Published
Prices and offers updated November 2026

Surf Lessons in Reunion Island: Saint-Leu, prices 2026

Supervised surf lessons at Saint-Leu / Trois-Bassins with École de Surf de la Réunion, from €40 per person. 4.9/5 from 27 reviews on Manawa, shark spotters on every session, from age 6.

4.9/5from 27 reviews1h15-1h45From age 6From €40

Reunion Island's west coast offers world-class surf spots (Saint-Leu, Trois-Bassins, Boucan-Canot), but you can only surf in areas monitored by active shark spotters, in place since the 2011 "shark crisis". Every partner school sticks to these areas and postpones the lesson if there are no spotters or visibility is poor.

École de Surf de la Réunion, based in La Saline-les-Bains, is my only Manawa partner for supervised lessons at the Saint-Leu spot, from €40for a group lesson (up to 8 students). It's rated 4.9/5 from 27 verified reviews, with state-qualified (BPJEPS) instructors. If you'd rather stay in calmer water, see my pages on activities on the Saint-Gilles lagoon (a protected area).

In brief

Surf lessons in Saint-Leu at a glance

Group lesson (up to 8 students)
Duration
1h15 to 1h45
Price
€40
For
Beginners, intermediates, families from age 6
Private one-to-one lesson
Duration
1h15 to 1h45
Price
On request
For
Faster progress; book directly with the school
My selection

The École de Surf de la Réunion offer

A beginner surfer in a red lycra top on a yellow surfboard during a lesson at the Saint-Leu spot, Reunion IslandMy choice★ 4.9(27 reviews)

Group or Private Surf Lesson (École de Surf de la Réunion)

The only surf lesson you can book online in Reunion Island, with École de Surf de la Réunion at Saint-Leu. 4.9/5 from 27 Manawa reviews, from age 6.

Duration
1h15 to 1h45
Level
Beginner or intermediate (tailored to your level)
Cancellation
Flexible (Manawa)
Company
École de Surf de la Réunion
Meeting point
Saint-Leu spot, near the médiathèque, Rue Compagnie des Indes at the spot known as 'la passe' (to the right of the Rondavelle Chez Pivert), 97436 Saint-Leu

4.9/5 from 27 reviews · Shark spotters · From age 6

From
€40/person
Book via Manawa
See the full description

This is the only supervised surf lesson you can book online in Reunion Island: €40 per person with École de Surf de la Réunion (based in La Saline-les-Bains), listed on Manawa with flexible cancellation. Choose a group lesson with up to 8 students (the standard ratio) or a private one-to-one lesson (price on request: pricier, but you progress faster). Lessons last 1h15 to 1h45 depending on sea conditions and the group's level.

The meeting point is at the Saint-Leu spot, near the médiathèque (Rue Compagnie des Indes, the spot known as 'la passe', to the right of the Rondavelle Chez Pivert). Your state-qualified (BPJEPS) instructor gives you a briefing and, crucially, checks first that shark spotters are watching the water. If visibility is poor or there are no spotters, the lesson is postponed or swapped for a stand-up paddleboard session on the Saint-Gilles lagoon (a safe alternative).

Who it's for: complete beginners (from age 6, with teaching adapted to them), intermediates wanting to improve their pop-up or wave reading, travellers staying on the west coast (Saint-Leu, Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage, La Saline) and families (children can join group lessons from age 6). Who it's not for: advanced surfers who just want to hire a board (Manawa lists board hire separately), or anyone with a real fear of deep water.

Manawa price: €40 per person for a group lesson; contact the school directly for private lesson prices. Rated 4.9/5 from 27 Manawa reviews, which often praise instructor Mike's teaching and how reassuring the supervision feels. Be warned, it's physically demanding (as one review puts it, 'very physical if you're not used to sport'). Included: instructor, board, rash vest and insurance.

Companies

The island's surf schools

École de Surf de la Réunion

Top-rated
Saint-Leu / La Saline-les-Bains

My official Manawa partner for surf lessons in Reunion Island, rated 4.9/5 from 27 verified reviews, with state-qualified (BPJEPS) instructors. Lessons at Saint-Leu ('la passe'), always with a shark-spotter check before anyone goes in (maximum safety, essential in Reunion Island).

