The Most Beautiful Sites for Scuba Diving in Réunion Island

The Best Places to Dive in Réunion Island

Réunion Island, a French overseas gem tucked away in the Indian Ocean, is an extraordinary destination for underwater exploration. While often overshadowed by its neighbor, Mauritius, Réunion is home to dramatic seascapes, volcanic formations, and a wealth of marine biodiversity that make it a top-tier scuba diving destination. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, the island offers a variety of unforgettable dive sites—each with its own magic.

Let’s dive into the most stunning spots for scuba diving in Réunion Island and discover what makes them truly exceptional.

1. Cap La Houssaye – Where Volcanic Drama Meets Marine Life

Located just north of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Cap La Houssaye is arguably the most iconic dive site on the island. Here, ancient volcanic flows have created a rugged seafloor of underwater cliffs, lava tubes, and dramatic drop-offs. These rocky formations are teeming with life: moray eels hide in crevices, colorful reef fish dance among coral outcrops, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a passing turtle or even dolphins offshore.

Cap La Houssaye is particularly popular with advanced divers due to its depth and currents, but beginners can also enjoy the outer shallower reefs with a guide. Several local dive centers, like Bleu Marine Réunion, offer daily excursions here, including night dives which reveal an entirely different world.

Tip: Book a morning dive to enjoy the best visibility and increase your chances of seeing pelagic species.

2. Saint-Gilles Marine Reserve – A Biodiversity Hotspot

Saint-Gilles is the heart of Réunion’s marine activity, thanks in part to the Réserve Naturelle Marine de La Réunion, which protects a large portion of the west coast’s coral reef. This marine reserve includes over 3,500 hectares of protected waters and is home to an incredible diversity of life—over 1,000 species of fish and nearly 200 types of coral.

Scuba diving here is serene and visually rich. You’ll glide above coral gardens inhabited by butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional stingray. Dive sites within the reserve are ideal for beginners due to calm waters and easy access from the shore, but they still offer plenty to discover for experienced divers.

Bonus: The reef’s proximity to the shore makes it a great option for snorkelers too.

3. Boucan Canot Reef – Beauty and Safety Combined

North of Saint-Gilles, Boucan Canot is one of the most well-known beaches on the island and also a wonderful site for both snorkeling and scuba diving. What makes this spot particularly appealing is its combination of natural beauty and safety. A protective anti-shark net allows divers and swimmers to enjoy the clear waters with peace of mind.

Underwater, the reef reveals coral-covered ridges and a variety of reef fish including bannerfish, surgeonfish, and even lionfish. The site is suitable for beginners and is perfect for those wanting to combine a beach day with a short dive.

Local tip: After your dive, stay for sunset on the beach Boucan Canot is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun dip into the ocean.

4. Saint-Pierre Lagoon – Southern Charm and Tranquility

Travel to the southern part of the island and you’ll find the charming town of Saint-Pierre, home to one of the island’s most tranquil lagoons. This is an excellent place for beginner divers or those seeking a relaxed, shallow dive.

The underwater landscape is filled with branching coral formations and sandy patches, attracting a wide variety of reef fish and invertebrates. Visibility is generally excellent, and the calm conditions make it ideal for long, slow dives where you can take your time observing the smaller details of the reef.

Recommended stay: Hotels like Le Saint Pierre and La Villa Delisle are just minutes from the lagoon and cater well to divers.

5. Grande Anse Rocky Pool – A Unique Dive in a Man-Made Lagoon

Grande Anse is better known for its scenic beach and picnic spots, but tucked away behind volcanic rock barriers is a sheltered rocky pool that offers a unique diving and snorkeling experience. While it doesn’t feature expansive coral reefs, it’s home to fascinating marine life such as damselfish, small octopuses, and sea cucumbers.

The pool is protected from waves, making it a safe and enjoyable location for families, beginners, or those easing into scuba diving for the first time. It’s also a great place to practice buoyancy control and get comfortable with equipment before heading to deeper waters.

Note: Bring your own equipment or rent from Saint-Pierre before heading to the pool, as there are limited rental facilities on-site.

Protecting a Fragile Paradise: Réunion’s Marine Conservation

Réunion Island takes marine conservation seriously. The Marine Nature Reserve, established in 2007, spans from Saint-Leu to Saint-Gilles and plays a critical role in safeguarding coral reefs and promoting sustainable tourism.

The reefs here are not only a visual spectacle—they’re crucial ecosystems that support hundreds of marine species. Conservation efforts include reef monitoring, coral restoration projects, and community education programs. Visitors are encouraged to follow eco-friendly diving practices, such as avoiding contact with coral and using reef-safe sunscreen.

Gear Up: What You Need for Diving in Réunion

Most dive centers in Réunion offer full gear rental, but if you prefer bringing your own equipment or plan to snorkel on your own, investing in a good mask and snorkel set is worthwhile. Lightweight fins, a 3mm wetsuit (the water averages 24–28°C), and an underwater camera will help you get the most out of your dives.

For gear, trusted brands like Cressi, Aqua Lung, and Decathlon offer reliable kits for both beginners and advanced divers.

Whether you’re floating over a shallow lagoon or descending into the shadows of a lava-formed cliff, scuba diving in Réunion Island is an experience that connects you to the raw, natural beauty of the ocean. With its combination of vibrant reefs, volcanic landscapes, and a strong commitment to marine protection, Réunion is a diving destination that deserves a spot on every underwater adventurer’s list.

Ready to explore the depths? Réunion’s reefs are waiting.

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