Things to do in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Reunion Island
Reunion Island's main beach resort, on the west coast, has a turquoise lagoon, a lively harbour, water sports, 4-5 star hotels, sea-view restaurants and easy access to the Maïdo. Here are 20 bookable activities, 4 beaches, restaurants, hotels and day trips to help you plan your stay.
Saint-Gilles at a glance
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is Reunion Island's number-one beach resort, and it has all the superlatives: the island's largest protected lagoon (8km from Pointe des Aigrettes to La Saline), the busiest marina (350 berths, departure point for every whale-watching outing), the densest concentration of 4-5 star hotels (Lux*, Akoya, Le Saint Alexis).
In a single day you can dive in the morning, have lunch with your feet in the sand, drive up to the Maïdo in the afternoon and end at sunset on the lagoon's edge. Saint-Gilles is also the handiest base for day trips to Cilaos (1h15), Mafate (a 1h 4x4 taxi ride), the volcano (2h) and the wild south.
Here's the complete guide, in the order you'd plan a stay: beaches, the harbour and water activities, the lagoon, family activities, the Maïdo Hauts, restaurants, hotels, excursions.
The Saint-Gilles lagoon, beach by beach
L'Hermitage, Roches Noires and La Saline: 3 beaches with 3 different vibes along 8km of sheltered lagoon. Boucan-Canot, 4km north and outside the lagoon, has its own guide.
L'Hermitage Beach
The must-seeThe jewel of Reunion Island's lagoon: 1.5km of golden sand protected by the coral reef, with calm turquoise water at 25-27°C, 1-3m deep. Ideal for family swimming and for snorkelling in the shade of century-old filao (casuarina) trees (butterflyfish, sea urchins, sometimes young turtles). A coastal footpath leads to La Saline.
Lifeguards in season, at weekends and in the school holidays
Several large free car parks (Bd Leconte de Lisle, Rue Antoine de Bertin)
Roches Noires Beach
The town beach, with golden sand and direct access from the seafront hotels. The waves are bigger than at L'Hermitage (there's no reef offshore), and it's Saint-Gilles's original surf spot, with a surf school on the beach. Busier and livelier than L'Hermitage, with bars and restaurants along the sand.
Lifeguards in season
Parking along the boulevard and side streets
La Saline-les-Bains and Trou d'Eau Beach
CalmThe widest, calmest beach on the lagoon. Trou d'Eau, its northern end, is the best camping spot in the west (filao trees, a deeper lagoon, fine sand). The wilder western part of La Saline is also good for snorkelling. 5-star hotels (Lux*, Akoya) line the area.
Lifeguards on the Trou d'Eau area in season
Free parking at Trou d'Eau (arrive early on weekends)
4km to the north:Boucan-Canot, golden sand, choppier waves and a natural tidal pool. It's outside the lagoon, so swimming is protected by shark nets.
Full Boucan-Canot guideActivities to book at the harbour
From a discovery dive to marlin fishing, via whale watching and outrigger canoeing: the listings with prices, reviews and full details.
★ 4.9(143)Whales and Dolphins in Saint-Gilles: 4 Packages
Prices for whale and dolphin watching trips from Saint-Gilles. 4 boat packages from €37 with Manawa partners. Humpback whales from July to October, dolphins year-round.
Most reviewed★ 4.85(73)Dolphin Swim in Saint-Gilles: 3 Packages to Choose From
Swimming with dolphins and whales in fins, mask and snorkel at Saint-Gilles. 3 packages from €40 with a guided swim and a respected cetacean approach charter.
★ 4.74(28)Catamaran Cruises in Reunion Island: 3 Packages
3 catamaran packages from €35, departing from Le Port: sunset sail, whale and dolphin watching, night cruise with an astronomy guide.
★ 4.7(60)Big Game Fishing Saint-Gilles: Booking, Price
Big game fishing trip in Saint-Gilles from €130, half-day 5-6 hours. Marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo. 6 providers compared.
★ 5(6)Towable Tube Rides in Saint-Gilles
Towable tube rides on the Saint-Gilles lagoon from €30 for a 30-minute session. Cap Evasion 974, from age 6, max 4 per tube.
★ 5(1)Private Boat Hire in Saint-Gilles
Skippered semi-rigid boat rental from Cap Evasion 974, €400 per group of up to 12 for 3 hours at sea, departing from the port of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
★ 4.8(5)Scuba Diving in Saint-Gilles
Exploration diving in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains with Réunion Diving from €45 per guided dive (N1+). 4.8/5 from 5 Manawa reviews, 20+ sites accessible between Cap La Houssaye and Pointe au Sel.
Open Water Diving Course in Reunion Island
A certifying Level 1 diving course in Reunion Island from €390 with Le Dodo Palmé (Le Port, 8km from Saint-Gilles). 6 half-days, 6 open-water dives, from age 12.
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.
★ 5(15)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.
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.
