Published
Prices and offers updated November 2026

Scuba Diving Courses in Saint-Leu: levels and prices 2026

A certifying multi-level course (Open Water / N1 / PA20 / PE40) with Excelsus, in Saint-Leu bay, from €310 for Level 1. Flexible 2-7 day courses depending on the level you're aiming for.

4 levels2-7 daysFrom age 12From €310

Saint-Leu bay is the historic base for diving in Reunion Island, with access to the best sites of the Marine Reserve: the Passe de l'Ermitage, Tour de Boucan, Jardin des Kiosques, Boxy's Canyon, the Antonio Lorenzo wreck (32-40m) and the legendary Pointe au Sel drop-off (25-71m). The range of depths lets you progress at a single centre from N1 to PE40.

The only centre selling multi-level training online is Excelsus Plongée, based at Saint-Leu harbour, from €310 for Open Water / N1 on Manawa. For N1 training only on the Saint-Gilles side, see my N1 Diving Training in Saint-Gilles page (Le Dodo Palmé in Le Port, €390). For exploration diving after getting your N1, see my Exploration Diving in Saint-Gilles page.

In brief

The training levels available

Open Water / N1 (Excelsus)
Duration
2-3 days
Price
€310
For
First certification, travellers on a 4-5 day stay
PA20 (Independent Diver, 20m)
Duration
3-4 days after N1
Price
On request
For
Unsupervised diving up to 20m
PE40 (Supervised Diver, 40m)
Duration
5-7 days
Price
On request
For
Deep sites: the Antonio Lorenzo wreck, Pointe au Sel
The selection

The Excelsus Plongée offer

A diver giving a thumbs up over a coral reef during training in Saint-Leu bay, Reunion IslandMulti-level

Open Water / N1 / PA20 / PE40 Courses (Excelsus)

The only multi-level training course in Saint-Leu: Open Water / N1 from €310, PA20 and PE40 available, flexible 2-7 day courses depending on the level you're aiming for.

Duration
2-3 days (OW/N1) to 5-7 days (PE40)
Level
A discovery dive for OW/N1; N1 certification for PA20/PE40
Cancellation
Flexible (Manawa)
Company
Excelsus Plongée
Meeting point
Excelsus Plongée, 1 Impasse des Plongeurs, 97436 Saint-Leu (accessed via the Route des Tamarins, Saint-Leu exit)

Multi-level OW/N1 to PE40 · Flexible 2-7 day courses

From
€310/person
Book via Manawa
See the full description

This listing is the only multi-level diving course sold online in Saint-Leu: €310 per person for Open Water / Level 1 (the first certification level), with higher-priced options for PA20 (independent diver up to 20m) and PE40 (supervised diver up to 40m). It's the only centre in my selection offering a full progression up to PE40 on a single listing.

The Excelsus centre is based at Saint-Leu harbour (1 Impasse des Plongeurs), with full facilities: showers, changing cubicles, toilets, a terrace, Mares gear (a high-end Italian brand). The course is flexible: 2-3 days for Open Water / N1, 3-4 days for PA20 (after getting your N1), 5-7 days for the full PE40 (the level that opens up the deep 40m sites). Theory is covered via e-learning (remote) and practice happens in open water on sites within Reunion Island's Marine Reserve.

Who it's for: travellers on a 5-10 day stay who want to make as much diving progress as possible during their trip, N1-certified divers wanting to take the PA20 or PE40 to access deep sites (the Antonio Lorenzo wreck at 40m, the Pointe au Sel drop-off at 60-71m), enthusiasts who want ongoing training at a single centre. Who it's not for: travellers on a short stay (the course takes at least 3 days), those looking for a centre specifically in Saint-Gilles (see my N1 Diving Training in Saint-Gilles page instead).

Manawa price: €310 for Open Water / N1 (includes all gear, e-learning theory, open-water dives, an SSI N1 card). PA20 and PE40 rates are to be confirmed when booking (expect +€200-300 for PA20, +€400-600 for PE40 depending on the centre). Flexible Manawa cancellation. An SSI card is issued at the end, equivalent to PADI/FFESSM and valid worldwide.

Companies

The west coast's training centres

Excelsus Plongée

Multi-level
Saint-Leu (harbour)

The go-to training centre in Saint-Leu, listed on Manawa for multi-level training. Rated 4.5/5 overall on Manawa, with high-end Mares gear, a state-certified instructor. Excellent comfort on site (showers, changing cubicles, terrace). A specialist in the Marine Reserve's deep sites (PA20 and PE40).

Le Dodo Palmé

Le Port (8km from Saint-Gilles)

A competing centre in Le Port, offering only Level 1 training (see my dedicated N1 Diving Training in Saint-Gilles page). €390 with 6 open-water dives. Worth considering if you're staying on the Saint-Gilles side rather than Saint-Leu, and if you're only after N1 without going on to PA20/PE40.

Réunion Diving

Saint-Gilles harbour

My discovery-diving and exploration diving partner in Saint-Gilles (see my dedicated pages). No multi-level training sold online currently. For exploration diving after getting your N1, it's the go-to operator in Saint-Gilles (€45/dive, 4.8/5 from 5 Manawa reviews).

