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Ocean Activities and Water Sports in Reunion Island: Diving, Whales, Snorkelling

Diving, snorkelling, whales, clear kayaking, catamaran, surfing, big-game fishing: 80 km of coastline to explore from Saint-Pierre to Le Port.

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Ocean Water Sports in Reunion Island: what to know

Ocean activities in Reunion Island draw on a west coast sheltered by 30 km of coral reef, the lagoon running from Saint-Paul to Étang-Salé, and a south-west coast with drop-offs down to 40 metres right offshore. Three ecosystems coexist: the shallow coral lagoon (snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding), the drop-offs for scuba diving, and the open sea for whale watching and big-game fishing.

The west coast's must-dos. A discovery dive at Saint-Leu or Saint-Gilles, supervised by well-established clubs, descending to 5-8 metres with guaranteed encounters with butterflyfish, clownfish and, sometimes, green turtles. Snorkelling in the Hermitage lagoon or Trou d'Eau, suitable for everyone, mask and snorkel provided, ideal for families. Humpback whale watching from July to October, departing Saint-Gilles by boat, in line with the local observation charter. Clear kayaking in the Trou d'Eau lagoon lets you watch the coral through the kayak's bottom.

For thrill-seekers: surfing at Saint-Leu (the left-hander, ranked among the world's best), big-game fishing departing Le Port with a local captain, sunset catamaran trips from Saint-Gilles, outrigger canoeing at Saint-Gilles to try Polynesian paddling. Shark safety is closely managed: swimming outside the lagoon is regulated, and every boat trip operates from supervised zones with lookouts. Prices range from €30 (a supervised snorkelling trip) to €200+ (a big-game fishing trip).

Practical guide

Everything you need to know before booking

Season, who it suits, budget, safety, booking: the essential points to plan your ocean outing with confidence.

Season and water temperature

Water at 23-28°C year-round. Dry season (May-October): cooler water but the best visibility. Southern summer (December-March): warmer water, sometimes more particles. Humpback whales: July to October, peak in August-September. Cyclone period (January-March): boat trips sometimes cancelled.

Who it suits, skill levels

Hermitage snorkelling, clear kayaking: from age 4-5. Whale watching, sunset catamaran: suitable for everyone, not recommended for pregnant women. A discovery dive: from age 8 with some clubs (PADI Bubblemaker), generally 10. Swimming with dolphins: confident swimmers, from age 12. Big-game fishing: sea legs required.

Budget

Self-guided snorkelling (gear rental): €5-10. Supervised snorkelling: €30-50. Clear kayaking, paddleboarding: €30-50. Outrigger canoeing: €30-50. A discovery dive: €60-90. A whale-watching trip: €50-90. A half-day catamaran cruise: €60-100. A full-day big-game fishing trip: €150-300.

Shark safety and swimming

Swimming outside the lagoon is regulated in Reunion Island. The lagoon, protected by 30 km of coral reef (Saint-Paul to Étang-Salé), is entirely safe. Boat trips (whales, catamaran, fishing, diving) operate offshore under supervised conditions. Surfing is only practised in zones watched over by lookouts. Every listing on this page follows local regulations.

Whale-watching charter

Whale-watching trips follow a strict approach charter: a minimum distance of 100 m, limited observation time, no systematic entry into the water. The operators listed here follow these rules. Boats with electric motors or low noise levels are preferred. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but the success rate reaches 80-90% in peak season.

Booking and gear

Book 5-10 days ahead in peak season for whale watching, a discovery dive or a catamaran cruise. Gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, life jacket) is provided by operators except for self-guided snorkelling. Underwater photos are often an optional extra (€10-30). Free cancellation 24-48 hours ahead. Trips are rescheduled if the sea is rough.

Where to go

The island's key areas

The main areas for ocean activities. Click an area to filter the search tool by that location.

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

The historic hub for ocean activities: catamaran departures, whale watching, discovery dives and kayaking. A marina and well-equipped beaches make it the natural base on the west coast.

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Saint-Leu

The go-to spot for scuba diving (spectacular drop-offs), coral snorkelling and surfing (a world-renowned left-hander). Whale-watching trips depart from the fishing harbour.

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The Hermitage / Trou d'Eau

The most sheltered and fish-rich lagoon. Family snorkelling, clear kayaking, paddleboarding. Shallow waters ideal for children. Direct access from the beach.

