Pinel — Îlet Pinel — is a small, hilly islet a few hundred metres off the village of Cul-de-Sac on the north-east coast. Its sheltered western side has a crescent of sand with water so shallow and still that you can wade out fifty metres and still be waist-deep. For families and for anyone who wants an effortless tropical-island day, it is the best outing on Saint-Martin.
The islet is part of the Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin, which protects its waters, sea-grass beds and nesting birds. There is no accommodation; in season two beach restaurants serve lunch at tables in the sand and rent loungers, and everyone leaves on the last boat in the late afternoon.
Top things to do: Pinel Island
Take the little ferry
Small open boats shuttle between the jetty at Cul-de-Sac and Pinel throughout the day, typically from about ten in the morning until late afternoon. The crossing takes five minutes and you pay a modest round-trip fare in cash on the dock. Ask what time the last boat returns.
Or paddle across
Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented on the Cul-de-Sac shore. The crossing is short and sheltered, and paddling lets you explore the mangrove fringe and neighbouring Petite Clef on the way.
Follow the snorkel trail
On the southern side of the beach the reserve has marked an underwater trail in a roped-off area. It is shallow and easy, with sea grass, sponges and juvenile reef fish; turtles are often seen grazing nearby in the morning.
Walk round the island
A path climbs from behind the restaurants to the top of the hill — ten minutes — for a view of Orient Bay, Tintamarre and St Barths, then drops to two wilder beaches on the windward side. Wear sandals rather than going barefoot: the path is rocky and cactus-lined, and you may meet iguanas and tortoises.
Lunch in the sand
The restaurants serve grilled lobster, fish, ribs and salads; some keep live lobsters in a pen in the shallows. Service is relaxed and popular tables go early, so reserve when you arrive or come before noon.
How to get to Pinel Island
- To Cul-de-Sac: about 10 minutes by car from Orient Bay or Grand Case, 25–35 minutes from Philipsburg and 35–45 minutes from Simpson Bay. Follow signs for Cul-de-Sac and “Embarcadère Pinel”.
- Ferry: five minutes, running continuously in the daytime; cash only.
- By tour: guided day trips with transport from the Dutch side and cruise-port pickup take care of the logistics; some catamaran and speedboat tours also call here.
- Parking: free by the jetty; it fills by late morning in high season.
Insider tips
- Arrive by 10:00. The best loungers and the calmest water are in the morning; day-trip boats arrive around midday.
- The restaurants may close for a period in September and October. The ferry may run a reduced service then too — check locally.
- Bring cash in euros or dollars, reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the walk.
- This is a nature reserve: do not feed the fish, collect shells or touch the turtles.
- Cruise passengers: allow a generous buffer. Cul-de-Sac is on the far side of the island from the port.
Best tours for Pinel Island
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Pinel Island:
Kayak rental from US$100 per group Pinel Island: Kayak & Beach Experience
Take a kayak (priced per boat for two) and paddle yourself across the bay to Pinel Island, then spend as long as you like on its beach.
- Paddle across turquoise water
- Snorkelling where turtles are often seen
- Go at your own pace
Guided day trip from US$159 All-Inclusive Local Guided Pinel Island Tour
A hosted day on Pinel Island with a local guide who takes care of the arrangements — the easy way to do Pinel if you are not based on the French side.
- A local guide for the day
- Pinel Island without the logistics
- All-inclusive format