Ridinbox SurfSchool

Trois-Bassins

Another long-established surf school on the west coast. It isn't one of my Manawa partners, so book directly on its website. Worth considering if you're staying on the Trois-Bassins side (south of Saint-Leu).

Independent surfers

Saint-Leu / Trois-Bassins / Saint-Pierre

For advanced surfers looking only for a board rental, several shops in Saint-Leu and Saint-Pierre rent boards by the day (€15-25/day depending on length). If you surf on your own, always check that shark spotters are active and look at the day's conditions (CRA Réunion's site: info-requin.re).

Good to know

Preparing for your surf lesson

  • Knowing how to swim is essential (at least 25m unaided, checked at the briefing).
  • Water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen is a must (the UV is intense even under cloud, and you're fully exposed on the board).
  • Language: if you'd like the lesson in English, check with the school when you book.
  • A swimsuit and towel to bring; the school provides the rash vest and board.
  • A water bottle and a snack (a 1h15-1h45 session takes energy, and there's no drinking water on the spot).
  • Sunglasses or a hat for sensitive eyes (salt water, sun and sand can be harsh).
  • A shorty wetsuit (optional) in winter (23-25°C water feels chilly after an hour).
  • Shark spotters every time before anyone goes in; if conditions aren't met, the lesson is postponed or replaced with stand-up paddling on the lagoon (a shark-risk-free zone).
  • It's physical: reviews often mention it, so you'll want reasonable fitness, especially for your first sessions.
Verified traveller reviews

Reviews of École de Surf de la Réunion

3 reviews from the École de Surf de la Réunion listing (Saint-Leu), out of 27 verified Manawa reviews (average 4.9/5). Common themes: instructor Mike's teaching, how reassuring the supervision feels, and how physically demanding it is.

"Top-notch! Our instructor Mike was really great, very professional."

Anna A. · France
École de Surf de la Réunion • Surf lesson Saint-Leu • 19/01/2026

"Great experience! Top surf lesson from start to finish. The instructor was a great teacher, reassuring."

Marina H. · France
École de Surf de la Réunion • Surf lesson Saint-Leu • 04/12/2025

"A really good activity, but very physical if you're not used to sport!"

Angiolina B. · France
École de Surf de la Réunion • Surf lesson Saint-Leu • 26/08/2025
See all 27 Manawa reviews
Providers

Providers for this activity

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

Surf school

Ecole de Surf de la Réunion

An FFS-certified school since 1998. Surf lessons in Saint-Leu, kayak and SUP rental on the Saint-Gilles lagoon.

See the provider's profile
Similar activities

You might also like

A windsurfer during a lesson in Saint-Gilles bay, a red and blue Starboard sail, turquoise sea and Reunion Island's west coast

Windsurfing in Saint-Gilles

A private windsurfing lesson in Saint-Gilles bay with the Base Nautique de l'Ouest (Manawa), €70 per person, from age 12, gear provided.

A wingfoil lesson with an inflatable wing and foil board in the bay of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Reunion Island

Wingfoil Saint-Gilles: Booking, Price

Private wingfoil lessons in Saint-Gilles bay with the Base Nautique de l'Ouest, from €108. 2 hours on the water, beginner-friendly from age 13, full equipment included.

An aerial view of the La Saline-les-Bains lagoon with a lone paddler on turquoise waters and the coral reef visible, Reunion Island

Stand Up Paddle in La Saline

3 SUP outings in Saint-Gilles bay from €5: a self-drive rental (5/5 from 13 reviews), a guided excursion at €30, or giant paddle rafting at €150 per group.

