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Sea and lagoon · Réunion

Snorkelling and diving on the western reef

Photo: Cynomana, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Hermitage lagoon with a mask, and dives beyond the reef from Saint-Gilles

At a glance

Theme
Sea and lagoon
Duration
2–3 h
Season
All year; best visibility May — November
Start
The west

The western lagoon is shallow and sheltered by the reef: a marine reserve guide shows you corals and fish along an underwater trail at L'Hermitage. Scuba dives go by boat from Saint-Gilles harbour and Saint-Leu: drop-offs, lava arches and, in winter, whale song underwater.

Outside the lagoon and supervised zones, swimming and water sports are restricted on the island because of sharks — only go out to sea with a club.

Where to book

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We describe a type of tour, not a specific offer. Prices, schedules and availability are on the booking platforms. Duration and season are a rough guide.

Departure point on the map

Purple dot: departure area (approximate); orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.

Where to stay near the start

All places to stay in the area →

Things to see nearby

L'Hermitage beach Beach L'Hermitage beach The island's main beach: a shallow lagoon, corals and the shade of casuarinas≈ 50 mLa Saline-les-Bains Beach La Saline-les-Bains The continuation of the Hermitage lagoon — quieter, with cafés on the sand≈ 1.9 kmBoucan Canot Beach Boucan Canot A fashionable beach with no reef: swim in the supervised zone only≈ 5.8 kmKélonia Museum Kélonia The sea turtle research and care centre in Saint-Leu≈ 10 km

Other tours on Réunion

All tours →
Helicopter flight over the cirques and the volcano 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 departuresHumpback whale watching Whales, dolphins, turtles Humpback whale watchingIn the southern winter the whales come to the west coast 2–3 hJuly — OctoberLava tunnels of the 2004 flow Canyons and thrills Lava tunnels of the 2004 flowDown with a helmet and headlamp into the tubes where lava once ran 3–4 hAll year, except days of heavy rainDolomieu crater with a guide Guided hikes Dolomieu crater with a guideA climb up Piton de la Fournaise with the volcano explained on the way 5–6 hDrier May — November; start at dawnCanyoning in Cilaos and Salazie Canyons and thrills Canyoning in Cilaos and SalazieWaterfall descents, from beginner canyons to sporting ones Half a day to a full dayMay — NovemberParagliding over the Saint-Leu lagoon 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