Good to know

Preparing well for your training in Saint-Leu

  • E-learning theory to complete before or during your stay (saves time on site).
  • A medical certificate confirming no contraindication to diving is compulsory for minors (dated within the last year), recommended for any beginner.
  • Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, a snack for breaks.
  • Language: if you'd like the course taught in English, check with the centre when you book.
  • You'll need a hire car to reach the centre at Saint-Leu harbour from your accommodation (no transfer provided).
  • No flying for 24h after your last dive (decompression sickness risk).
  • Weather: if the sea is rough, the course can be spread over more days for safety; a flexible schedule is recommended.
  • Combine with Saint-Gilles sites: if you're staying on the Saint-Gilles side, plan for a 30-minute drive to reach Saint-Leu via the Route des Tamarins.
Traveller reviews

Reviews of Excelsus Plongée

Overall Manawa rating 4.5/5(based on all the reviews published on the platform for this operator). The Excelsus multi-level training listing is recent and doesn't have any individual reviews published yet. Excelsus is a long-established operator in Saint-Leu with high-end Mares facilities and state-certified instructors; for detailed feedback, check the establishment's Google Maps reviews directly or contact the centre.

See the Manawa listing
Providers

Providers for this activity

These operators have a detailed profile on the site: reviews, catalogue, prices and practical info to book with confidence.

Diving & snorkelling

Excelsus

A diving centre at Pointe des Châteaux (Saint-Leu). Triple ANMP, FFESSM and TDI-SDI certification, open 7 days a week.

See the provider's profile
Diving & snorkelling

Plongée Péï

A diving club founded by a state-certified instructor. Bases in Le Port and Saint-Leu, double dives and swimming with dolphins.

See the provider's profile
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Stay nearby

Where to stay near Saint-Leu harbour

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★ 6.6/10 (6 reviews)
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Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotelhotel5 km

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about diving courses in Saint-Leu

What diving levels are available?
SSI Open Water Diver (equivalent to FFESSM Level 1): the first level, guided diving up to 20m with an instructor. PA20 (Independent Diver, 20m): lets you dive unsupervised up to 20m with an experienced buddy. PE40 (Supervised Diver, 40m): lets you dive in a supervised group up to 40m, the level that opens up deep sites. To go further (PA40, N3, instructor training), Excelsus also offers advanced courses on request.
What does diving training cost in Saint-Leu in 2026?
Expect €310 per person for Open Water / Level 1 training with Excelsus (Manawa listing), including gear, e-learning theory, open-water dives and an SSI N1 card. PA20 and PE40 rates are on request directly from the centre (expect +€200-300 for PA20, +€400-600 for PE40 depending on the course). For comparison, N1 training with Le Dodo Palmé in Le Port is €390 for 6 half-days with 6 dives (see my dedicated N1 Diving Training in Saint-Gilles page).
How long does the training take?
Open Water / N1: 2-3 full days (e-learning theory plus 4-5 open-water dives). PA20: 3-4 more days after N1 (learning to dive independently with a buddy). PE40: 5-7 full days to qualify for 40m, progressing over increasingly deep sites. E-learning lets you get ahead on theory before arriving in Reunion Island, saving time on site.
What are the prerequisites for the training?
Open Water / N1: minimum age 12, able to swim, a medical certificate confirming no contraindication to diving (for minors or in case of medical doubt). PA20: must have passed N1 (or equivalent Open Water), at least 5 dives of experience. PE40: must have passed PA20 or an equivalent level, deep-diving experience recommended. You don't need to be especially fit, but you should be in reasonable shape and comfortable in the water.
Why choose Saint-Leu for diving training?
Saint-Leu is the historic base for diving in Reunion Island, with access to the Marine Reserve's best sites: the Passe de l'Ermitage (0-25m, a must for N1), Tour de Boucan (6-30m, turtles), Jardin des Kiosques (0-35m, coral gardens), Boxy's Canyon (0-35m, accessible from N2+), the Antonio Lorenzo (32-40m, an artificial wreck), Pointe au Sel (25-71m, the island's legendary drop-off). The range of depths lets you progress at a single centre from N1 to PE40.
How does it compare with Saint-Gilles?
Saint-Leu (Excelsus) offers multi-level training up to PE40 at one centre, ideal if you want to keep progressing. Saint-Gilles (Le Dodo Palmé in neighbouring Le Port) offers only N1 training fixed at €390 for 6 half-days with 6 open-water dives (see my N1 Training page). Choose Saint-Leu if you want to go beyond N1 or if you're staying in the south-west, Saint-Gilles if you want a traditional N1 course and are staying in the Saint-Gilles resort area.
What's included in the price?
Included in the €310: all Mares gear (mask, fins, snorkel, weights, wetsuit, regulator, tank), supervision by a state-certified instructor, online theory (e-learning, to do before or during your stay), an SSI Level 1 certification card at the end, a dive logbook, coffee / tea / cold drinks at the centre. Not included: lunches (about €15/day) and transport to the centre from your accommodation (you'll need a hire car).
Should you book ahead?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Groups are limited to 4-6 trainees per instructor, and the centre fills up in high season (July-August, French school holidays). Book 2-4 weeks ahead in high season, 7-10 days in low season. Remember the 24-hour no-fly rule after your last dive. 2026 prices verified as of the update date. Flexible Manawa cancellation; if the weather is unfavourable, the centre reschedules dives within the course schedule.

Last updated: 4 November 2026. Prices verified at the time of writing. Confirm the exact price when booking.