Wild Beach of Pinel Island
The Atlantic face of Pinel Island, raw and deserted
On the opposite side of Pinel's main beach, the east coast of the islet hides two very different little beaches: facing the open Atlantic, fringed with volcanic rock and dried coral, brushed by the trade winds. This is the flip side of the postcard, and that is exactly what makes it interesting.
Access is from the main beach via a marked trail of about 10 minutes that crosses the islet's low scrub. The path climbs to the ridge (38 m) for a 360° panorama over Orient Bay, Tintamarre, Anguilla and Saint Barthélemy, then drops gently to the two beaches. The south-east beach is the easiest to reach; the second, further north, takes a few extra minutes.
There are no facilities here: no loungers, no bar, no shade, no lifeguard. The sand is coarser, sometimes mixed with sargassum depending on the season, and the shore drops quickly. Swell can be strong and currents significant: swimming is risky and strongly discouraged when the easterly wind is up. Enjoy the landscape from the beach rather than going in the water.
The site sits inside the National Nature Reserve. Rules are strict: no taking sand, coral or shells, no fire, no rough camping. Carry all your trash out and keep your distance from the Lesser Antillean iguanas, a protected species sometimes seen in the vegetation.
To enjoy the trail safely, bring closed shoes, a hat, water and reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Avoid the hottest hours: there is no shade on the ridge. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the full loop, plus the return to the Cul-de-Sac shuttle before 16:30.
Gallery
Practical Info
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Location
East coast of Pinel Island, accessed by trail from the main beach, 97150 Saint Martin
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Access
10-min trail from the main beach (ferry from Cul-de-Sac)
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Parking
Free parking in Cul-de-Sac, then 5-min boat shuttle
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Amenities
No facilities, no services, no shade - come fully self-sufficient
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Safety
Exposed to Atlantic swell, strong currents, swimming not advised. No shade on the trail.
The other face of Pinel
Pair the main beach in the morning with the trail and wild coast in early afternoon, last return by 16:30.