reservenaturelle-saint-martin.com · Official
Reserve page describes reserve rules, boat access, moorings, the ecosnorkeling path, and late-day quieting after the last ferry.
Dive Spot Guide•
Pinel
Sheltered reef and snorkel site off Cul-de-Sac
FreediveScubaSnorkelBoat EntryBeginner
Reef
Boat-in islet with calm bay water, protected reef access, and limited on-island services; busiest before the last ferry.
About Pinel
Pinel is a sheltered islet dive and snorkel stop off Cul-de-Sac in Saint Martin's protected marine reserve. The bay side stays calm and shallow, while short paths lead to a rougher Atlantic face and a marked reef area. It suits easy discovery dives, snorkeling, and apnea outings, with coral patches, reef fish, rays, and turtles around the protected water. Plan around the ferry, reserve rules, and a busy morning crowd if you want the quieter late-day window.
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Research Estimate At Pinel
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessSimple entry
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CrowdedQuite busy
Current StrengthLight current
Surge StrengthLight surge
Where Is Pinel?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Pinel Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0m - 8m
Depth Note
Maximum depth 8 m.
Typical Conditions
Calm, sheltered water on the bay side; more exposed and choppy toward the Atlantic side.
Safety & Access At Pinel
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Restricted access
Safety Notes
This site is inside a nature reserve; follow local protection rules while diving and snorkeling.
Access Restrictions
Located within the Saint-Martin nature reserve.
Legal Notes
Protected reserve; no fishing or jet skis, and boat access should follow marked passages and buoyed zones.
Local Intel For Pinel
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Shallow scuba diving with a maximum depth of 8 m, suitable for discovery dives.
Freedive
Mentioned as suitable for apnea/freediving in shallow water.
Snorkel
Described as a good spot for snorkeling alongside coral discovery.
Pinel Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Pinel.
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
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Time
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Sunset
No data
Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
No data
Swell
No data
Exposure Profile at Pinel
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Recent Logged Visits At Pinel
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Pinel
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Pinel Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Pinel Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
www.robert-erdt.com · Independent Guide
Independent diving overview gives regional visibility and current baselines and notes Pinel as a snorkeling spot in the French part.
www.visitstmaarten.com · Tourism
Tourism page describes the sheltered bay side, boat access from Cul-de-Sac, no vehicle traffic, and common wildlife around the reserve.
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