Outrigger Canoe in Saint-Gilles
Paddle as a team in a 6-seat Hawaiian outrigger canoe in Saint-Gilles bay with the Base Nautique de l'Ouest, €45 per person for 2 hours, from age 12.
5 dive spots to know
Saint-Gilles is the island's biggest diving centre. The 3,500-hectare Marine Reserve protects 1,200+ fish species across the sites reachable from the harbour.
- • Passe de l'Ermitage (25m, all levels)
- • Passe des Trois Bassins (22m, beginners)
- • Cap La Houssaye (a 17m shore dive, open to discovery dives)
- • Tour de Boucan (22m, Level 1 minimum)
- • The Haï Siang wreck (54m, experienced Level 3)
Saint-Gilles with children: 4 dedicated spots
The Aquarium for a rainy day, Jardin d'Eden for a garden break, Oasis Lagoon for thrills and family snorkelling under the filao trees.
Saint-Gilles Aquarium
In the heart of the harbour, with 500+ reef fish in around twenty themed tanks and an interactive trail on the Marine Reserve's wildlife (corals, star species, conservation). Allow 1-1.5h; ideal on a rainy day.
≈€12 adult, €7-9 child
Families with children 4-12, rainy days
Jardin d'Eden
A private 2.5ha botanical park along the N1 (Route des Tamarins), between Saint-Paul and Saint-Gilles. Over 700 tropical and endemic plant species (orchids, palms, medicinal plants). There's a shady path, a treasure hunt for kids and a café.
≈€9 adult, €5 child
Families, botany lovers
Oasis Lagoon
A floating water park with inflatable slides and water games for kids and teens, set on the Saint-Gilles lagoon, supervised and with gear provided. A summer favourite, in 1-2h sessions.
≈€15-25 depending on the session
Children 6+, teens
The coastal path and snorkelling under the filao trees
The footpath along the lagoon from L'Hermitage to La Saline (3km) runs under century-old filao trees. At every access point, all you need is a mask and snorkel to see butterflyfish, damselfish and triggerfish. Go in the morning for the clearest water.
Free
Everyone, snorkelling on your own
Also worth it: swimming with turtles in Reunion Island (the L'Hermitage and La Saline spots), clear kayaking on the lagoon, sunset paddleboarding.
6 highland activities from Saint-Gilles
1h-1h15 by road from the harbour, the Maïdo (2,200m) leads to Grand Bénare (2,898m), Mafate and mountain landscapes utterly different from the lagoon, with endemic wildlife (the Reunion cuckooshrike, the Mascarene swiftlet).
★ 4.97(139)Quad Biking at Maïdo: 4 Packages, Prices
4 bookable packages from €100/hour to a full day with farm lunch, 2 operators compared in the Saint-Paul highlands.
★ 4.8(72)Mountain Biking at Maïdo, Reunion Island: 4 Packages, Prices
Mountain bike descents from the Piton Maïdo summit, from €65 on an e-MTB and €75 on the classic descent, plus an extreme Megavalanche-style format.
★ 4.8(86)Horse Riding at Piton Maïdo
3 horse rides with Les Chevaux du Maïdo from €35 (a 1h first ride). A cryptomeria forest at 2,200m, views over Mafate and the Saint-Gilles lagoon.
★ 4.5(22)Maïdo Mafate Excursion with a Driver
2 packages to the Piton Maïdo viewpoint over the Cirque de Mafate: a Ceetiz shuttle from €50, or a private trip with Grégoire via Viator from €199 per group, 5/5 from 8 reviews.
★ 5(7)Electric Dirt Bike Tour at Maïdo
An off-road electric motorcycle excursion near Mont Maïdo, from €60 for 1 hour via Manawa, 5/5 from 7 verified reviews, from age 18, no motorcycle licence required.
★ 5(1)Grand Bénare Hike from Maïdo
A guided ascent of the Grand Bénare (2,898 m, Reunion Island's 3rd highest summit) from the Maïdo, a guided half-day from €50 or a private day from €287.
Helicopter from L'Éperon
L'Éperon (4km north, near Boucan) is one of the island's helicopter departure points. A flyover of the 3 cirques, Piton des Neiges and the volcano in 30 to 55 minutes. For many visitors it's the highlight of the trip, and it pairs well with a drive to Cilaos or the Maïdo the next day.
See helicopter flightsThe Saint-Gilles street market
From about 6am to 1pm, in the town centre. Fresh produce (Victoria pineapples, Cilaos lentils, fruit, vegetables, spices), Bourbon vanilla, Creole crafts, Chinese-style bouchons and snacks. Smaller than the Saint-Paul market (Friday-Saturday) but authentic and easy to reach.
Bonus: the big Saint-Paul market, 15 minutes away, runs on Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday 6am-12pm on the seafront. It's the most famous market in the west.
Restaurants in Saint-Gilles
Fine-dining tables: Le Bistrot de Pépé Gentil, La Villa des Brindilles, Iceberg. Lagoon-view tables at the Lux*, Akoya and Le Saint Alexis (Boucan) hotels, the latter with the west coast's best-known Sunday brunch.
