Choose from 3 Fun Things to Do in St Martin
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Pinel Island
Located just off of the west coast of St. Martin, Pinel Island is a haven of white sand and clear water perfect for kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, snorkelers, and those who want a tranquil escape from the modern world.
The Basics
Pinel Island is one of St. Maarten’s best-kept secrets and a favorite snorkeling spot. Travelers can visit independently or explore Pinel island as part of tour that might include the island with other coastal stops such as Creole Rock or Tintamarre Island for relaxing, snorkeling, and swimming with sea turtles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A trip to Pinel Island is suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families who want to get away from it all.
- Tours may include roundtrip hotel transfers, food and drinks, use of snorkeling equipment, towels, and guides. Check tours for specific details.
- Remember to bring sun protection, swimwear, and a towel.
- The island has two restaurants, both with plenty of fresh seafood.
- No cars are allowed on island.
- Bring cash or credit cards; there is no ATM on the island.
How to Get There
Pinel Island is just off the west coast of St. Martin, easily accessible by ferry boat, kayak, or paddle board. Take a taxi or drive to French Cul de Sac, just across from the island where you can rent snorkeling gear and watersports equipment. The ferry boats run frequently during the day and take about 5 minutes to reach the islands.
When to Get There
Popular with locals, the island is more crowded on weekends. Visit St. Maarten in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall to find fewer crowds and cheaper rates, with rain less likely. The weather is pleasant year-round, with summer being the hottest. Humpback whales can be observed from February to June.
A Hidden Beach
Walk to the ocean side of Pinel Island to get away from the merrymaking crowds. Follow a path behind Le Karibuni bar that leads up and over the top of the hill to reach a quiet and isolated beach where seashells wash up on the shore.
Address: St Maarten
From $ 99
Creole Rock
From Grand Case Bay you can enjoy easy access to one of the best snorkeling destinations on the island. Creole Rock is a small rocky outcropping just offshore, at the north end of the bay, where you can slip into the 30-feet deep water to explore the reef and fish life that are protected here as part of a marine preserve. As you swim near the edge of the rock, you’ll be engulfed by schools of sergeant majors and yellow snapper, and it’s common to spot sea turtles grazing among the rocks. Creole Rock is also loaded with wildlife above the water because it’s a bird rookery where pelicans and brown boobies come to lay their eggs.
Practical Info
Creole Rock is a popular stop for many of St. Martin diving and snorkeling boats, even ones coming from Marigot or elsewhere in St. Martin. However, it’s easiest to reach the rock from Grand Case Bay, where you can join a small boat trip or rent a kayak and paddle across.
Address: St. Martin, St Maarten
From $ 60
Le Galion Beach
While it might not be the flashiest—or even the largest—of St. Martin’s many beaches, Le Galion Beach is undoubtedly the island’s family-friendliest. Also known as “Coconut Grove,” “L’Embouchure,” and “Baby Beach,” Le Galion makes a perfect day at the beach for visitors traveling with young children. For one thing, the turquoise waters are exceptionally shallow—and you can literally wade out 300 feet and still be in waist deep water. There also aren’t many rocks or hazards located anywhere inside of the bay, and much of the sea floor is covered in a bed of gently waving seaweed. Perhaps most importantly, the north end of the bay is often protected from the consistent easterly tradewinds, which also make the offshore reef so popular with surfers and kiteboarders. While not as happening as Orient Bay, there are still a couple of beachfront restaurants with bathroom facilities and drinks, as well as a number of rental shops for whatever board you might need. This is also the only beach on the French side where nude sunbathing is discouraged, and is a safe, sunny, and simple option for a family day at the beach.
Practical Info
Le Galion Beach is located approximately 3.5 miles from the international airport in Grand Case, and is 1.5 miles south of popular Orient Beach. Mornings offer the calmest conditions, and surfing is accessible via a boat shuttle that leaves from inside the bay.
Address: Grand Case, St. Martin, St Maarten
From $ 59