Swimming in the pool
The large pool at the foot of the falls is perfect in the dry season: clear water, a firm bottom and a wide shallow area along the edges for children.
Updated October 2026
Niagara Waterfall, Reunion Island: swimming at the foot of a 25 m fall
The most accessible waterfall in the north of Reunion Island: 25 minutes' drive from Saint-Denis, a car park 30 metres from the pool, and a large natural pool perfect for swimming in the dry season. Here is everything you need to plan your visit.
25 mdrop30 mfrom parkingFreeopen accessMay-Septswimming season
Just 1 km from the centre of Sainte-Suzanne, in the north of the island, Niagara Waterfall is one of the easiest waterfalls to reach in Reunion Island. No hiking needed: the car park is just 30 metres from the pool. Ideal for a family half-day of swimming and picnicking, or a quick stop between the airport and the east coast.
This complete guide covers getting there from Saint-Denis, swimming conditions by season, the optional hike to the top, and safety tips.
Quick facts
Niagara Waterfall at a glance
- LocationSainte-Suzanne (north)
- Distance from Saint-Denis22 km, ~25 min
- Waterfall height~25 m
- Altitude< 100 m
- Car park to pool30 m
- Trail to the top~50 min, steep
- SwimmingAllowed in the dry season
- PriceFree
How to get there
Step-by-step route from Saint-Denis
01
N2 towards Sainte-Suzanne
From Saint-Denis, take the N2 towards Saint-Benoît and the east coast. Allow around 20 minutes to reach Sainte-Suzanne.
02
Renaissance exit
Take the Renaissance interchange exit, just after entering Sainte-Suzanne. Follow the signs for Marancourt.
03
Cane fields and parking
Follow the small road through the sugar cane fields for around 5 minutes. The free car park is 30 m from the waterfall: you'll hear it before you see it.
Worth knowing: the waterfall sits right on the way from the airport to the east coast. If you're collecting a hire car at Roland-Garros when you land, it makes an easy first stop off the N2, a chance to stretch your legs by the falls before the rest of the drive. Book your car before you fly.
On site
Things to do at Niagara Waterfall
A picnic by the river
Shaded banks and picnic tables under the casuarina trees. Bring your own food: there's no permanent snack stand (just the odd vendor at weekends).
The hike to the top
A steep 50-minute climb to the top of the waterfall, with a clear view over the east coast and the sea. Slippery after rain, so take care.
Safety
The non-negotiable rules
- Check rainfall from the previous 24-48 hours. The flow can increase five- to tenfold and make swimming dangerous within hours.
- Don't swim directly under the main fall: currents and rockfall risk.
- Only hike the summit trail in dry weather. Slippery and steep after rain.
- Keep a close eye on children at the pool's edge: the bottom shelves gradually, and the water is sometimes deeper than it looks.
- Take your rubbish home with you: there isn't always a bin on site.
Make a day of it in the north-east
A water hike in Saint-Benoît
30 minutes from Sainte-Suzanne, the Rivière des Roches offers a guided descent with optional jumps, swimming and basalt columns at Bassin la Paix. A half-day from €45, from age 6 depending on the operator. The perfect way to round off a waterfall day.
Book the water hikeFrequently asked questions
Niagara Waterfall: your questions answered
How do you get to Niagara Waterfall?
From Saint-Denis: take the N2 towards Sainte-Suzanne (~22 km, a 25-minute drive), exit at the Renaissance interchange and follow the signs for Marancourt through the sugar cane fields. The car park is about 30 metres from the waterfall.
Can you swim at Niagara Waterfall?
Yes, in the large pool at the foot of the falls, during the dry season (May to September) when the flow is calm. Avoid swimming during the rainy season (November to April) or just after rain: the flow becomes dangerous and the water turns murky. Always keep your distance from the main fall.
How tall is Niagara Waterfall?
About 25 metres. It sits below 100 m altitude, 1 km from the centre of Sainte-Suzanne. Much smaller than Trou de Fer (300 m), but far easier to reach.
Is there a hike to the top?
Yes, a trail of about 50 minutes climbs to the top of the waterfall. It is steep and very slippery after rain, so take care. From the top you look out over the east coast and the sea. Hiking shoes recommended.
What's the best time to visit?
May to September (dry season) for safe swimming and walking. From November to April (wet season), the waterfall is more impressive, but swimming isn't recommended. Always check rainfall from the previous 24-48 hours before getting in the water.
Is Niagara Waterfall suitable for families?
Yes, there is almost no walking from the car park. The site has shaded picnic areas along the river. The pool is wide and shallow at the edges, suitable for children who can swim. Always keep a close eye on children near the pool.
Are there other waterfalls nearby?
Yes, the north-east has several: Bassin Bœuf in Sainte-Suzanne (a waterfall with tiered pools, where canyoning is possible), Cascade Délices in Sainte-Suzanne and Bassin Vital. See my article on 12 waterfalls and pools for the full list.
What is the 'cheveux maillés' hair-knotting rite at Niagara?
The site hosts a spiritual rite of Malagasy origin linked to a child's first haircut: the hair is left knotted ('maillés') until the family brings the child to the foot of the waterfall. Some island families of Malagasy descent still practise it. If you come across a ceremony, please be respectful.
Go further
Keep reading
- → 12 waterfalls and pools in Reunion Island.
- → Langevin Grand-Galet Waterfall (wild south).
- → Rivière des Roches water hike.
- → 12 easy hikes with children.
Page updated on 12 October 2026.