Reunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for water enthusiasts and is a unique haven for both snorkelers and divers. Read on to discover some of the best snorkelling and diving spots on this magical, untouched island escape. We offer luxury and budget Reunion holidays tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
Snorkeling and Diving at Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Lagon de l’Hermitage
One of the most popular snorkelling spots in Reunion is the Lagon de l’Hermitage. This shallow lagoon, protected by a coral reef, is teeming with marine life. Visitors can expect to see colourful corals, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for families and beginners.
If you’re staying at Le Dina Morgabine Saint Gilles or Le Saint Alexis, you’ll find Lagon de l’Hermitage just a short distance away. These resorts offer easy access to the lagoon, and you can even rent snorkelling gear nearby. Guided snorkelling tours are available so that you don’t miss out on the best parts of this aquatic paradise.
Cap La Houssaye
Just north of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains lies Cap La Houssaye, a prime diving location. This site features dramatic underwater rock formations, caves, and crevices filled with vibrant marine life. It’s a favourite among experienced divers who want to explore Reunion’s volcanic underwater landscapes.
For those staying at LeDina Morgabine Saint Gilles, Cap La Houssaye is a quick drive away. Diving centers in the area, such as Bleu Marine Reunion, offer excursions to this stunning site.
Boucan Canot is a Snorkeller’s Retreat
Boucan Canot Reef
Boucan Canot is another fantastic snorkelling destination. Known for its pristine waters and exquisite marine life, this spot features fish species like angelfish, bannerfish, and parrotfish. Snorkeling is restricted to areas protected by shark nets, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re staying at Le Ness by D-Ocean or Le Saint Alexis, Boucan Canot is a short trip away. After a day of exploring the reef, you can relax on the nearby beach and enjoy the warm tropical sun.
Saint-Pierre Offers Southern Charm Beneath the Waves
Lagon de Saint-Pierre
The southern part of Reunion is home to the Lagon de Saint-Pierre, a protected marine area perfect for snorkelling. The lagoon’s shallow waters are filled with branching corals and schools of reef fish. It’s a serene spot, ideal for those who want to escape the crowds of more popular locations.
Guests at Le Saint Pierre or La Villa Delisle will appreciate the proximity to this tranquil snorkelling haven. Both resorts provide an excellent base for exploring the lagoon and the surrounding southern coastline.
Grande Anse Rocky Pool
A short drive from Saint-Pierre is the Grande Anse Rocky Pool, an artificial pool protected by rock barriers. While it doesn’t have the extensive coral formations of other spots, it still offers interesting marine life and is great for beginners or families with young children.
Discover Saint-Paul’s Western Wonders
Cap La Houssaye
Cap La Houssaye also serves as a premier diving spot near Saint-Paul. The site’s volcanic rock formations and rich biodiversity attract divers from around the world. You’ll find vibrant schools of fish, moray eels, and occasional rays gliding gracefully through the water.
The Iloha Seaview Hotel in Saint-Leu provides easy access to Cap La Houssaye, making it an excellent choice for divers who want to explore this unique underwater world.
Grande Anse and Beyond
Manapany Rocky Pool
Located further south, the Manapany Rocky Pool offers a more rustic snorkelling experience. Although it lacks coral reefs, it’s an excellent spot for those who enjoy exploring rocky habitats and observing marine life in a natural setting.
Visitors staying at Palm Hotel & Spa will find this spot to be a short trip away. The luxurious Palm Hotel offers a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the waters of Manapany.
A Unique Dive Experience in the Island’s Eastern Region
Diana Dea Lodge and Eastern Exploration
The eastern part of Reunion Island is less visited, but it offers unique diving experiences. The Diana Dea Lodge, nestled in the lush hills, provides a serene escape for travellers. While the lodge is farther from the island’s major diving spots, it’s an excellent base for exploring the east coast’s rugged beauty and untamed underwater ecosystems.
Exploring Marine Life in Reunion’s Lagoons
Reunion Island’s lagoons are teeming with a vibrant array of marine life, making them a paradise for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts alike. These shallow, calm waters are protected by natural coral reefs, creating a sanctuary where a diverse ecosystem thrives. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Indian Ocean.
One of the most iconic creatures you’ll encounter in the lagoons is the colourful parrotfish. These lively swimmers, with their distinctive beak-like mouths, play a vital role in maintaining the health of the coral reefs by feeding on algae that can otherwise overwhelm the corals.
Alongside them, you’ll spot butterflyfish darting between the coral branches, their bright yellow and black patterns adding a splash of colour to the underwater scenery.
Sea turtles are another highlight of Reunion’s lagoons. Graceful and serene, these majestic creatures can often be seen gliding effortlessly through the water. The Lagon de l’Hermitage, in particular, is known for frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles. Observing them in their natural habitat is a magical experience, but it’s important to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing their behaviour.
In addition to the fish and turtles, the coral reefs themselves are a marvel of biodiversity. The reefs are composed of various species of hard and soft corals, creating intricate structures that provide shelter to countless marine organisms.
Among these are tiny cleaner shrimp, which can often be seen tending to fish in a symbiotic relationship, and shy moray eels peeking out from crevices in the reef.
For those who enjoy spotting smaller, often overlooked marine life, the lagoons are home to a variety of invertebrates. Starfish, sea urchins, and nudibranchs (colourful sea slugs) can be found clinging to rocks and corals. These creatures are fascinating to observe and are a testament to the intricate balance of the lagoon’s ecosystem.
