Black volcanic sand and a small lagoon
Swimming in the lagoon
At a glance
- Category
- Beaches and swimming
- Area
- The west
- Swimming
- Swimming in the lagoon
- Lifeguards
- A small protected zone
- Snorkelling
- No
- With children
- Yes
- Shade
- The Étang-Salé forest behind the beach
- Parking
- Yes
- Places to stay nearby
- 3 places to stay within 3 km
A long beach of black sand with a small lagoon at its northern end, where swimming is allowed. The rest of the beach faces the open ocean: sunbathing only.
The sand gets very hot — you need sandals.
Risks. Swimming outside the lagoon is forbidden. Hot sand.
On the map
Orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay nearby: L'Étang-Salé-les-Bains
All places to stay in the area →
Distance from the sight as the crow flies: Hôtel Exsel Floralys — 470 m; Caraguel madeleine noell — 2.5 km; Résidence Les Sables Noirs — 3.6 km; Villa Acacias, piscine et vue panoramique — 3.6 km.
Tours nearby
All tours on the island →
From the air
Paragliding over the Saint-Leu lagoonA tandem flight from 800 m with a landing by the beach
15–30 minAll year, best in the morning≈ 11 km
From the air
Helicopter flight over the cirques and the volcanoThree cirques, the Trou de Fer waterfalls and the volcano crater in a single flight
25–55 minAll year, morning departures≈ 20 km
Whales, dolphins, turtles
Humpback whale watchingIn the southern winter the whales come to the west coast
2–3 hJuly — October≈ 20 kmMore to see nearby
Beach
Saint-Leu lagoon
A small lagoon by the town, with turtles and paragliders overhead≈ 11 km
Museum
Kélonia
The sea turtle research and care centre in Saint-Leu≈ 13 km
Beach
Saint-Pierre beach
A town beach with a lagoon, next to the seafront and restaurants≈ 17 km
Hike
La Chapelle in Cilaos
A chapel-like canyon on the floor of the cirque, with river crossings≈ 18 kmOpening hours, prices and rules are a rough guide: check official websites before you go.