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Le Port

The main base for big-game fishing and some whale-watching trips. Fast semi-rigid boats or catamarans reach the tuna and marlin fishing grounds.

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Saint-Pierre

A marina, with some whale-watching trips heading south (less busy than Saint-Gilles). Diving is also practised here. Direct access from the south of the island.

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about ocean activities in Reunion Island

Where can you do a discovery dive in Reunion Island?
Saint-Leu and Saint-Gilles are the two main spots for a discovery dive in Reunion Island. Saint-Leu offers spectacular drop-offs a short distance from shore, with visibility often exceeding 20 m. Saint-Gilles benefits from calmer water thanks to the lagoon's protection. Discovery dives last around 2 to 3 hours (briefing included), descending to 5-8 metres, with one-to-one supervision. Expect €60 to €90 depending on the club.
When can you see whales in Reunion Island?
The humpback whale-watching season in Reunion Island runs from July to October, peaking in August-September. They move into warmer waters to calve and nurse their young. Trips generally depart from Saint-Gilles or Saint-Pierre, last 2 to 3 hours, and follow the approach charter (a minimum distance, limited observation time). Sightings aren't guaranteed, but the success rate reaches 80 to 90% in peak season.
Is snorkelling at the Hermitage suitable for children?
Yes, the Hermitage lagoon is one of the safest spots to introduce children to snorkelling. Shallow water (often under a metre in the inner zones), accessible coral, abundant marine life (parrotfish, butterflyfish, sometimes small rays). Trips supervised by local clubs provide masks, snorkels and life jackets for younger children. Accessible from age 4-5 depending on the operator.
Is it safe to swim outside the lagoon in Reunion Island?
Swimming outside the lagoon is regulated in Reunion Island because of shark risk. Every coastal water activity operates within supervised zones or areas fitted with protective measures. Boat trips (whales, catamaran, big-game fishing) aren't an issue since they take place offshore. Surfing remains banned outside supervised zones unless run by a supervising club. The lagoon, protected by the coral reef, is entirely safe.
Clear kayaking or paddleboarding: which to choose?
Clear kayaking in the Trou d'Eau lagoon lets you watch the reef through the kayak's bottom while paddling with no real effort, suitable for everyone including children (from age 4-6). Ideal for a contemplative, family-friendly outing. Paddleboarding (stand-up paddle) requires better balance, takes more physical effort, and lets you explore a wider area of the lagoon. Both activities are run at Saint-Gilles and nearby, €30 to €50 for a supervised trip.
What's the difference between free and guided snorkelling?
Free snorkelling in the Hermitage or Trou d'Eau lagoon needs no gear beyond a mask, snorkel and fins (rental €5-10 a day on the beach). Guided snorkelling adds a marine-life instructor who shows the best spots and identifies the wildlife, provides gear and ensures safety. For a first time or with children, the guided option (€30-50) is worth it; after that, going it alone is easy.
Wetsuit or just swimwear for diving in Reunion Island?
Water in Reunion Island ranges between 23°C (southern winter, July-August) and 28°C (southern summer, December-March). Most clubs provide a 3 mm shorty wetsuit for a discovery dive, enough for 40-60 minutes at the surface or in shallow water. For a longer scuba dive, a 5 mm wetsuit is comfortable even in summer. Clubs provide all the gear, including a wetsuit suited to the season.
Catamaran cruise or a fishing trip: which to choose?
A catamaran cruise (often a half-day, departing Saint-Gilles) offers a relaxed sunset outing with drinks on board, perfect for couples and families. A big-game fishing trip (a full day, departing Le Port) targets tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi, and is technical and physically demanding. An outrigger canoe trip offers a middle-ground format (group paddling, 1-2 hours). Catamaran: €60-100. Big-game fishing: €150-300. Outrigger canoe: €30-50.
When can you see turtles and rays in Reunion Island?
Green turtles are present year-round on the west coast, particularly visible at Saint-Leu during diving or snorkelling trips. For an almost-guaranteed encounter, some operators (PalmerSub, Bleu Marine) target the turtles' cleaning stations. Stingrays frequent the Hermitage and Trou d'Eau lagoons. Leopard rays are rarer, spotted on deep dives off Saint-Leu.
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