The most beautiful beaches of Reunion Island

Boucan Canot Beach

Boucan Canot Beach is one of the most popular and vibrant beaches on the west coast of Réunion Island, located just north of Saint-Gilles les Bains. Open to the vast Indian Ocean, this beach attracts both locals and visitors for its dynamic waves, making it a favorite spot for bodyboarding and swimming on calmer days. Unlike the more tranquil lagoon beaches protected by coral reefs, Boucan Canot offers deeper waters, which appeal to more experienced swimmers.

What makes this beach truly special is its natural rock pool, a shallow, sheltered area ideal for families with children or anyone wanting a gentler swimming experience. Recently, a safety net was installed, allowing snorkelers to explore the rich marine life in the area with peace of mind. Equipped with fins, masks, and snorkels, visitors can admire colorful fish and underwater scenery just steps from the shore. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Boucan Canot Beach delivers a perfect mix of both.

Hermitage Beach: A Family-Friendly Paradise on the West Coast of Reunion Island

Nestled on the west coast of Reunion Island, Hermitage Beach is one of the island’s most beloved coastal treasures. As the main beach of the Saint-Gilles lagoon, it offers safe and easy access to the sea, thanks to the natural protection provided by the coral reef. Stretching along 7 kilometers of soft white sand and shaded by graceful casuarina trees, this beach is a favorite for both locals and visitors.

The water here is calm, warm, and shallow—rarely deeper than two meters—making it an ideal spot for children to swim safely and for beginners to explore the vibrant underwater world. Snorkelers will find colorful fish and coral formations just a few strokes from the shore.

Behind the beach, spacious green areas shaded by pine trees create the perfect setting for family picnics, naps in a hammock, or relaxing afternoons surrounded by nature.

Whether you’re seeking gentle waves, marine life, or a peaceful day under the trees, Hermitage Beach offers it all.

Black Rocks Beach: A Hidden Gem in Saint-Gilles

Located in the vibrant town of Saint-Gilles on the west coast of Réunion Island, Black Rocks Beach—known locally as Plage des Roches Noires—is one of the few open-sea beaches on the island where swimming is allowed. Though small in size, stretching just under two kilometers, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and energetic coastal vibes.

Shaped like a gentle crescent, this beach is framed by soft white sand and a relatively sandy seabed, making it ideal for sunbathing and wading in the shallow waters. Its name comes from the dark volcanic rocks that rise from the sea on the northern end, creating a dramatic contrast with the turquoise water.

Black Rocks Beach is also a favorite among surfers and windsurfers. The right-hand break offers excellent waves, attracting water sports enthusiasts looking for a good challenge. With its lively atmosphere and stunning scenery, it’s a must-visit spot on the island.

Salt Pond Beach: A Unique Black Sand Paradise

Located just south of Saint-Leu in the charming town of Étang-Salé, Salt Pond Beach is one of Réunion Island’s most extraordinary coastal treasures. Renowned for its striking fine black sand—a result of the island’s volcanic origins—this beach was named one of the world’s top five most spectacular beaches by a leading travel magazine in 2016.

Salt Pond Beach offers a unique contrast between relaxation and adventure. On its southern end, visitors will find the Canoe Basin, a calm, shallow lagoon protected by a natural reef. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the water with children in complete safety, just a short walk from the nearby fishing port.

To the north, the beach opens to the open ocean, where waves crash energetically on the shore. This area is a haven for surfers and water sports enthusiasts looking for a thrill. Nearby, families can also enjoy a water-themed amusement park, making Étang-Salé a perfect destination for all ages.

Saint Pierre Beach

Saint Pierre Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand that runs along the city’s coastline all the way to the bustling harbor. This popular beach borders a tranquil lagoon, which is protected by a coral reef, making it a safe and welcoming spot for families to swim and snorkel. The calm, crystal-clear waters shimmer in shades of turquoise, offering a window into a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful tropical fish.

San Pedro Beach is not only a place to relax in the sun, but also a space designed for everyone’s enjoyment. Landscaped gardens line the shore, while wide pedestrian paths offer benches for rest, shaded areas, showers, and even accessible entryways for people with reduced mobility.

Located just steps from the lively center of Saint-Pierre—the largest city in the southern part of Reunion Island—it’s also a perfect place to unwind with a drink on a pub terrace while watching a spectacular ocean sunset.

Grand Anse Beach: A Hidden Gem in Petite-Île

Tucked between two rugged headlands in the commune of Petite-Île, just east of Saint-Pierre, Grande Anse Beach is one of Reunion Island’s most breathtaking coastal treasures. With its wide stretch of soft white sand, gently swaying coconut palms, and turquoise waves crashing against the shore, it’s the very definition of a tropical paradise.

A favorite weekend destination for locals, Grande Anse is perfect for those seeking peace, scenic beauty, and the simple pleasures of a seaside picnic.

Visitors can stroll along the shore, take in panoramic ocean views, or relax under the palm trees with the sound of waves in the background.

While swimming in the open sea is not recommended due to strong currents, a natural rock pool at the southern end of the beach offers a safe and refreshing alternative. There, visitors can enjoy the warm waters in complete tranquility—making it an ideal spot for families and casual swimmers alike.

Saint-Leu Town Beach: A Coastal Gem for All

Just on the outskirts of the charming town of Saint-Leu lies one of Reunion Island’s most inviting beaches. Saint-Leu Town Beach is well-loved for its calm, crystal-clear lagoon, protected by a natural reef and monitored by lifeguards—making it a safe and welcoming spot for swimmers of all ages. The lagoon’s rich biodiversity also makes it a fantastic place for snorkeling and diving, as colorful marine life thrives beneath the surface.

For those seeking more adventure, Saint-Leu is a renowned paragliding spot. From the skies, you can enjoy a spectacular aerial view of the beach and lagoon. Back on land, a shaded area just behind the shoreline invites visitors to unwind or enjoy games like beach volleyball or pétanque.

Evenings bring a special charm, with candlelit concerts and live music at local beachfront kiosks known as rondavelles. It’s a place where nature, sport, and culture come together to create unforgettable moments by the sea.

Trou d’Eau Beach: A Gateway to Reunion Island’s Marine Life

Nestled on the western coast of Reunion Island, Trou d’Eau Beach lies within the charming commune of Saint-Paul and extends south from the shores of La Saline-les-Bains. This picturesque beach is a favorite among locals, yet it still offers quiet corners where visitors can relax under the shade of casuarina trees or bask in the tropical sun.

Trou d’Eau is much more than just a pretty beach—it’s a cultural experience. On Sunday mornings, join the locals in preparing traditional Creole picnics right on the sand. Warm and welcoming, they’re always happy to share a plate of rougail or a slow-cooked curry, often prepared over open wood fires. It’s a true taste of island life and community spirit.

With soft white sand and a calm, crystal-clear lagoon protected by a coral reef, the waters here are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or trying out water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking. Despite the lack of a lifeguard station, the reef creates a safe, natural barrier against strong currents and marine predators. For families, beginners, or anyone looking to explore the underwater world, Trou d’Eau is a peaceful and inviting spot.

Whether you’re drawn to the warm hospitality, delicious food, or the serene natural setting, Trou d’Eau Beach offers a little bit of everything—making it one of Reunion Island’s most beloved seaside escapes.