We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 177 St. Maarten/St. Martin Attractions »

Pinel Island

Orient Bay, St. Maarten/St. Martin
4.5 of 5 stars 153 Reviews
Type: Beaches, Islands
Traveler Description: Pinel Island is a little gem just a short boat ride off French Cul-de-sac.  Regular ferrys leave the dock at cul-de-sac starting at 10am with the... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

153 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    105
    28
    12
    7
    1
Date Rating
Warrenville, Illinois
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

This was a nice island to visit. The water calm and nice. Our daughter enjoyed the ferry ride, and looking at the different boats anchored here. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Boston
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Just a great day trip in beautiful warm water. Yiou will find multiple beach chairs with umbrellas and three beach bars/grill. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
US-PA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We just returned from our 4th trip to St. Martin and this was our first trip to Pinel. We rented kayaks at the Cul de Sac marina ($30/day), loaded our snorkeling gear in the boats and paddled over to the island. Great fun! The beaches are beautiful and since they face St Martin they are protected from the wind, which... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

This tiny little Island is a must visit when you go to St Martin. Its so relaxed and beautiful More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New York City, New York
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
101 helpful votes 101 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2012

It feels like a man made spot to go and beach for the day, there are restaurants and the little boat run either every 30 or 60 minutes depending on the season, its okay but not special More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New York City
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

Great place to relax and swim in the ocean. Great water for litle ones to enjoy the ocean too. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

You must experience this island while in St Martin. Excellent, calm and oh so relaxing beaches. Great lunches being serves at restaurant to the far left of where boats dock. Grilled mahi mahi sandwich with fries to die for. Best value on this island is this restaurant and their umbrellas and chairs they offer to guests in front of the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Madison, Wisconsin
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 27, 2012
3
people found this review helpful

Been going to Pinel for years. Love this spot because it's not as crowded as Orient and the water is always calm, clear and relaxing. We usually get chairs at Yellow Beach. This spot is a bit more expensive than the other ones but we got to know Frederik and the owner Marco and just always seem to return to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Washington Township
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012

great beach for little ones, great day to get away and be quiet. A must see!!! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Vista, CA
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Drove up from Philipsburg. Easy to find and plenty of parking. Food trucks and public restrooms there. Boarding was a little chaotic cause you don't really know whats going on unless you speak French. We just followed the people in front of us and paid as we boarded ($7 per person). They cram as many people as possible, but everyone... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed Pinel Island also viewed

Random Wind
5 of 5 stars 112 Reviews
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten/St. Martin
Tintamarre Island
5 of 5 stars 22 Reviews
St. Maarten/St. Martin, Caribbean
 
Captain Alan\
5 of 5 stars 384 Reviews
St. Maarten/St. Martin, Caribbean
Mullet Bay
4.5 of 5 stars 92 Reviews
St. Maarten/St. Martin, Caribbean
 

Been to Pinel Island? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Pinel Island, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »