A new roadblock affects Saint Martin | Caribbean Paddling

Ozzy • January 26, 2022

A local protest blocks the road on the French side

As the local family protest occurs for 2 days now on the French side, the road is blocked after Orient Bay. People coming from the Dutch side cannot visit the Windward side of the island, being hostage of a private story.


If you come from the Dutch side and want to visit the French side, we recommend coming from the Marigot side, and you will be able to visit Pinel island.

If you want to visit Pinel island,

Coming from Philipsburg,  the roadblock is located AFTER Orient Bay, so you won't be able to pass with your car. You need to drive all around the island (follow the blue line).

We offer a boat transfer to our customers,

If you stay at Orient Bay, or Philipsburg or any other location located South from Orient Bay, and you'd like to visit Pinel island without driving all around St. Maarten, we offer a free boat transfer from Orient Bay to our shack at Cul-de-Sac to start your rental. Please book your kayak or paddleboard, and ask us to pick you up. The pickup location is at Orient Beach, and the boat ride is only 10 minutes.

If you want to visit Orient Bay,

from Philipsburg or from the South of St. Maarten, the roadblock is located AFTER Orient Bay, so coming from the Dutch side is ok. You can possibly use the dirt road of Galion Bay and avoid some traffic.

If you want to visit Anse Marcel or Grand Case,

from Philipsburg or from the South of St. Maarten, the roadblock is located AFTER Orient Bay, once again you need to drive through Colebay and Marigot.

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