One of the most enchanting features of snorkelling in Reunion’s lagoons is the interplay of sunlight and water. As sunlight filters through the clear, turquoise waters, it illuminates the coral and marine life, creating a mesmerizing underwater landscape. This makes the lagoons particularly popular with underwater photographers and nature lovers.
Beyond their beauty, these lagoons are critical to the health of the surrounding marine environment. They act as nurseries for many fish species, providing a safe haven for juvenile fish to grow before venturing out into the open ocean. This underscores the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems, so that future generations can continue to enjoy their wonders.
To fully appreciate the marine life in Reunion’s lagoons, consider joining a guided snorkelling tour. Local guides can point out hidden creatures and explain the ecological significance of what you’re seeing.
Volcanic Underwater Landscapes are a Diver’s Dream
Reunion Island’s dramatic volcanic origins have shaped not only its lush, mountainous landscapes above ground but also its awe-inspiring underwater world. Beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean lies a fascinating realm of lava tubes, underwater caves, and intricate crevices that attract divers from around the globe.
These geological features make Reunion a truly exceptional diving destination, offering unique experiences that set it apart from other tropical islands.
The Formation of Reunion’s Volcanic Seascape
Millions of years of volcanic activity, dominated by the still-active Piton de la Fournaise, have sculpted Reunion’s underwater terrain into a labyrinth of rock formations. As molten lava flowed into the ocean during past eruptions, it cooled rapidly, creating tunnels and chambers beneath the waves.
Over time, these formations have been shaped by natural erosion, resulting in a network of lava tubes, arches, and caves that divers can now explore.
Diving Through Lava Tubes and Caves
One of the most thrilling experiences for divers in Reunion is navigating the lava tubes. These tunnels, formed by the cooling and solidifying of flowing lava, are a testament to the island’s fiery origins. Diving into these tubes feels like entering another world—dimly lit passages reveal the interplay of light and shadow, with flickers of colour from marine life darting through the rocky structures.
Popular sites like Cap La Houssaye offer access to these stunning features, where divers can marvel at the power of nature’s artistry.
Caves and crevices further add to the underwater adventure. These secluded spaces often serve as shelters for marine life, creating opportunities for divers to encounter species like moray eels, lobsters, and sleeping reef sharks.
Exploring these formations requires careful manoeuvring and a sense of adventure, but the reward is a glimpse into some of the ocean’s most hidden wonders.
A Haven for Marine Life
Reunion’s volcanic seascapes don’t just provide dramatic visuals—they also serve as habitats for a diverse array of marine species. The nooks and crannies of the lava formations offer refuge to countless creatures, from vibrant reef fish to elusive octopuses.
These structures also create feeding grounds for larger pelagic species, such as rays and barracudas, which often patrol the waters near volcanic sites.
The island’s underwater volcanic features also attract macro photographers seeking to capture unique species like nudibranchs and shrimp that thrive in these sheltered environments. The interplay between geology and biology makes each dive an unpredictable and exhilarating experience.
Why Volcanic Landscapes Make Reunion Unique
What sets Reunion apart as a diving destination is the rarity of its volcanic underwater landscapes. While many tropical islands offer coral reefs, Reunion provides an unparalleled combination of geology and marine biodiversity.
The volcanic terrain adds a layer of intrigue and excitement, allowing divers to explore natural structures that are as striking as the marine life they host.
The island’s underwater visibility is also exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet) in optimal conditions. This clarity allows divers to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the volcanic formations, from towering underwater cliffs to intricately carved lava arches.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean further add to the diving experience, making it accessible and comfortable for divers of all skill levels.
Exploring the Depths Safely
While Reunion’s volcanic underwater landscapes are captivating, they require a level of caution and preparedness. Diving through lava tubes and caves demands proper training and experience, as these environments can present challenges such as reduced visibility and tight spaces.
Many diving centers on the island, such as Bleu Marine Reunion in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, offer guided dives led by experienced instructors. These professionals ensure that divers can safely navigate the volcanic formations while maximizing their enjoyment.
An Unforgettable Adventure
For divers seeking an adventure that combines natural beauty, geological wonder, and marine diversity, Reunion Island’s volcanic underwater landscapes deliver in every way. Each dive feels like a journey into the earth’s fiery past, revealing a hidden world shaped by both fire and water.
Reunion’s volcanic seascapes are more than just a diver’s dream—they’re a reminder of the powerful forces that continue to shape our planet. For those ready to explore these underwater marvels, Reunion offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression.
Practical Tips for Snorkeling and Diving in Reunion
Safety First
Reunion Island has a history of shark activity, so it’s essential to stick to designated snorkelling and diving areas. Many spots are protected by shark nets or are located in lagoons safeguarded by natural coral barriers.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time for snorkelling and diving in Reunion is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the water is calm, clear, and teeming with marine life.
Equipment and Tours
Most resorts, including those mentioned above, either provide snorkelling gear or have partnerships with nearby rental shops. Diving centers like Bleu Marine Reunion and others in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offer guided tours and courses for all experience levels.
Dive into Reunion’s Marine Wonderland
Reunion Island is a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. From the shallow lagoons of Saint-Gilles to the volcanic rock formations of Cap La Houssaye, the island offers something for everyone. Whether you’re staying at the luxurious Palm Hotel & Spa, the centrally located Le Dina Morgabine Saint Gilles, or the serene Diana Dea Lodge, you’ll find breathtaking underwater adventures just a stone’s throw away. View our Reunion packages and start planning your dream vacation today.
