Thursday, July 12, 2007

Spend a Day on Beautiful Pinel Island


For some good snorkeling, food and relaxation, visit Pinel Island, located a few hundred yards off the northern end of Orient Bay. Pinel Island has a beautiful sandy beach that is protected from the pounding surf, which makes snorkeling the coral reefs ideal. You can also hike to the two deserted beaches on the other side. There is no electricity on the island and no cars. However, there are two small restaurants on the beach. One is run by a French man and the other is a local BBQ place that also serves grilled langouste (Caribbean lobster). Between the two restaurants is the Paradise Gift Shop – a local style shop selling a variety of mementos. Chairs and umbrellas are also available for rent.

To get to Pinel Island, you must take a small ferry. If you’re coming from the Dutch side, follow the signs past Orient Beach. The end of the road at French Cul de Sac opens onto a wide sandy area with a small wooden dock. The small boats will ferry you over for $5, round-trip. The boats run about every half hour and the ride is a short five minutes. The last boat returning from Pinel Island is at 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss it or you’ll be sleeping on the island!

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