The most beautiful beaches of Reunion Island

With its coastline perfect for lounging, Reunion Island offers miles of white or black sand beaches, protected by a coral reef. In the shade of the filaos trees, you can enjoy all kinds of beach pleasures. Here’s a closer look at the most beautiful beaches of this tropical island with its preserved shores.

Boucan Canot Beach

Open to the ocean, Boucan Canot beach, north of Saint-Gilles les Bains on the west coast, is one of the most frequented beaches on the island. Appreciated for its waves and fish-rich waters, it also charms visitors with its small sheltered natural pool. Its swimming area offers greater depth than the lagoon due to the absence of a coral barrier. When the sea is calm, swimmers equipped with fins, mask, and snorkel can safely explore its marine life thanks to a recently installed net.

Hermitage Beach

Located on the west coast of the island, Hermitage is the ideal conclusion to a trip on the island. The main beach of the Saint-Gilles lagoon, it offers easy access to the sea, sheltered by the reef. Stretching 7 km long and lined with pines, this white sand beach has the advantage of being shaded. Its calm, warm water, combined with a depth not exceeding 2 meters, makes it a suitable place for children to swim or for a first discovery of marine life and corals with fins. The area behind the beach offers large stretches dotted with filaos trees where families come to picnic.

Roches Noires Beach

Also in Saint-Gilles, Roches Noires Beach, along with Boucan Canot, is one of the only open ocean beaches where swimming is allowed. Less than two kilometers long, it is one of the smallest beaches on Reunion Island. Forming a crescent of white sand around a relatively sandy seabed, it gets its name from the dark rocks emerging from the water in its northern half. Surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts gather at the spot on the right to enjoy its big waves.

Étang-Salé Beach

The commune of Étang-Salé, south of Saint-Leu, features a large stretch of very fine black sand, voted one of the five most spectacular beaches in the world in 2016 by a specialized magazine. Étang-Salé beach offers the Pirogue Basin to the south: a small lagoon ideal for family swimming and snorkeling near the fishing port. On the northern side, the beach opens up to the ocean. Fans of water sports, such as surfers, will find it an exhilarating spot. Nearby, there is a water amusement park.

Saint Pierre Beach

Stretching from the entire town of Saint-Pierre to the port, this white sand beach borders a lagoon protected by a coral reef where families can swim. Its crystal-clear water and turquoise reflections reveal many colorful tropical fish. Landscaped gardens, pedestrian walkways dotted with benches, showers, and access for people with reduced mobility are available for visitors. Located very close to the downtown area of the largest city in the south of the island, it's the ideal place to admire a sunset from a pub terrace.

Grande Anse Beach

Between two rocky points in the commune of Petite-Île, east of Saint-Pierre, lies the epitome of a paradisiacal tropical beach: Grande Anse. A true postcard landscape of white sand, coconut trees, turquoise waters, and large waves. This spot, very popular with the locals who flock here on weekends, is perfect for seaside strolls and picnics. The currents off this beach are very strong. However, a pool sheltered by rocks at the end of the beach allows for safe swimming in warm waters.

Saint Leu Centre Beach

On the edge of the town of Saint-Leu, Saint-Leu Centre Beach has a secure lagoon monitored by lifeguards, with biodiversity that can be appreciated by diving enthusiasts. Providing an ideal setting for trying out water activities, the beach can also be seen from above while paragliding. The shaded area behind the beach allows for beach volleyball, pétanque, or simply relaxing. Music lovers can attend candlelit concerts in the various beachside rondavelles. In conclusion, the beaches of Reunion Island have very few water holes compared to nearby islands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the most beautiful beaches in Reunion Island?

There isn't a single answer to this question because Reunion Island has many beautiful beaches. Surf enthusiasts can enjoy the waves at Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, while those who prefer to relax on a tranquil beach can head to Saint-Leu. The island's beaches are generally well-equipped and offer numerous activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.

Where to swim safely in Reunion Island?

In Reunion Island, there are many beaches where you can swim safely. Among them are the beaches of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Saint-Leu, Saint-Paul, and Saint-Denis.

Which beach to swim at in Reunion Island?

Reunion Island is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. The most pleasant months are generally from March to June and from September to November when temperatures are milder and rainfall is less frequent.