Pinel Island on your own? (or Dawn Beach also!)

[my3kids]

I've read about the excursion and read about the island, the water taxi to the island.....but has anyone actually done this on their own? I'd love to save money and have longer on the island, if we love it there. Any stories from people who have attempted this by themselves and were glad...or really sorry they set out alone?

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Definitely do it on your own. If you go with the tour group, you'll definitely be herded and it won't be a pleasant experience. In fact, I've never heard a positive review of the DCL excursion to Ilet Pinel. I was going to warn you away from the island completely, but I found a couple positive reviews from non-DIS resouces...

Ilet Pinel is a tiny island a few hundred yards off the north end of Orient Beach. It is possible to swim over, especially with snorkel gear, but there are small boats that will take you over for a fairly secluded picnic on the beach. Sometimes they even come back and pick you up. It helps to wave your hands full of green stuff.

Some guide books claim there are no facilities on the island, but at this time there is are two small restaurant with some rudimentary rest rooms. The snorkeling is about as good as it gets on St Maarten.

The beach is located on a barrier reef. Park your car and ask "Uncle" to take you across ($5) to experience a real day at the beach! this beautiful white sandy beach offers underwater snorkel trails and two restaurants where you can enjoy tasty grilled lobster and fabulous brownies. Beach chairs, umbrellas and watersports are available. Some consider this the best snorkeling on the island.

It would just be a matter of taking a taxi. Not sure what the taxi fare would be. I'd guess $7/pp each way. Then find someone who'll take you across to the island. Looks like you can find someone who'll set you up with amenities as well for an additional fee.

Just be aware that this is the French side of the island... if you get away from the cruise ship crowds, you may see toplessness or nudity.

 

[my3kids]

Thanks for the help. The other choice is Dawn Beach on our own, which looks closer to where the ship docks. Are taxis readilly available to get us back to the ship. I can't guess how long we'd want to stay, thus wouldn't have any idea of a pick up time to tell the driver.

I'm assuming Dawn Beach has plenty of available public bathrooms???