Just six minutes away from the mainland in french cul de sac, Pinel Island waits to welcome you.

It’s about 5 minutes by boat. You'll need some sort of transportation to get to the dock on the French side of the Island, where the small fishing boats will whisk you across in record time.

I try to clock in at about nine AM in order to get my full days worth.

As you may already know I'm a picnic guy and therefore need to get in and stay in that rhythm for the entire day. The last boat departs from the Island at about 4 PM and then after that you're swimming.

The small departure pier is located in the neighborhood of the French cul-de-sac. Of course local with boats can make their way there from other access points around the Island.

I don't have a boat nor do I plan to get one, so I'm forced to continue taking the ferry across the short channel. On busy days

I've huddle together with a full boat of eager beach hungry enthusiasts trying to get a piece of this white sand paradise before it all disappears.

I couldn't help but notice how people suddenly forget that the person sitting next to them was a total stranger as they embraced each other with the stories that they've heard, or the many times that they've visited Pinel Island before.

The nearer you get to the Island the more the location reveals itself in all it's majestic beauty.

As you approach the arrival jetty you can’t help but wonder if they will ever open this place for residency..."Think again"... That's my answer.

Pinnel Island sits on the North Eastern side of St Maarten and Just like The Orient and a few others, it offers the prevailing winds of the Atlantic Ocean.

The last thing you have to worry about though is the eastern shoreline because your destination beach sits on the west coast of the Island and can be seen even before you set off from the mainland.

Its tranquil waters and peaceful ambiance sets the pace for your day trip. The beach was created by long shore drift and thus allows you to walk out into the water for quite a few meters before the shallows disappear.

Once there you you'll be able to view St Martin from a whole new perspective.

You can decide to stay in the central area where there are a couple of restaurants and souvenir shops and complete service including water sports, snorkeling, beach chairs and umbrellas.

Or you may opt to venture through the Island to land on one of the other deserted beaches for the perfect getaway.

Whatever you do, I guarantee that you'll have stories to share with friends and family for a life time. I wish you an enjoyable time on Pinel Island. We look forward to receiving your exciting stories.