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Le Gouffre · Étang-Salé
Le Gouffre, Étang-Salé: spectacular waves in a volcanic blowhole
A fissure carved into the basalt lava where the ocean rushes in and bursts out in jets several metres high. A free camping and picnic area under filao trees, with shelters, barbecues, parking and step-free access.
Le Gouffre, Étang-SalélocationVolcanic fissure + filao treessceneryCar, on-site parkingaccessFreecost
Le Gouffre ("the chasm") in Étang-Salé is one of the most spectacular natural sites on the south-west coast. What makes it special is a volcanic fissure carved into the basalt lava by the sea: the ocean rushes in and bursts out in jets several metres high, like a giant blowhole. A powerful show to watch safely from the shelters under the filao trees.
This page covers what you need to know before pitching your tent: access from the N1, the right gear for the west coast, staying safe near the spray, public facilities and nearby activities (quad biking, bungee jumping, surfing). If you'd rather not sleep in a tent, a campervan fits easily in the car park, a stone's throw from the shelters.
At a glance
Camping at Le Gouffre: the essentials
The experience
A night facing the waves
Arriving. From the car park, shelters under the filao trees are dotted along the rocky shore. At weekends, claim yours as early as you can: the site is well known and fills up fast. For peace and quiet, come on a weekday.
The swell show. This is the big draw: when the sea is rough, waves surge into the volcanic fissure and burst out in jets several metres high. Impressive and very photogenic. Keep well back from the edge, as big waves reach a long way inland in a heavy swell.
Sunset. Facing due west, with nothing blocking the horizon, you'll watch the sun sink straight into the ocean around 5.50pm in the southern winter and 7.05pm in high summer. The golden light turns the spray a spectacular orange.
The night. The waves pound the rocks all night, louder than on an ordinary beach. The filao trees give some shelter from the wind. Walk a little way from the car park for a sky full of stars. Insect repellent comes in handy in the early evening.
Getting there
How to get to Le Gouffre
Coming from the north of the island on the N1, near Étang-Salé, take the "le gouffre" exit on the right and drive around 600 metres to the car park.
Allow around 30 minutes by car from Saint-Pierre, 5 minutes from the centre of Étang-Salé-les-Bains and 1 hour from Saint-Denis. Fill up with fuel and do your shopping at the Étang-Salé-les-Bains shopping area. Flying into Pierrefonds rather than Roland-Garros? That airport is in Saint-Pierre, so Le Gouffre is about half an hour's drive away: find a rental car and switch the pick-up location to Pierrefonds.
Backpack
What to bring for the night
- A wind-resistant tent: the south-west coast is exposed to the trade wind and sea spray
- A lightweight sleeping bag (15°C is enough): the sheltered leeward coast stays mild all year
- Windproof clothing: spray from the blowhole can reach the shelters when there's a swell
- A head torch: there's little public lighting
- Bottled water: there's no drinking water on site
- A camping stove, plus charcoal if you plan to use the barbecue shelters
- High-factor sunscreen and a hat: there's little shade in full sun
- Bin bags: take all your rubbish away with you, the site only stays pleasant if visitors look after it
Read before you go
Safety around the sea
Swimming at Le Gouffre is dangerous and there's no bathing area. With waves surging into the fissure, going near the water's edge in rough seas is risky. Stay well back from the edge of the lava, especially in a heavy swell, when big waves reach a long way inland.
Salt in the spray quickly corrodes gear, so protect your camera and electronics. Fires are only allowed in the barbecue shelters: none under the filao trees, where the coastal vegetation could easily catch fire.
Combine it with
Activities to do in Étang-Salé
Quad biking on the west coast
An electric-assist excursion on the trails of Étang-Salé and the highlands.
See the activity
Bungee jumping in Reunion Island
Air Jump in Étang-Salé, one of the easiest bungee jumping spots to get to on the island.
See the activity
Surf lessons in Reunion Island
Learn to surf on the gentle waves of the west coast.
See the activity
Pair it withAerial view
The south-west coast and Piton de la Fournaise from the sky
Le Gouffre puts on its show at ground level. A helicopter reveals everything around it: the long black-sand beach of Étang-Salé, the Étang du Gol lagoon, the volcanic southern tip and, on the longer routes, the active crater of Piton de la Fournaise.
8 routes from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, lasting 15 minutes to 1 hour.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter rates
Other spots
Other wild camping spots on the west coast
Étang-Salé seafront
A black-sand beach with facilities, 5 minutes to the north, including showers and toilets.
See the spot
Étang-Salé forest
A shady, peaceful state forest in the hills above Étang-Salé.
See the spot
Pointe des Avirons
A hidden spot 5 minutes to the north, with a sand dune and a black-sand beach.
See the spot
Stay nearby
Where to stay near Le Gouffre
Places to stay within 25km, on the west coast between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Leu.
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hotel4 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: camping at Le Gouffre
How do you get to Le Gouffre in Étang-Salé?
Coming from the north of the island on the N1, near Étang-Salé, take the "le gouffre" exit on the right and drive around 600 metres to the car park. The road is paved all the way and fine for any ordinary car. Allow 30 minutes by car from Saint-Pierre, or 5 minutes from the centre of Étang-Salé-les-Bains.
Is camping free, with no restrictions?
Yes, camping at Le Gouffre is free and open to all, with no booking and no fee. It's a public site managed by the local council. Pitch late and pack up early, only light fires in the barbecue shelters and take all your rubbish with you.
Why is it called "Le Gouffre" (the chasm)?
The name comes from a volcanic fissure that the sea has carved into the basalt lava flow. When the swell is strong, the ocean rushes into the fissure and bursts out in spectacular jets several metres high, like a blowhole. It's one of the most impressive places on the island to watch a rough sea.
Are there facilities on site?
Yes: shelters under filao trees, picnic tables, barbecue spots, parking and step-free access for visitors with reduced mobility. Toilets aren't reliably maintained, and there's no drinking water. Restaurants and shops are in Étang-Salé-les-Bains, 5 minutes away.
Can you swim at Le Gouffre?
No, swimming there is dangerous and there's no bathing area. With waves surging into the fissure, going near the water's edge in rough seas is risky. Keep a safe distance and enjoy the show from the shelters. To swim, head to the Étang-Salé seafront 5 minutes away, which has a lifeguarded area.
Can you light a fire on site?
Fires are only allowed in the barbecue shelters: none under the filao trees and none on the lava. Bring your own charcoal or wood, as nothing is provided.
When is the best time to camp at Le Gouffre?
The southern winter (May to October) brings the most settled conditions. It gets busy at weekends and in the school holidays, so go on a weekday if you can. When the swell is strong (usually June-August), the waves are at their most spectacular, but the spray can reach the shelters.
What else is there to do nearby?
Étang-Salé is a hub for outdoor sports on the west coast: electric quad biking in the hills, Air Jump bungee jumping 5 minutes away, surf lessons on gentle waves, or a helicopter flight for the big picture.
Page updated on 23 September 2026. GPS coordinates and facilities checked as of this date.