Ratgeber
Getting to a private island: flight, boat, transfer
The journey usually consists of a long-haul flight, a connecting flight and a transfer by seaplane or boat, which is often only possible in daylight. Time buffers and luggage limits matter. Private Islands is a Swiss travel agency offering advice by video call and plans the chain with you from the first link to the last.
Von Private Islands, Stand
Schritt für Schritt
- Clarify the destination airport and onward transfer
- Match your arrival time to daylight-only transfers
- Check the luggage limits of the transfer type
- Plan an overnight stay before or after the transfer
- Confirm pick-up and the name sign
- Plan the return journey with a buffer before your flight
Checkliste
- Flight times and connections checked
- Transfer type confirmed
- Luggage weight limit asked
- Daylight window respected
- Extra night in case of delay clarified
- Entry documents ready
- Resort contact number noted
- Return buffer planned
The journey to a private island consists of several links. Each one has its own rules and timings. If you understand the chain in advance, you arrive more relaxed and avoid unnecessary waiting.
The journey as a chain
A private island is rarely right next to an international airport. The long-haul flight is usually followed by a connecting flight or a transfer to the harbour. After that, a boat or seaplane takes you to the island. Even over short distances the same applies: the journey to the island is part of the experience and deserves the same care as the stay itself.
Each link depends on the previous one. A delay at the start can shift the whole chain, especially if the last part is only possible in daylight. That is why overall planning matters more than any single flight. We check in advance whether your flights fit the transfer time windows and where an overnight stay makes sense.
Plan the chain from back to front. Start with the time window for the last transfer and then choose flights that fit it.
Seaplane, boat and helicopter
Seaplanes take off and land only in daylight and good weather. They offer an impressive arrival from the air, but they have luggage limits and fixed departure times set by the operator.
Boats are more flexible but need calm seas. On some islands the crossing takes half an hour, on others several hours. Ask about duration and seating comfort if you are prone to seasickness. Ask about seats, duration and safety equipment on the boats, especially if you are travelling with children.
Helicopters and island flights are used where boats would take too long. Availability depends heavily on the destination and is checked during the consultation. Anyone travelling to an island for the first time often underestimates the number of links between Zurich and the villa.
Luggage and practical rules
Small aircraft have strict luggage limits. Soft bags are often more practical than hard suitcases because they are easier to stow. Leave surplus luggage at the arrival port or at the hotel at the airport. A wheeled bag is often impractical on jetties and sand, which is why soft bags are preferable.
Check before the trip which weight limits apply and what happens if you exceed them. On islands there is often little leeway, and extra freight is limited. Note the names and numbers of the contacts at each handover point so that you can act immediately in the event of delays.
Pack medication, documents and valuables in your hand luggage. If your suitcase arrives later, you will still have the essentials with you.
Buffers, overnight stays and delays
A buffer day on the mainland is not a waste with private islands but a safeguard. It absorbs flight delays and lets you travel to the island rested the next morning. A hotel at the arrival airport with late check-in times makes the intermediate overnight stay much easier.
The same applies to the return journey. Allow enough time between the island transfer and your departure. The transfer time windows are fixed, and a missed connection quickly causes extra effort.
Clarify who is informed in the event of a delay and how the overnight stay is organised. These points belong in the travel documents, not in improvisation. Tell the resort your flight details so that pick-up and reception are prepared on time.
Entry, documents and time difference
Before departure you should check passport validity, visa requirements and entry forms. For some destinations digital registration is required before departure. You can get the current situation from the FDFA (EDA), and we help you interpret the documents.
The time difference affects the first few days. After a long flight you are often tired and need rest. So do not schedule anything for the day of arrival and let the island gradually sink in. A good journey does not feel like stress but like a slow transition into the calm of the island.
A calm plan is also worthwhile for the return journey. Pack the evening before, clarify the pick-up time and payments, and leave enough leeway for the way to the airport. That way the trip ends without hurry.
Planning with backing
We coordinate flights, connections and transfers and check arrival times against the island's daylight windows. This is core work, not an extra.
In the [planning consultation](/m/private-islands/planen) by video call we discuss your luggage, the departure times from Switzerland and your wishes for buffers.
Before departure you receive a clear overview with all times, contact numbers and pick-up points. That way you always know what comes next.
