Visiting Pinel Island: An Easy, Memorable Day Trip in St. Martin
A shuttle boat across to Pinel Island from St. Martin can be a way to make your St. Martin vacation even more relaxing and memorable. It only takes about 5 minutes to get across, but it feels world away from just about everything. I’m re-sharing this press release from my friends over at Jesson & Co, to help you make the most of your visit to Pinel Island.
Pinel Island, in all its majesty. Photo Credit: Marko Radisavljevic (via Jesson & Co)
Pinel Island in St. Martin is a true tropical paradise that offers an unforgettable day trip experience for travellers seeking natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation.
Part of St. Martin’s Nature Reserve, this island is a sandy gem that is perfect for creating lasting memories. You can reach Pinel by ferry, kayak or even paddleboard.
Pinel Island has a culture of warm hospitality and a remarkably friendly atmosphere, as is the tradition in St. Martin. Whether you're chatting with locals, sharing stories with fellow travellers, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, Pinel Island is a place where connections are made, memories are forged, and life is lived to the fullest.
Pinel Island is ideal for anyone looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Caribbean. It's a popular destination for day trips, with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and other water activities.
Without further ado, here’s a handy guide for planning a day trip to Pinel Island:
What’s the Best Way to Get to Pinel Island?
Pinel Island is just off the shore of the east coast of St. Martin, facing Cul-de-Sac Bay.
There are ferries available to Pinel Island that make the trip every 30 minutes, every day. As of the date of publication, rhe fare is 10 euros and the last boat back leaves at 4:30 pm. The island is so close, it can actually be seen from the jetty.
In this channel, the ocean is shallow and very calm. The bay is sheltered and caressed by gentle trade winds. If you listen closely, it’s almost as if the winds are telling you a story!
What Should be on Your Radar During Your Visit to St. Martin’s Pinel Island?
There are a number of reasons that people want to visit Pinel Island when in St. Martin. Here’s a few!
Pinel Island's tranquil Beaches
A beautiful beach on Pinel Island. Photo Credit: Donovane Tremor (via Jesson & Co)
You won’t be able to resist the call of the water on Pinel Island, which is crystal clear and laps gently at idyllic ivory sands.
One of the best things about Pinel Island is the opportunity to relax and unwind in a beautiful, tranquil setting. Whether you're sipping a drink at a beach bar or lounging on the sands, take some time to enjoy the locale and soak up the Caribbean sun.
You can rent a private cabana which comes equipped with chairs, tables, and umbrellas, so you can enjoy the stunning beach views in comfort and privacy.
The REstaurant Scene
Karibuni Restaurant. Photo Credit: Le Karibuni (via Jesson & Co)
Pinel Island’s Yellow Beach offers delectable food and private beach service. Yellow Beach serves a selection of barbecued meat and fish. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful and authentic dishes that are sure to please seafood lovers.
With a fully stocked bar of exotic beers and wines, you can sip your favourite drink while enjoying the stunning island views and the relaxed ambiance. The beach is also surrounded by lush vegetation, giving one the impression of being within a tropical garden.
The Karibuni Restaurant on Pinel Island - located on the very same bay as Yellow Beach - is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Caribbean dining experience. The menu at Karibuni Restaurant features a wide range of Creole cuisine with tropical flavours. The catch of the day and the lobsters are delivered to the restaurant daily by the fishermen themselves.
Karibuni has claimed many culinary awards in the Caribbean and is renowned as one of the region’s finest beach bars, making Pinel Island as much a destination for foodies as it is for sun and nature-seekers.
The Stunning Nature Reserve
Pinel Island is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The island's ecosystem includes seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, all of which provide a habitat for a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colourful fish.
There are several hiking trails on Pinel Island that wind through the island's interior and along the coast. These trails offer visitors a chance to explore the island's diverse landscape and wildlife, including the island's avian population, such as pelicans and herons. Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the island's shoreline at their leisure, paddling around secluded coves and inlets and exploring the island's mangrove forests.
Snorkelling in Pinel Island is one of the most popular activities. Photo Credit: St. Martin Tourism (via Jesson & Co)
The waters around Pinel Island are renowned for their clarity and teeming with marine life. Snorkellers can explore the coral reefs and seagrass beds around the island, which are home to a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. The shuttle-boat landing jetty is where the underwater snorkelling trail of the Nature Reserve begins.
If you don't have your own snorkelling gear, you can rent equipment from several vendors on the island or hire a guided tour. The tours provide all the gear you need, so you can focus on spotting colourful fish and majestic turtles. Whether you are an experienced snorkeller or a beginner, the island's calm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundance of marine life make for a memorable excursion.
Pinel Island Awaits!
Stunning Pinel Island. Photo Credit: St. Martin Tourism (via Jesson & Co)
If you’re visiting St. Martin, Pinel Island is a popular activity to include in your St. Martin itinerary, and that’s because it’s gorgeous, and very easy to fit into the mix. It’s just a 5 minute ferry after all, with ferries coming back pretty much every half an hour. Come, relax, and enjoy!