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Marine Nature Reserve · Trois-Bassins
Pointe des Trois Bassins: camping at a former surfers' paradise
A legendary west coast surf spot, now a quiet camping area inside the Marine Nature Reserve created in 2007, with shady coves, a large car park and a snack van nearby.
Pointe des Trois BassinslocationCoves + lagoonsettingCar, on-site parkingaccessFreecost
Pointe des Trois Bassins is one of the best-known beaches on the west coast, once a famous surf spot with consistent waves for every level. Since the “shark crisis” (a series of shark attacks on the west coast from 2010) and the creation of the Marine Nature Reserve in 2007, it has become a place to slow down: camping, picnics, watching the sea, photography. Swimming here is strongly discouraged.
Here's what you need to know before pitching a tent: getting there on the Route des Plages, gear for a west coast beach, safety and shark risk, and the marine reserve rules, plus nearby activities (surfing, paragliding, diving). If you'd rather not sleep in a tent, a campervan fits in the large car park.
At a glance
Trois Bassins camping at a glance
The experience
A night by the marine reserve
Choosing your spot. Several small coves line the seafront, separated by rocky outcrops. For peace and quiet, head to the coves furthest south of the main car park, which are usually less crowded. There are shady corners under the trees in several places, ideal for family tents.
The former surf spot. Before 2010, Pointe des Trois Bassins was one of the island's most popular surf spots, with gentle, consistent waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike. The waves are still there, but hardly anyone surfs here now, for safety reasons.
The sunset. Facing due west, with nothing breaking the horizon, it has one of the finest sunsets on the island: around 5.50pm in the southern winter and 7.05pm in midsummer, with the basalt rocks in silhouette against the evening sky.
At night. The waves on the rocks make a constant background sound. Away from Saint-Gilles, there's little light pollution, so you can see the stars once the clouds clear. At weekends it stays fairly busy in the early evening, quietening down after 10pm.
Route
How to get to Pointe des Trois Bassins
Take the Route des Plages (N1A) between La Saline-les-Bains and Saint-Leu. Coming from the north, the site is signposted on your right shortly after La Saline-les-Bains. There is a large free car park close to the seafront.
Allow about 15 minutes by car from Saint-Gilles, 10 minutes from Saint-Leu, 30 minutes from Saint-Pierre. There are shops and fuel on the main street of La Saline or in Saint-Leu.
Packing list
What to bring for the night
- A wind-resistant tent: the west coast gets the trade wind in the late afternoon
- Long sand pegs or rocks to weigh the tent down
- A light sleeping bag (15°C is enough): this leeward coast stays mild year-round
- High-factor sunscreen and a hat: there is little shade on the open beach
- Flip-flops or sandals: the sand can get hot around midday
- A head torch: there is little street lighting
- Bottled water: there is no drinking water at the spot
- Bin bags: take all your rubbish home, as the site is in a marine nature reserve
Read before you pitch
Marine reserve: rules and shark risk
Pointe des Trois Bassins beach is part of Reunion Island's Marine Nature Reserve, created in 2007. Please respect the site: keep noise down, don't collect shells, coral or wildlife, and take all your rubbish home. Reserve rangers patrol regularly.
Swimming is strongly discouraged because of the many shark incidents along this coast since 2010. There is no lifeguarded zone and no shark nets or other protection here. Stay on the beach and enjoy the view from the shore. No campfires on the sand: portable gas stoves only.
To combine
Things to do on the west coast
Surf Lessons in Reunion Island
Learn to surf on the gentle waves of the west coast, with accredited schools and all equipment provided.
See the activity
Paragliding Taster in Saint-Leu
Take off from the Maïdo cliffs, fly over the lagoon and land on the beach.
See the activity
Exploration Dive in Saint-Leu
Coral drop-offs and tropical marine life in the marine reserve, 15 minutes to the south.
See the activity
Also worth doingAerial view
The marine reserve and the west coast seen from the sky
Camping puts you right on the rocky shore. A helicopter shows you the bigger picture: the reef tracing the marine nature reserve along 40km of coastline, the Maïdo cliffs rising inland, and Saint-Gilles bay from above.
There are 8 routes departing from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, lasting 15 minutes to 1 hour.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter prices
Other spots
Other camping spots on the west coast
Choka Spot, Trou d'Eau
A beach on a sheltered lagoon, with a restaurant next door, 5 minutes to the north.
See the spot
Cap Homard, Boucan Canot
A quieter beach just south of Boucan Canot, 15 minutes to the north.
See the spot
Pointe au Sel, Saint-Leu
A protected natural site run by the Conservatoire du littoral (the French coastal protection agency), with a cave pool, 15 minutes to the south.
See the spot
Sleep nearby
Places to stay near Trois Bassins
Places to stay within 25 km, on the west coast between Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu.
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hotel3 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: camping at Pointe des Trois Bassins
How do you get to Pointe des Trois Bassins?
Take the Route des Plages (N1A) between La Saline-les-Bains and Saint-Leu. Coming from the north, the site is signposted on your right shortly after La Saline-les-Bains. There is a large free car park close to the seafront.
Is wild camping here free?
Yes. The beach is part of Reunion Island's Marine Nature Reserve, created in 2007, so strict rules apply: respect the site, keep noise down, don't collect shells or coral, and take all your rubbish home.
Why is this site called "the surfers' paradise"?
Before the 'shark crisis' (the series of shark attacks on the west coast from 2010 onwards), Pointe des Trois Bassins was a well-known spot for surfers of all levels, especially beginners, thanks to its consistent waves. Today, swimming and surfing are strongly discouraged because of the shark risk and the many attacks recorded along this stretch of coast.
Can you swim here?
No, swimming is strongly discouraged at Pointe des Trois Bassins. There is no lifeguarded zone and no shark nets or other protection here. The rock pools may look inviting, but stay on the beach.
Are there facilities on site?
There is a large car park, a snack van nearby selling sandwiches and burgers, and access to the seafront. There are no public toilets or water at the spot itself, so come self-sufficient.
When's the best time to camp here?
The southern winter (May to October) brings the most stable conditions. Being so close to La Saline, the site is popular, so avoid weekends and school holidays; on weekdays you can usually find a cove to yourself.
What else is there to do nearby?
The west coast has the island's best water sports: surf lessons on the gentle waves of Saint-Leu, paragliding from the Maïdo cliffs 15 minutes away, diving in the marine reserve, or a helicopter flight for the best view of all.