Although many claim that Réunion is not geared towards sea life like the other French islands and its sister Mauritius, this corner of unspoilt nature benefits from a varied coastline and rich seabed, making it an exceptional place for the observation and preservation of global biodiversity.
Between the white sand beaches, lagoons and bathing activities of the west coast, the coves and reefs of the east coast or the black sand beaches of Etang Salé, you will be spoilt for choice.
You can also choose between wave or lagoon, thanks to some beaches being equipped with anti-shark nets, such as at Boucan Canot.
L’Ermitage beach is rapidly rising to the top of Réunion’s most beautiful beaches : it is the longest white sand beach on the island and probably one of the busiest. Bordered by a lagoon protected by a coral reef, it is the ideal place for swimming.
Casuarina’s trees provide plenty of shade, perfect for a family picnic or a nap out of the sun. With its shimmering white sand and crystal-clear waters, it offers a real picture-postcard setting.
One of the main activities to do on Ermitage beach is snorkelling. Thanks to the clarity of the water and the wealth of marine life, lovers of the seabed can explore a colourful underwater world, populated by tropical fish, corals and sometimes even sea turtles.
For those who prefer to stay on the surface, paddle boards and kayaks are available to discover a new side of the lagoon. An experience not to be missed is a guided excursion in a transparent kayak.
Known for its golden sand and impressive waves, Boucan Canot is a popular spot for lovers of good waves, tanning and atmosphere.
Located on the west coast of Réunion, Boucan Canot beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. With its golden sand and turquoise waters, it offers an idyllic setting for a relaxing day. This beach is known for its lively and trendy atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists in search of sun and fun.
For amateurs, the installation of a swimming net on the beach allows you to enjoy the powerful waves that crash into this shore.
If you prefer a quieter experience, the natural pool of Boucan Canot, formed by rocks, offers a safe area for swimming. It is the perfect place to cool off with the family and relax while enjoying the beauty of the place. All this at the foot of one of the island’s iconic hotels, Le Boucan Canot.
For diving enthusiasts, Boucan Canot offers numerous spots with clear waters teeming with marine life, with the opportunity to spot a variety of tropical fish and colourful corals. Walks along the beach are also popular, especially at sunset.
One of the features that make Boucan Canot one of the most beautiful beaches is also its lively promenade. After an active day, the shady terraces are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the panoramic view of the ocean and the whales leaping out to sea.
Finally, Boucan Canot and Cap Homard beaches are also the scene of numerous events and festivals (such as the Ocean Festival) throughout the year, adding a festive touch to your stay.
Located on the south coast of the island, Grande Anse beach is a true natural jewel that seduces with its wild and preserved environment: a postcard-perfect beach.
With its golden sand, volcanic bay and turquoise waters, this beach is surrounded by majestic coconut trees and lush vegetation, creating an idyllic setting. It is particularly popular for its scenery, perfect for romantic walks or relaxing moments with the family.
Although bathing is not recommended due to the strong currents, Grande Anse offers an excellent alternative with its natural pool, which allows you to cool off safely. Islanders often take advantage of the shaded picnic areas and kiosks, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.
Finally, do not miss the sunset, when the sky is adorned in bright colours, offering an unforgettable natural spectacle.
The Etang Salé beach is distinguished by its unique and magnificent black volcanic sand. It is perfect for a morning stroll, before the sand gets too hot, and is popular with hikers for its coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
This unique environment is perfect for those who want to experience a different side to the usual tropical beaches. Unfortunately, swimming is to be avoided because of the sharks.
The surroundings of Étang-Salé are also known for their hiking trails, such as the life trail through the casuarina forest. Hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and explore the surrounding area. In addition, there is a golf course nearby, perfect for those who enjoy this outdoor sport.
The beach of Saline-les-Bains, also known as Trou d’Eau, is a true oasis of peace with its white sand and crystal-clear waters: it is protected by a coral reef that forms a calm, shallow lagoon. It is the picture postcard beach par excellence, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
It is also the perfect place for a relaxing day out with the family, thanks to its calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Children and adults alike can safely explore the rich and colourful marine life, populated by tropical fish and coral.
The Saline-les-Bains lagoon is also perfect for water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking. As at the Hermitage, you can rent equipment on site and explore this serene lagoon, admiring the magnificent coastal landscape and in particular the coral reef at the bottom.
