Pinel, the magic of an Island ...
Charming Pinel Island, or Isle Pinel, or in French Ilet Pinel or Ile de Pinel, is a tiny island on the north end of St. Martin, 5 minutes off the shores of French Cul de Sac, and a few hundred yards off the northern end of Orient Bay. A must see on your visit! It is the place where people on St. Martin/St. Maarten go to relax! The end of the road at French Cul de Sac opens onto a wide sandy area where visitors find a wooden dock, parking and a new shack that rents out Kayaks. Vendors and small ferry boats are waiting there to run you over to the islet for a fee of seven dollars. Enjoy a wonderful short five minute taxi-boat ride on the pristine and shallow waters for a relaxing day of exploring, sunbathing, or a picnic on this tropical paradise !
With lots of shallow waters, this paradise like sand point is protected from pounding surf. The water is calm and crystal clear, accompanied by beautiful beaches. Ideal for snorkeling for its coral reefs (there is a snorkel trail, too!), and also for sunbathing, as the main beach stays sun-drenched until the end of the day!

When you arrive on Pinel Island you will see a large sand spit. Behind that a stand of Coconut palm trees, and then a small hill that makes up this picture perfect paradise. There are no cars, no roads, (and of course no ATM!), however you will find three beach bars/ restaurants, one is run by a Frenchman, the other is a local tiki-hut style place serving BBQ food, seafood and grilled fresh lobster as well. The third "Up On The Key" is new, see

Some people have been known to camp here overnight, but be aware that this is one of the few places on St Martin, which is not permitted as it is a nature preservation area!

The beach bars get their power supply by generators, by the way. Between these bars, hidden in the sea grape, there is the "Paradiso" gift shop (Tom´s Place), a treasure chest of Caribbean colors and unusual gifts.

At the Karibuni beach bar, they serve you drinks right away into the shallow water, if you wish!
