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 there is a small wooden dock. Vendors and small ferryboats are waiting there to run you over to the islet for a fee of five dollars. It is possible to swim over, especially with snorkel gear, but why not enjoy a wonderful short five minute taxi-boat ride for a relaxing day of exploring, sunbathing, or a picnic on this tropical paradise?

When you arrive on Pinel Island you will see a large sand spit. Behind that a stand of Coconut palmtrees, and then a small hill that makes up this picture perfect paradise. There are no cars, no electricity, etc., however you will find two small beach bars/restaurants, one is run by a Frenchman, the other is a local shack with BBQ food, and grilled fresh lobster as well. Between these two bars, hidden in the seagrape there is the Paradise Gift shop (Tomīs Place), a treasure chest of Caribbean colors and unusal gifts.

With lots of shallow waters, this paradise like sandpoint is protected from pounding surf. The water is calm and crystal clear, accompanied by beautiful beaches. Ideal for snorkeling for its coral reefs, and also for sunbathing, as the west facing main beach stays sun-drenched until the end of the day!

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 approved by French Police (even if it is off the island)!

As many others, this is also a clothing optional beach.

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