The Saline-les-Bains is also a privileged place to admire the sunset, with its vivid colours reflecting on the lagoon, offering a perfect end to the day in this paradisiacal setting. A number of beach bars and restaurants will be the right place to sip a cocktail and enjoy the magical landscape at sunset.
The beach is located in Saint-Gilles les Bains and attracts a dynamic crowd in search of sports activities.
Known for its lively and friendly atmosphere, this golden sandy beach is the ideal place for water sports enthusiasts. The wind and wave conditions make it a paradise for sailing, kayaking and all board sports. Some local surf schools offer lessons for all levels, allowing beginners to learn and experts to perfect their technique in a safe environment.
In addition to water activities, Brisants beach is especially famous for beach volleyball: impromptu matches are organised, contributing to a festive atmosphere. In addition, this beach hosts the Open des Brisants, the international beach volleyball competition.
The promenade is lined with bars, restaurants and shops, creating the perfect environment to relax after an active day. In the evenings, the Brisants beach turns into a meeting place where you can have a drink with your feet in the sand.
In the village of Saint-Gilles, the tourist capital of the island, is the beach of Roches Noires, where parking is not always easy.
Arched, family-friendly and well patrolled, it is smaller than Boucan Canot and the sand is less beautiful. Nevertheless, this beach remains a fashionable place, a stone’s throw from restaurants and the centre of the town of Saint-Gilles, attracting many bathers and tourists.
On the right you will find a surf spot. Since the anti-shark nets were installed, surfing and swimming activities have resumed on this beautiful beach. On the left is the marina with its aquarium, restaurants and boats on which you can embark for deep-sea fishing, diving or simply a trip out to sea to discover whales and dolphins or to observe the underwater world. Snorkelling is also an activity not to be missed in Roches-Noires.
Less well known but equally fascinating, the beach at Pointe au Sel is ideal for those seeking a bit of tranquillity.
The place offers a quiet and authentic setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the island’s more touristy beaches. Famous for its spectacular scenery, with its volcanic rock formations, Pointe au Sel beach also offers lovely natural pools.
Pointe au Sel is also a place of historical and cultural interest. The Salt Museum, where you can learn about the history and traditional methods of salt production in Réunion, is well worth a visit.
The beach at Pointe au Sel will delight hikers. Numerous surrounding trails offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and allow you to discover wild landscapes that are a far cry from the island’s most beautiful beaches.
Most critics will say that Manapany is not a beach. Along the southern coast of the island, at Manapany, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and lush vegetation, this beach is actually a natural pool of seawater, formed by black rocks, where you can bathe safely. The clear, refreshing waters are perfect for a relaxing swim or snorkelling session, allowing you to explore the local marine life in complete peace and quiet.
At the end of the day, the atmosphere is magical with the bright colours that light up Manapany Bay. Consisting of basalt rocks, it allows safe swimming away from the swell of the Indian Ocean waves. It is also home to a species unique to the island, the Manapany gecko or green lizard.
The beaches of Trois Bassins are real jewels set on the west coast of the island. Its name comes from the three natural pools that form at low tide, offering visitors very impressive views.
Therefore, in Trois Bassins there is not one, but several small beaches, such as the Pointe and the Souris Chaude, which have remained rather wild, but where bathing is not allowed: the beach at the Pointe de Trois Bassins is mainly occupied by surfers who dive into the water.
In fact, for thrill-seekers, some spots around Trois Bassins offer ideal conditions for surfing and bodyboarding. Finally, Souvenir Chaude beach, also in Trois Bassins, is known for its naturism.
Saint-Leu is a small seaside town whose beach looks like a miniature version of that of l’Hermitage, with its seafront promenade, maritime trees and stretch of beach, a short walk from the town centre. It is a town famous for paragliding and scuba diving.
In fact, here you will find not one, but two beaches near the town of Saint-Leu. The first, located in the centre of town, is perfect for family outings: supervised swimming, turquoise lagoon, beach games on fine sand, although it is also popular for water activities such as surfing or snorkelling. The second, Pointe-au-Sel, is wilder and will delight those seeking tranquillity.
Among the island’s most beautiful beaches, mention must obviously be made of Saint-Pierre beach, which, as its name suggests, is located in the town of the same name in the south of the island.
With its long strip of white sand, it is protected by a coral reef, perfect for a peaceful swim in the azure waters of its lagoon, before relaxing on the warm sand. Thanks to its corals, it is also an ideal place for divers. At the end of the day it offers a sumptuous sunset over the sea.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel