Pinal Island is a must visit in St Marteen it is located just off the coast of the main island on the French side. You can take a taxi from the port which is approximately a 30 minute car ride, $12 one way per person. Once at the boat launch you then have to take a water taxi over to Pinal Island. The French do run on their time and will not rush, first water taxi went to the island around 9:15/9:30am, after are research showed the water taxi goes over at 9am.
Once on the Pinal Island we were greeted by staff from Yellow Beach Resturant. We had a group of 4, as we were on a cruise that took us to the port in Philipsburg. We were able to get 4 chairs and umbrella for ($50), you are able to reserve chairs before on their website which I do recommend. The views on the island are amazing, beaches are clear blue water and plenty of snorkeling and swimming can be had. The service is great by staff from Yellow Beach Restaurant. The drinks are made very nice and a good variety. The food was some of the best we had in the Caribbean. We enjoyed ribs, shrimp, and grouper burgers, you will not be disappointed. ** One thing to be aware of is taxis do not sit at the dock to bring you back to port, you need to schedule it with a driver and make sure they understand otherwise you will be staying in St Marteen longer than expected. ** read more