Saint-Martin’s Best-Kept Secret Isn’t a Secret Anymore

Just a five-minute ferry ride from the French side of Saint-Martin, Pinel Island isn’t just a detour — it’s the destination. A speck of paradise off Cul-de-Sac, this tiny islet somehow manages to feel untouched and exactly what you needed. No cars. No crowds. No stress. Just soft sand, wild iguanas, coral reefs, and an energy that slows your heartbeat in the best way possible.

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The Arrival: Like Stepping Into a Postcard

The adventure starts with a flat-bottom boat crossing turquoise shallows. In minutes, you’re barefoot on the dock, greeted by palm trees, calm lagoons, and the smell of grilled fish floating through the breeze. There’s no rush here.
Find a beach chair, claim your slice of sand, or wander the short nature trails that crisscross the island — it’s all yours for the day.

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Yes, the Water’s That Clear

Snorkel right off the shore and you’ll meet curious fish, sea turtles if you’re lucky, and coral gardens in waist-deep water. It’s low-effort, high-reward — no boat charter required. Just float, breathe, and forget what time it is.

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Wildlife, Real and Rumored

Pinel is home to some of the chillest locals on the island: big, lazy iguanas who pose for photos like they’re on payroll. You’ll spot them sunbathing between the palm shadows. Please don’t feed them. (They’re not part of the lunch menu.)

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Eat With Your Feet in the Sand

Two open-air restaurants sit right on the beach, and they know what they’re doing. Think: lobster grilled over woodfire, tartare made to order, icy ti’ punch with just enough sugar and too much rum (which is correct). Lunch turns into lingering. Lingering turns into a swim. It’s all part of the choreography here.

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Tiny Island. Big Views.

Feeling restless? Hike the short trail up to the island’s rocky summit. It’s not strenuous, and the reward is a cinematic panorama of the cays and reef-speckled horizon. You’ll get the photo. And probably the cover image for your “we should move here” group chat.

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How to Get There (and Back Before the Last Boat)

Ferries leave all day from the dock at Cul-de-Sac. No reservation needed. Just show up, pay cash, and hop on. Last ride back is usually around 4:30–5pm, and trust us: you don’t want to miss it unless you really like camping with iguanas.

Pinel isn’t just a day trip. It’s a window into why people fall in love with this side of Saint-Martin. It’s slower. Warmer. A little wilder. And when you visit, you’re also supporting local businesses who work hard to keep this island clean, preserved, and personal. So go for the sun. Stay for the grilled lobster. Return because it got under your skin in a good way.