Though traffic can be heavy, road speeds are generally slow, so a moped can be a good way to get around. Parking is easy, filling the tank with gas is affordable, and you've got that sea breeze in your hair. Scooters rent for as low as EUR25 per day and motorbikes for EUR37 a day at Eugene Moto, on the French side. At Go Scoot the bikes are in good repair and the counter clerks are helpful. If you're in the mood for a more substantial bike, contact the Harley-Davidson dealer, on the Dutch side, where you can rent a big hog for $150 a day or $900 per week.

Information

Eugene Moto (Sandy Ground Rd., Sandy Ground. PHONE: 590/87-13-97). Go Scoot (20 Airport Rd., Simpson Bay. PHONE: 599/544-3233). Harley-Davidson (Cole Bay. PHONE: 599/544-2704, www.h-dstmartin.com).

The Voyager II offers daily service from Marigot to St. Barths Tuesday through Saturday. The cost for the 75-minute ride is EUR52 if the return is the same day or EUR65 if it's on different days. The price includes an open bar, snacks, and port fees; children under 12 travel for about half-price. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get to St. Barths on the new Rapid Explorer, a high-speed catamaran, which departs from the Chesterfield Marina (EUR89 round-trip). High-speed passenger ferries Edge I and Edge II motor from Simpson Bay's Pelican Marina to Saba on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in just an hour ($65 round-trip) and to St. Barths on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday in 45 minutes ($50 round-trip, plus $7 port fee). The trips depart at 9 and return by 5 the same day. The Link ferries make the 20-minute trip between the Marigot piers, on the Marigot waterfront, and Blowing Point, on Anguilla, departing and returning every half-hour from 8 AM until 7 PM daily. The fare is $10 one-way plus $3 departure tax, or $26 round-trip.

Information

Edge II (PHONE: 599/544-2640) Link Ferries (PHONE: 264/497-2231 or 264/497-3290, www.link.ai). Rapid Explorer (PHONE: 590/27-60-33, www.sbhonline.com/Rapid_Explorer.htm). Voyager II (PHONE: 590/87-10-68, www.voyager-st-barths.com).

Most people rent a car so they can more easily reach both islands and interesting beaches. Rates, in general, are low for the Caribbean -- between $40 and $70 a day with unlimited mileage for a subcompact car. You can rent a car on the French side, but this rarely makes sense for Americans because of the unfavorable exchange rates for the euro.

Most roads are paved and in generally good condition. However, they can be narrow and often crowded, especially when the cruise ships are in port. Be alert for potholes and speed bumps, as well as the island tradition of stopping in the middle of the road to chat with a friend or let someone into traffic. Few roads are identified by name, so use a map and follow destination signs. International symbols are used.

Information

Avis (PHONE: 599/545-2847 or 590/87-50-60). Budget (PHONE: 599/545-4030 or 590/87-38-22). Dollar (PHONE: 599/545-3281). Hertz (PHONE: 599/545-4541 or 590/87-38-00). Unity Car Rental (PHONE: 599/557-6760; 800/836-4529 in U.S.).

The government regulates taxi rates. You can hail cabs on the street or call the Dutch taxi dispatch on the Dutch side. On the French side of the island, the minimum rate for a taxi is $4, $2 for each additional passenger. Contact the French taxi dispatch for pickups. There's a taxi service at the Marigot port near the tourist information bureau. Fixed fares apply from Juliana International Airport and the Marigot ferry to the various hotels around the island. Fares are 25% higher between 10 PM and midnight, 50% higher between midnight and 6 AM.

Information

Dutch taxi dispatch (PHONE: 147). French taxi dispatch (PHONE: 590/87-56-54).