Îlet Pinel, Protected islet in Saint-Martin, France

Îlet Pinel is a 14-hectare limestone islet 170 m east of Saint-Martin, formed of three points, four beaches and four rocky shores. A sand spit 80 m long reaches toward Cul-de-Sac on the west side, and footpaths cross the dry grassland to a 20 m hill facing Tintamarre and a 10 m promontory facing the Grandes-Cayes.

The name is said to come from a Captain Pinel, remembered in a legend as a buccaneer from Saba who tried to take Saint Martin, was driven off by the local population and ran his ship aground on the islet. The islet is a limestone outcrop once attached to the Saint Martin coast. Since 2004 it has been a protected nature reserve, with water scooters banned and fishing prohibited.

The islet's name is said to come from a Captain Pinel, and a legend tells of the buccaneer Pinel from Saba who tried to take Sint Maarten, was driven off by locals, and ran his ship aground here. Two restaurants stand on the island, and the northern beach is notably quiet.

Regular ferry services depart from the French Cul de Sac parking area, operating until evening hours for day visitors. Check local conditions and timing before planning your boat journey to the island.

The name Pinel comes from a "Captain Pinel"; a legend tells that the buccaneer Pinel from Saba tried to take Sint Maarten, was driven off by the local population and ran his ship aground on this islet. The 14-hectare islet has been a protected nature reserve since 2004, with water scooters banned and fishing prohibited.