Pinel Island ferry

Small, brightly painted local boats shuttle from the jetty at Cul-de-Sac across about a kilometre of shallow, sheltered water to Îlet Pinel, a trip of five minutes or so, running through the day until the last return around half past four. After that the island is empty again.

Pinel is a low limestone ridge in the nature reserve, small enough to walk around. The boats land on the main beach on the west side, where a tongue of sand runs out towards the mainland and beach restaurants such as Karibuni and Yellow Beach rent loungers and grill fish and lobster brought in by local fishermen. The reserve has laid out a snorkelling trail, and snorkel gear can be rented on the beach; turtles are common. Paths lead to three quieter beaches on the far sides and a 20-metre hill facing Tintamarre, with iguanas and goats in the dry grass.

Jet skis and fishing are banned around the island. Weekends and cruise-ship days pack the main beach, so come midweek if you can.