Stay nearby

Where to stay near the Saint-Leu spot

Santa Apoloniahotel< 1 km

Santa Apolonia

Saint-Leu
★ 8/10 (130 reviews)
From
€160/night
See
Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotelhotel2 km

Blue Margouillat Seaview Hotel

Saint-Leu
★ 8.8/10 (24 reviews)
From
€354/night
See
Le BOA VISTAhotel3 km

Le BOA VISTA

Saint-Leu
★ 6.6/10 (6 reviews)
From
€53/night
See
Iloha Hotel & Seaviewhotel4 km

Iloha Hotel & Seaview

Saint-Leu
★ 8.2/10 (98 reviews)
From
€180/night
See
Frequently asked questions

Your questions about surf lessons in Reunion Island

What does a surf lesson cost in Reunion Island in 2026?
Expect €40 per person for a group lesson (up to 8 students) with École de Surf de la Réunion on Manawa. Private one-to-one lessons are available on request from the school (expect around €80-100 an hour according to customer feedback; confirm when booking). Other west-coast schools (Ridinbox SurfSchool in Trois-Bassins, local operators) charge similar prices: contact them directly to compare.
Is surfing safe in Reunion Island? (shark risk)
Reunion Island has had a shark risk since 2011 (the 'shark crisis'). All surf schools operate in areas watched by shark spotters (CRA Réunion), and only go in if visibility is good enough and spotters are in place. If conditions aren't met, the lesson is postponed or replaced with stand-up paddling on the Saint-Gilles lagoon (a closed area protected by the coral reef, with no shark risk). Monitored areas: Saint-Leu ('la passe') and Trois-Bassins (and sometimes Boucan-Canot, depending on official decisions). Outside these areas, swimming and surfing are strictly forbidden.
Where are the best surf spots in Reunion Island?
Saint-Leu ('la passe'): a world-class long left-hander, suitable from beginner to advanced depending on the tide. Trois-Bassins (Boucan-Canot): a long-standing learning spot with gentler beach breaks for beginners. Saint-Gilles (the lagoon): safe for first attempts, though the waves are small so stand-up paddleboarding makes more sense. Saint-Pierre (Bassin Pirogue, Petit Boucan): quieter spots in the south. Surf schools mostly work in Saint-Leu and Trois-Bassins.
Do you need to know how to swim for the surf lesson?
Yes, you must be able to swim: you'll be in deep water, and although the leash ties the board to your ankle, it can snap. The instructor checks how comfortable you are in the water during the briefing. Children must be able to swim at least 25m unaided. If you can't swim or are nervous of deep water, start with stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon (waist-deep water) before trying surfing.
How long does it take to learn to surf?
To stand up on your first wave, one lesson is enough for most reasonably fit beginners (Manawa reviews say so again and again). To surf easy waves on your own: 5 to 10 lessons over one or two weeks. For intermediate surfing (going left or right, a quick pop-up): several weeks of regular practice. On holiday, 3-4 lessons in a week is enough for real progress and that first proper wave ride.
What season is best for surfing in Reunion Island?
Year-round, with two distinct seasons. The southern summer (November-April) brings north swells, smaller waves and 28-29°C water, ideal for beginners. The southern winter (May-October) brings south swells, bigger waves and 23-25°C water, ideal for experienced surfers. Schools run year-round and adapt lessons to the day's conditions. In the cyclone season (January-March) conditions are sometimes too rough for lessons, in which case the instructor postpones.
What gear should you bring?
A swimsuit and towel, water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen (essential, UV is intense even under clouds), a water bottle, sunglasses or a hat for sensitive eyes (salt water, sun and sand), a small snack (energy for the session). The school provides the board, rash vest and leash. Optional: a shorty wetsuit if you feel the cold (23°C water in winter can feel chilly after an hour).
Should you book ahead?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Group lessons are limited to 8 students per instructor, and the school fills up in high season (July-August, French school holidays and the festive season). Book 7-14 days ahead in high season, 2-3 days in low season. 2026 prices verified as of the update date. Flexible Manawa cancellation: a full refund if cancelled in time. If the weather is unfavourable (no shark spotters, the sea too rough), the school postpones the lesson or offers a replacement activity (stand-up paddling on the lagoon).

Last updated: 8 November 2026. Prices verified at the time of writing. Confirm the exact price when booking.