children on the Bergevin Ferry requires extra preparation due to potential delays and the possibility of seasickness. Pack plenty of snacks and entertainment to keep kids occupied during long waits or the journey itself. Reddit Consider the seating options: the air-conditioned lower deck might be more comfortable for younger children sensitive to heat, but the upper deck offers more space to move around and better views if they enjoy looking out at the sea. Reddit

Be prepared for the possibility of rough seas, which can affect children. Having motion sickness medication on hand is a good idea. The onboard shop offers some refreshments, but bringing your own familiar snacks can be a lifesaver. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Bergevin Ferry can be a more economical option than flying between islands, especially if you are transporting a vehicle. Reddit However, the cost savings must be weighed against the potential for significant delays and the need for flexibility in your travel plans. Reddit

To maximize savings, book tickets in advance if possible, though be aware of potential online booking issues. Bringing your own snacks and drinks onboard can also help reduce expenses, as the onboard shop, while reasonably priced, adds up. Reddit Factor in the cost of getting to and from the ferry terminals, which might involve local buses or shared taxis for the most budget-friendly options.

🚗 Travelers with Vehicles

For those needing to transport a car between islands, the Bergevin Ferry is often the most practical, if not the only, option. The process of loading and unloading vehicles is generally straightforward, with staff assisting. Reddit Ensure you arrive with ample time to navigate the vehicle check-in procedures, which can be part of the overall delay. Reddit

Be aware that the ferry journey can be bumpy, so secure your vehicle properly. The cost of transporting a car should be factored into your budget, as it will be significantly more than a passenger-only ticket. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Ferry Delays and Unreliability

Travelers frequently report significant delays with the Bergevin Ferry, sometimes by hours. This unreliability is a major point of frustration for many. One reviewer noted that a two-hour ferry ride could consume almost an entire day when factoring in required arrival times and delays. Reddit It's crucial to manage expectations and have contingency plans. Consider booking flights as an alternative if punctuality is critical for your itinerary. Reddit

Pro Tip: If you have a tight schedule, try to book the earliest possible ferry of the day, as some suggest these might be less prone to cascading delays. However, even early departures are not immune to significant hold-ups. Reddit

Understanding Port Operations

The efficiency of the Bergevin Ferry experience is heavily influenced by the port operations at each island. Roseau, Dominica, is often cited as being well-organized, while Castries, St. Lucia, is frequently mentioned as having slow lines and disorganization. Reddit This inconsistency means that the time spent waiting to board can vary dramatically. Travelers are advised to arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure to allow ample time for ticketing, bag checks, and boarding procedures, especially at less organized ports. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Be prepared for potential queues and a less-than-smooth check-in process. Patience and early arrival are key to mitigating stress at the ports. Reddit

The Onboard Experience: Comfort and Amenities

Once onboard, the experience can be a mixed bag. Some passengers find the ferry ride itself to be fine, noting the presence of a small shop with reasonably priced items. Reddit However, others have reported issues such as unpleasant odors and dated interiors. Seasickness is a common complaint, with staff providing bags for those who become unwell. Reddit

Seating options typically include air-conditioned lower decks with obstructed views due to tinted windows, and non-air-conditioned upper decks that offer better, unobstructed views of the sea and surrounding islands. Reddit For those who enjoy the scenery, the upper deck is the preferred choice, though it can be warm. Travelers looking for a more comfortable, climate-controlled environment might prefer the lower deck, but will sacrifice the views.

You may also like

1 of 2