We haven't been to Pinel in around 8 years and decided to go for a few hours today and then go to Grand Case for a late lunch. Well it's definitely not the way I remember it. The peaceful little island with food available and a souvenir hut. We arrived around 11:30 and the beach was filled with people from one end to the other. Party time. Which was fine as we were just there for a couple of drinks. But on the bright side we went and explored the Atlantic side. We were there a couple of hours exploring the shore line and peaceful too. A few wild donkeys by the mainland dock. Then off to the One Love Shop, I've never spent that much money on a hoodie sweat shirt in my life. But it is really good quality. Then off to Talk of the Town. I had the chicken rib combo and my wife had Shrimp Creole with white rice. My wife's lunch was tasty and I added some Kraft BBQ sauce that was on the table to get some flavor going. A little disappointed after the good reviews I've read. Tomorrow it's off to Maho for another beach walk to Karacter's and then off to Tortuga's for trvia night and then stay for dinner.
I never got the draw of Pinel. There are so many great beaches to get to without so much effort. Same beautiful water--good food and drinks as well. I guess that is why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream--not to even mention coffee!! LOL.
We were aware of the 4 ships in yesterday and today also but I didn't think that Pinel would be a big destination for the cruisers but I was wrong. Looks like twice and done for us too.
I see cruisers talking about going to Pinel all the time. Seems pretty stupid to me, to skip the island itself and spend all the extra time to get to Pinel, when you're here only one day. But everyone is different.
In absolute honesty, I thoroughly enjoyed Pinel many years ago before it became such a popular location. It’s way too developed snd peopled for my tastes but it is lovely if you’re a people person. Seems to me the first time we went over we gave the boat fellow a couple of bucks and that was the fare. Not so much these days so I’m told and there are so many free and beautiful beaches on island…..
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
Our first time to St Maarten was on a cruise in 1989 and took the ship excursion to Pinel. Saw a lot of the island getting there and back. Was a great day and kept us returning to St Maarten via cruises till we bought a timeshare there.
Pat, I too am not all that fond of the crowds anymore. But with regard to Pinel we arrived early , paid $12 as opposed to the aforementioned “couple of bucks” and we able to get in the front row. After that, using chair service for food and drink, the only crowds were in the water. Now , I assume, cruisers ,came and went on cats but they would maybe stay 30 minutes or so and off to the next stop.
Mullet on the other hand we were in the second row, and it was crowded. More umbrellas and chairs then I had ever seen and the excursions are on much larger boats so more people.
Even Baie Rough was very crowded. They were parking on the road there as well. Crowd seems to stick to the entrance area for the most part and that adds to the congestion.
Hopefully it’s all a sign that things are better from a tourism . Not complaining. I would visit all 3 places and many others tomorrow if it were possible. So for the next 2 weeks plus I will just have to live vicariously thru you.😊 Thank you for your reports.
I have the strangest Mullet story concerning seats.
We took the advice of another couple and moved the old plastic web chairs to the front row, because the chairs are so worn and uncomfortable. The Web ones are sturdier and a little higher.
We did it ourselves (seniors) while a young beach boy watched and never offered help. (I put my tip money back in my bag. LOL) The next day , we did the same thing, and were told by him that those chairs don't belong in the front row.
He said we didn't have to move this time---we were surprised to say the least.
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