Beaches and water
Pinel or Tintamarre? Choosing the Right Day for Your Guests
Pinel provides an easier serviced day; Tintamarre is a more self-contained nature outing.
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4 min
Last reviewed
23 July 2026
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Chief stew · Purser · Travel adviser
Pinel is the easier lunch-and-beach day; Tintamarre is the wilder, self-contained outing. Both are protected sites, so the access plan must respect the reserve before it serves the itinerary.
- Pinel
- Serviced, lunch-led and more social
- Tintamarre
- Undeveloped, nature-led and self-contained
- Decide with
- Guest comfort, access and sea conditions
Pinel: lunch, shade and a guest base
Pinel is the more serviced choice. The reserve identifies lunch restaurants on the islet, and public shuttle access normally runs from Cul-de-Sac. It works for mixed groups because some guests can settle while others swim or explore.
It can become busy around the middle of the day. Confirm the final shuttle, restaurant operation, seating, beach setup and return rather than assuming the usual pattern will apply.
Tintamarre: bring the complete day with you
Tintamarre is undeveloped and should be treated as a nature outing rather than a beach-club day. Guests need water, sun protection, towels and everything required for the visit.
The reserve identifies snorkelling near its visitor area and a footpath across the islet. Conditions, footwear, mobility and exposure matter. Wildlife may be present, but sightings should never be promised.
Choose around the guests
Pinel generally suits parties wanting a comfortable base and planned lunch. Tintamarre suits confident, nature-minded guests who are comfortable without conventional facilities or a quick vehicle return.
Neither island is private. Tintamarre may feel quieter, while Pinel is usually more social and serviced.
Treat the reserve as part of the experience
Commercial activity in the reserve requires authorization. Use a current operator who understands the protected areas, keeps wildlife undisturbed and removes all waste.
For daytime visits, the reserve provides public yellow mooring buoys with limits marked on each buoy. Its published general limit is 15 tonnes and 50 feet. If no buoy is available, only vessels under 10 metres may anchor, on bare sand and at least 20 metres from shore. Anchors and chains must never touch coral or seagrass.
Tender, vessel and mooring decisions belong with the captain and Captain’s Desk. Overnight anchoring is not allowed; overnight mooring needs prior authorization and is not permitted at Pinel. This guide helps choose the guest experience but does not replace the reserve’s live instructions.
Keep a backup that matches the reason for going
If Pinel was chosen for lunch and service, a confirmed beach club can be a suitable substitute. If Tintamarre was chosen for quiet water and nature, an onboard morning followed by a sheltered coast may fit better.
Settle the alternative before guests are dressed and ready. Sea state, reserve access, the operator or the restaurant can all change the answer.
Planning list
Choose the islet and prepare it properly
- Service-led Pinel or self-contained Tintamarre
- Guest swimming ability and mobility
- Current authorized operator
- Live weather and sea conditions
- Access method and required assistance
- Pinel lunch, seating and final pickup
- Tintamarre water, shade, footwear and towels
- A confirmed fallback
Questions that change the plan
Settle these first.
Which island feels more private?
Tintamarre often feels quieter because it is undeveloped, but it is a public protected site. Pinel is normally more social and serviced.
Are there restaurants on both islands?
The reserve lists lunch restaurants on Pinel. Plan Tintamarre as having no guest services and bring everything required.
Can the yacht’s tender take guests directly?
That depends on the vessel, current reserve rules, authorization and conditions. The captain and Sea Grapes should confirm the appropriate access plan.
Will guests see turtles at Tintamarre?
They may encounter marine life, but no sighting should be promised. Wildlife protection and guest safety take priority over getting close.
Ready to plan it?
Choose the island around the guests.
Tell us whether the priority is a serviced lunch, quiet nature, snorkelling or a simple half-day. We can check the operator, access, bookings and alternative before the day is set.