Creole cuisine and seafood: tuna tartare, grilled spiny lobster, sausage rougail (a spicy tomato stew) and chicken carri (curry). Several beachfront spots along the L'Hermitage coastal path.
World food: well-reviewed Italian, Indian and Japanese restaurants in the town centre.
Where to stay in Saint-Gilles?
From a 5-star luxury resort right on the lagoon to a budget family aparthotel, there's something for every budget in and around Saint-Gilles.
Lux* Saint-Gilles
The west coast's top luxury resort, with a Cinq Mondes spa, 3 pools, 4 restaurants and a kids' club.
Akoya Hôtel & Spa
A 5-star boutique hotel opened in 2018, with an MGM spa, an infinity pool and tropical design.
Le Saint Alexis
Views over Boucan beach, a popular Sunday brunch and a terrace overlooking the sea.
Boucan Canot Hôtel
Recently renovated, with direct access to Boucan beach and an infinity pool.
Le Battant des Lames
Smaller and more family-friendly than neighbouring Le Saint Alexis, good value for money.
Guesthouses at L'Hermitage and La Saline
Cheaper and more authentic than the big hotels, often with a shared pool.
Day trips from Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles is one of the best bases for exploring. Cilaos, Mafate, the volcano and the wild south are all doable as day trips. Most of them begin with a drive, sometimes well before dawn if you're chasing sunrise at the Maïdo, so compare hire cars before you fly out.
Cilaos via the Route des 400 Virages
The UNESCO-listed cirque at 1,200m: thermal baths, wine, embroidery, Piton des Neiges hikes, and canyoning at Bras Rouge and Fleur Jaune.
See the guideMafate via the Maïdo
The only cirque with no roads: the Maïdo viewpoint, a hike down to Roche Plate (4-5h), or in via the Col des Bœufs (reached from Saint-André).
See the guidePiton de la Fournaise Volcano
Pas de Bellecombe at 2,311m, the hike to the Dolomieu crater, the Plaine des Sables and the Cité du Volcan museum in Bourg-Murat.
See the guideThe Wild South and Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre and its street market (Saturday 6am-1pm), Manapany, the Langevin/Grand-Galet waterfall, Cap Méchant and Anse des Cascades.
See the guideSalazie and Hell-Bourg
The greenest cirque: Hell-Bourg (officially one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France), Trou de Fer from Bélouve and the Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
See the guideSaint-Leu and the South-West
Paragliding from the Maïdo (landing in Saint-Leu), Kelonia (the turtle centre), Le Souffleur blowhole and whale watching from the cliffs in season.
See the guideA van for exploring from Saint-Gilles
A converted van or a campervan rented from a local owner via Yescapa combines accommodation and transport. Handy for linking Saint-Gilles, Cilaos, the volcano and the wild south without changing hotel every night.
How to get there and get around
- From Roland Garros airport (Saint-Denis): 50 min via the N1 and Route des Tamarins.
- From Pierrefonds airport (Saint-Pierre): 1h via the N1.
- Airport shuttle: about €25-35 per person, or Car Jaune bus line 81 (airport, Saint-Paul, Saint-Gilles).
- Hire car: recommended for day trips (the Maïdo, Cilaos, the volcano).
- On site: the town centre and harbour on foot, the coastal footpath between L'Hermitage and La Saline (3km), and bike hire.
When to visit Saint-Gilles?
- April-May and September-November: the ideal window (dry season, calm sea, outside school holidays).
- June-October: peak humpback whale season, with strong afternoon trade winds.
- December-March: the hot, wet season, with a cyclone risk in January-March and sometimes rough seas.
- July-August: peak tourist season, so book hotels 2-3 months ahead.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains: your questions answered
What is there to do in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains?
What are the best beaches in Saint-Gilles?
Is there an aquarium in Saint-Gilles?
What is there to do in Saint-Gilles with children?
When is the Saint-Gilles street market held?
Where can you dive in Saint-Gilles?
What animals can you see in Saint-Gilles?
How do you get up to the Maïdo from Saint-Gilles?
Where can you stay in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains?
Saint-Gilles or Saint-Pierre: where should you stay?
How do you get to Saint-Gilles from the airport?
How do you get around Saint-Gilles without a car?
Keep reading
- → Boucan-Canot (4km north).
- → Whale and dolphin season.
- → Diving in Reunion Island: the complete guide.
- → Swimming with turtles in Reunion Island.
- → Upmarket 4-5 star hotels.
- → Best fine-dining restaurants.
- → Cilaos excursion via the Route des 400 Virages.
- → Mafate over 2 days: 5 routes.
- → The island's most beautiful hikes.
- → When to visit Reunion Island.
- → A 15-day budget for the island.
- → Things to do in Saint-Leu (20 min south).
For the resort's events calendar, new openings and useful everyday addresses once you're there, the local portal Saint-Gilles les Bains lists the resort's shops and news, a useful complement to this guide once you're on the ground.
Article updated on 7 November 2026.