By Samuel Hoarau -Wikimedia

Top 10 beaches in Reunion Island


 

The Reunion Island is found in the east coast of the African continent close to Mauritius. It has a favourable tropical climate, warm ocean water and beautiful beaches.

There is so much to do on this island, exploring the beaches, the tropical forest, the volcano and so many other activities.

In today’s blog, I’ll focus on the beautiful beaches on Reunion Island. There are several beautiful sandy beaches, lots of sun and lagoons.

The beaches are protected a coral reef and are the best spots for swimming and other water sports.

While at the beach, look out for the signposts that caution you about sharks since the beach is infamously known as shark attack capital of the world.

Here are the top 10 beaches in Reunion Island.

1. Plage De L’Ermitage

By Samuel Hoarau -Wikimedia

Plage de L’Ermitage is perfectly set in the middle of the lagoon between St. Gilles and la Saline Les Baines. This is the most popular beach in the whole of Reunion Island.

This means that it gets really crowded especially the weekends and in the evening after school. It has white sand and crystal-clear water, there are casuarina trees on the beach that provide shade to swimmers and other beachgoers.

If you love snorkelling then this is the place to do it. It is close to Boucan Canot is the lagoon that is protected by the reefs and shallow waters.

This spot at the beach is a favourite of many families with children because the water is shallow.

Most families also hold parties and cookouts by the beach during public holidays. There are hotels by the beach too with beautiful gardens serving creole specialities and local seafood.

2. Plage De La Salines

Another beach to go to is Saline which is nestled away from the crowds. As the name suggests, the sand is a mixture of black and white and is long and wide enough.

As you sit and relax by the beach, you can enjoy magnificent views that go as far as saint leu beach. If you love snorkelling, this is a great place to do it. You will get to see many tropical fishes by the coral.

Since this beach is not crowded, you can take your time snorkelling and swim in the clear patches on the beach. Nearby beaches that have more people include Copacabana for drinks by the beach or Le Choka Bleu.

3. Grande-Anse beach

By PKRU3867 – Wikimedia

The Grande-Anse beach is perfectly set in the south of Reunion Island. Its beautiful white sand stretches to the south where the sand is black.

The beach is lined with tall coconut trees creating a beautiful rugged scenery. This beach is great for sunbathing and beach sports. The water has shark and strong currents and is therefore not suitable for swimming. However, there is a small pool nearby that is safe for swimming.

The locals love to spend time by the beach on weekends for barbecue and picnic and also sports. There are cafes by the beach too that serve great food and beer.

A small park near the beach attracts families that love to spend their weekend by the beach.

4. Brisant’s Beach

Next is Brisants beach that stretches from the port of Saint-Gilles south to Plage de l’Hermitage. It is one of the longest beaches in the Reunion Islands. Locals and tourists flock this beach mostly in the evening for sundowners and viewing the sunset.

It is not popular with swimmers especially on the end close to St. Gilles. It is locally called the breaking beach because it is loved by surfers and other water sports lovers.

Beach tennis and volley are other popular sports you will find here. There are signs on the beach warning of shark attacks.

5. Plage De Boucan Canot

By PKRU3867 – Wikimedia

Boucan Canot beach is on the west coast of Réunion Island. It is between Cape La Houssaye and the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.

It is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches with white sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

There is a pedestrian boardwalk for strolls by the beach or you can opt to sit by the beach as you enjoy your favourite drink. You will find several cafes, bars, snack bars and restaurants by the beach.

The water on this beach is protected by anti-shark nets that allow the beachgoers to enjoy safe swimming. There is a natural poll nearby worth checking out.

6. L’Étang-Salé

By Tonton Bernardo – Wikimedia

L’Étang-Salé or the Salty Pond is commonly known is found in a commune by the same name in Reunion Island. The beach has black sand is close to Etang Sale forest.

This beach is popular with surfers and is protected by a reef making it safe to swim. There are lifeguards on patrol and public showers.

The surfers prefer the northern part of the beach where the water is deep, has waves and currents. It is however not free of sharks.

7. Saint-Leu beach

Saint-Leu beach is where you go to for sunbathing, paragliding, swimming, or picnics. The beach is lined with screw pine trees that provide shade to beachgoers. You can snorkel and explore the marine life at the lagoon.

The beach has lifeguards on patrol and is protected by coral reefs. It is one of the popular beaches for travellers in Saint-Leu and gets crowded over the weekends.

8. Plage de Trou d’Eau

This beach is located at the southern end of Reunion Island. It is a nice place for relaxation and swimming in the lagoon protected area. There are paddleboards available to rent.

Trou d’eau beach is small and defined by white sand. Casuarina trees line the beach and provide shade. The marine life on this beach is diverse and provides a beautiful spectacle for undersea snorkelling.

Kite surfing and windsurfing are popular sports on the beach. There is also a webcam that streams live footage of the beach and the sea.

The restaurants by the beach serve great food that one can enjoy while dipping their feet in the water.

9. Plage des Roches Noires

The Roches Noires beach has white sand and is close to the centre Saint-Gilles Les Bains resort. It is not the longest beach on the island but has massive dark rocks on its northern side.

This beach suffered damage from the tropical cyclone that hit the island in 2007. It is however loved by water sports fans such as surfing. Young surfers on their school break or in the evening after school love spending time here.

While walking in the water, be careful of sharp rocks and sea urchins in the water bed.   Many locals meet here for the annual Grand Boucan carnival.

10. Plage de Saint Pierre

Last on our list is St. Peter beach, a beautiful sandy waterfront. It is one of the quiet and less crowded beaches. The water is clear and warm with casuarina trees lining the beach.

This beach is in the city centre of Saint Pierre and stretches to the seafront. The beach is protected by a reef that can be explored through snorkelling.

There is a monitored swimming area making it popular with families. You will also find lavatories, showers and lifeguard stations.

The snack bars and restaurants at the seafront, lets you enjoy your meals and drinks while watching the sunset and cool breeze.

 

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