Pinel Island (2024) | Secluded Paradise
“Îlet de Pinel: The island of Pinel is a hidden tropical gem in French St Martin that can only be reached by ferry service.”
Visit the secluded Pinel Island and find yourself in a tropical oasis – Pinel Island is located on the French side and only reachable by ferry.
Once on the island, you can rent a beach chair at Karibuni & Yellow Beach or relax on your towel. On the other end of Pinel, there’s a little secluded beach where topless/nude is well accepted. Both beach bars & restaurants serve an amazing lunch and are known for their fresh seafood and lobster dishes (Pick your own lobster from the cage).
Pinel Island is a natural reserve, so another great thing to do is to hike around this small island; you will enjoy beautiful views and find lots of iguanas, land turtles, and hermit crabs.
And if you like to explore the underwater world, take your snorkeling gear, and on the left of Pinel is a protected coral reef set by buoys. You’re not allowed to go inside the buoys. But snorkeling around it, you can admire many kinds of fish and sea life. Snorkel to the other end of the reef, where the ocean is wilder; you might find some Turtles hidden in the seagrass.
Be aware that Pinel Island is a Natural reserve, so please be respectful of nature and follow the rules and signs. There are large fines for violating any rights, such as snorkeling inside the buoys, fishing, abusing animals, or taking shells.
Enjoy a day to Pinel, see practical information below with (We Are SXM)!
Direction to Pinel Island | How to get to Pinel in 2024 – Parking, Ferry, Kayak or Paddleboard:
The parking for the ferry to Pinel is located in-between Orient Bay and Grand Case.
Coming from Orient, halfway at the roundabout in Hope Estate, you turn right (on the route towards Anse Marcel) and drive to the end of the road where you find large parking. Click here for directions.
Ferry Service times:
The ferry goes every 15 to 30 min between 10 am and 5 pm. On calm days the last ferry leaves at 4 pm. The price is $12 or €10 for two-ways.
A second option is to rent a Kayak or Paddleboard from Caribbean Paddling also leaving from here.
Yellow Beach & Le Karibuni – Restaurant information:
Both restaurants open based on the ferry service times which is usually 10 am to 5 pm, on calm days 4 pm. We advise everyone to reserve beach chairs and a table for lunch in advance as both restaurants are fully booked on a daily basis. Furthermore, we recommend bringing cash as there are no credit card payments possible due to the bad internet on the island.
Karibuni Pinel: +590 690 39 67 00
Yellow Beach: +590 690 33 88 33
Another great way to reach Pinel Island is by booking a trip with one of the many boat charters. Several shared boat charters are going to Pinel, or you can book a private charter and request to visit Pinel Island. Usually, the itinerary includes a visit to Tintamarre and Pinel Island.
Known for its Live Lobster and Fresh Local catch, have a lunch overlooking the turquoise blue waters and white beach of secluded Pinel Island!
Book the Three Island Adventure with Boomerang and visit the surrounding islands, Creole Rock, Tintamarre, and Pinel Island in one day.
Outstanding food, drinks and service on a very comfortable Catamaran. PyratZ Gourmet Sailing is like having your own yacht without the price tag!
Other Top Spots and Sightseeing in Sint Maarten & Saint Martin
Frequently asked questions about Pinel Island – Ilet de Pinel Saint Martin
Everything you need to know before visiting this beautiful little island off the coast from Saint Martin. Be prepared for your visit so you have no surprises.
How much does it cost to go to Pinel island?
The ferry is €10 or $12, a second more sporty option is to rent a kayak at €30 for the day.
Is Pinel island clothing optional?
One part of the island is public with 2 beach bars and lots of sun loungers, in this area top-less is accepted but not nude. On the other end of Pinel Island it is completely secluded and more used as a nude beach.
Is Pinel island open?
Yes, Pinel island is open 7 days a week.
Who owns St Maarten island?
Pinel Island is part of the Collective of Saint Martin, the northern French side of the island. It is also a French Marine Reserve and so protection against further development.
Is Karibuni Lodge open?
Yes, Karibuni lodge is open 7 days a week for a unique stay overlooking Pinel Island.
How big is Pinel Island?
Pinel Island has a size of approximately 115.000 m2 (1.237.849.7sq ft) in size.
Is Pinel Island a nature reserve?
Yes, Pinel island is part of the Collectivite de Saint-Martin nature reserve. Therefore all species here are protected and you are not allowed to fish or take any shells with you from this area.
Need help finding this place, download the We Are SXM Application for GPS service (Android or Iphone)
Submit your review | |
Pinel is our all-time favorite! We love lobster lunch at Karibuni while you see Iguanas, crabs, and turtles all around. This is a must-do when visiting SXM.