Reunion Island is full of heavenly spots to take a dip. Beaches, pools, waterfalls: here are the best places to swim on Reunion Island.
A volcanic pearl in the heart of the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island offers a myriad of breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect playground for adventurous vacationers… but that’s not all!
All too often, however, holidaymakers dreaming of idleness, beaches and coconut palms turn away from Réunion and prefer other islands. The reason given? Reunion’s beaches can sometimes be dangerous, not least because of the presence of sharks.
And yet, there are a thousand and one ways to swim safely on Reunion Island, both in the ocean and inland. The island abounds in inviting lagoons, pools and waterfalls that are as idyllic as they are safe. To give you an idea of their beauty and diversity, we’ve put together a list of the best places to swim on La Réunion. Now all you have to do is put on your swimsuit, check the safety instructions issued by the authorities, and enjoy!
The best beaches for swimming on Reunion Island
1. Hermitage beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – photobeginner
The large Hermitage beach is one of the most popular beaches for swimming on Reunion Island. In fact, thanks to the shallow waters of the shoreline and the coral reef that protects them, it proves to be very safe. Located between Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains and La Saline, it rolls out kilometers of white sand, much to the delight of holidaymakers.
It’s also particularly popular with families, thanks to its safe swimming area and shaded zones. Finally, if you’d like to try your hand at snorkeling, this is one of the best places to swim in Réunion Island. You’ll be able to observe the coral reefs and marine fauna in complete tranquillity.
2. La Saline-les-Bains beach
Photo credit: Wikimedia – mwanasimba
Neighboring L’Hermitage, La Saline beach is also one of Réunion Island’s most popular family bathing spots. It offers a shallow, supervised swimming area, as well as pleasant shaded picnic areas.
What’s more, the beach offers a wide range of water sports activities. Last but not least, this beach is the most accessible in Réunion Island. It includes a « handiplage » area specifically designed for people with reduced mobility.
3. The Bassin pirogue at Étang-Salé beach
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Tonton Bernardo
Made of black sand, Étang-Salé beach is one of the most stunning backdrops for swimming on Réunion Island. It owes its dark color to a blend of volcanic basalt and coral, typical of Réunion Island!
Although 1.5 kilometers long, it offers a more limited swimming area. Swimming is only possible in the safe Bassin pirogue. But if you’d like to extend your aquatic adventures, there’s an aqua park right next to the beach.
4. Roches Noires beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Balate Dorin
Located right in the heart of Saint-Gilles, the Roches Noires beach is both accessible and lively. It is bordered by a lively esplanade where concerts are held and where you’ll find numerous cafés, restaurants and ice-cream parlors.
But Roches Noires beach is also one of Réunion Island’s best swimming and bathing spots. Indeed, it is bordered by deeper waters than the previous ones. These are protected not by a coral reef, but by an anti-shark net. They are also ideal for fish-watching, as the beach is part of the island’s marine nature reserve.
5. Grande Anse beach swimming pool
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Cherriere Pierre
If you’re dreaming of fine sand and coconut palms, Grande Anse beach is sure to be one of your favorite bathing spots on Reunion Island. Particularly beautiful, this beach is ideal for sunbathing in an idyllic setting.
However, swimming here can be dangerous due to strong winds and currents. Fortunately, a natural pool-like area has been specially set aside for swimming. The Grande Anse beach is also well-equipped, and bordered by a large park ideal for picnics and fun.
6. Boucan Canot beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Orosz delphine
Located near Saint-Paul, Boucan Canot beach offers a supervised swimming area. As it is not protected by Reunion’s coral reef, the water here is deeper than elsewhere.
In fact, bathers who frequent the pool also like to play in the waves, or observe the underwater fauna. But the young and less adventurous can also enjoy a leisurely swim in the natural pool sheltered by rocks.
7. The Manapany beach basin
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Nikkyo974
This more confidential beach nevertheless deserves its place on the list of the best spots to swim in Réunion Island. Nestling in the bay of Manapany, this black sand beach offers a wilder setting, largely unknown to tourists. A pleasant rock-lined basin has been built in the ocean for swimming. However, swimming elsewhere in the bay is dangerous and strictly forbidden.
The best rivers for swimming on Reunion Island
8. Sainte-Anne’s Bassin Bleu
Photo credit: Flickr – Daniel Paul PAYET
Are you torn between the ocean and the river? The Bassin Bleu offers a little of both. Located at the mouth of a river, it forms a sort of lake with crystal-clear waters. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to swim in Réunion Island, as it’s as pleasant and refreshing as it is safe. It also has the advantage of being very easy to get to, being located right in the heart of Sainte-Anne.
9. Rivière des Marsouins
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JeanLucIchard
The Rivière des Marsouins flows into the ocean in the commune of Saint-Benoît. Slightly upstream is a little corner of paradise: îlet Coco. Although it is home to a few houses, this river island is still unspoilt and particularly tranquil.
When it comes to swimming, the area around the îlet offers some very pleasant wild spots. And if you’re fleeing the hustle and bustle of Réunion Island’s beaches? Bathing in the Rivière des Marsouins is just as idyllic, but much more peaceful!
10. The Bassin Bœuf in Sainte-Suzanne
Photo credit: Flickr – Law-Tang Photography
On Reunion Island, bathing is often a small victory that has to be earned. You may have to walk to reach some of the more remote bathing spots. But their tranquility and unspoilt beauty are well worth the detour! Such is the case for Bassin Bœuf.
To reach this little corner of paradise, you’ll need to walk upstream for 15 minutes or so. You’ll then arrive in a green haven of peace, ideal for a siesta and a cool dip in summer.
The best waterfalls for swimming on Reunion Island
11. The Bridal Veil waterfall
Photo credit: Flickr – Michel Thomas / Craipeau
Here’s one of the most spectacular places to swim on Reunion Island. Shaped by volcanism, the island’s relief is home to numerous waterfalls, of which the Voile de la Mariée is one of the most famous. It takes its name from the legend that the veil of a young bride clung to the cliff as she fell.
At the foot of this breathtaking waterfall lies a natural swimming pool. Chances are you’ll have unforgettable memories!
12. Trou Noir waterfall
Photo credit: Wikimedia – David.Monniaux
The Cascade du Trou Noir is located downstream from the splendid and famous Cascade Langevin, on the river of the same name. Less spectacular than its big sister, the Trou Noir cascade is nonetheless better suited to swimming. In fact, it flows into a peaceful, pleasant pool… provided you’re not afraid of cool water!
A veritable green hole, this basin is full of charm. We recommend a detour on the way to the Langevin waterfall.
13. Niagara Falls
Photo credit: Shutterstock – SYLVAIN FELTEN
Yes, you read that right: La Réunion has its very own Niagara Falls. The spectacular Niagara Falls has little to envy its American cousins. It falls down a steep stone cliff surrounded by vegetation.
But it’s the basin at its foot that interests us most. Bordered by a small pebble beach, it offers an ideal setting for a swim. What’s more, the Niagara waterfall is easily accessible from Sainte-Suzanne town center. All in all, as you’ll have gathered, this is one of the best places to swim in Réunion Island!
Heavenly beaches, idyllic rivers and spectacular waterfalls: there’s something for everyone on Réunion Island. Why not vary the pleasures during your stay by alternating snorkeling sessions in the lagoon, lazing in the shade of the filaos and refreshing dives in the middle of a hike?