The best diving spots on the island of La Réunion

Since it is so difficult to choose, here are the 6 best spots to scuba diving on the island of La Réunion

The island of La Réunion does not lack attractiveness for the traveller who leaves to discover the Indian Ocean. If it is best known for its circus, pitons and ramparts classified as Unesco World Heritage, it also has exceptional seabeds. Created in 2007, the marine nature reserve extends over 40 kilometres between Saint Paul to the north and the Etang-Salé to the south, including 20 kilometers of coral barrier .

It houses more than 3,500 marine species observable on dozens of diving sites adapted to all levels . The beginners can therefore meet turtles as soon as they are baptized. As for the confirmed divers, they will explore the wrecks and sinkers until 60 meters deep .

At Wanderlix, we have identified for you the best diving spots on the island of La Réunion. So put on palms, masks, stabilizer vest and follow the... palanque guide!

1. The Hermitage Pass

Facing the famous Hermitage-les-Bains beach is one of the richest sites on the west coast. After mooring on one of the 2 buoys of the site, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the palm-lined beach and the mountains in the background. Then it is watering and descent to the coral plateau. The pass forms a large canyon beginning at the lagoon level and extending towards the wide. It is quite possible to explore the top of the site in baptism . However, at least Level 1 to fully enjoy it.

Two cleaning stations are on site, one for turtles and the other for eagle rays. The guides know them well and take you to the right place to enjoy the show. Little advice, think to lift your head during your exploration: the rays are often close to the surface! Among the other points of interest of the site, several passages under arches and the chance to observe an albino fish-scorpion among the white pebbles. But to do this, you'll have to open your eyes!

2. The Haifa Siang

For lovers of wrecks and deep diving, Haifa Siang is a must. It is undoubtedly one of the best diving spots on the island of La Réunion. Off the tip of the Aigrettes and slightly north of Saint-Gilles, this former Taiwanese lobster (Hai Sïang means "savage pig") is laid flat on a bottom of a 54 metres . We start with a rear tip largage with negative input so that we don't get carried by the potential current.

In the course of the descent into the blue, a dark mass is gradually distinguished from the white sand. If the penetration is unadvised, the life that stirs around the still erect mast will suffice you for several dives. You will fly over the bridge in the middle of a bench of vivaneaux, merous and dorades. Under the wreck, go in search of a pastenague spine, then observe the flanks to decorate the fish-scorpions that conceal themselves there.

During the rise, think to look in all directions in search of pelagic. Thons, carangues with big heads, barracudas or espadons frequent the area...

3. Cap La Houssaye

Where is Cape La Houssaye? Well, “There or it’s”! Outside of this local tipade, the course forms one of the best diving spots in La Réunion, whether for the Baptisms , Level 1 or confirmed divers Photographers.

Three resident turtles frequent the area, especially herbier to one 10 meters north of the site. You will evolve in flaws covered with corals where the octopus is camouflaged, fish-fantomes, and other fish-vaches. Near the coast you can enter a cave of a 10 meters depth where fish benches are refuted. Moreover, in March, you may have the chance to attend the hunt of the tunas that come to feast in the middle of a juvenile rifle bench.

After the dive, you will have all the leisure to observe the young people from the corner who indulge in acrobatics from the cliff overlooking the site.

4. Canyon

As its name suggests, this dive spot on the island of La Réunion presents rock formations reminiscent of the ravines and canyons on earth, formed by the lava flows of the volcano. The coral is abundant and colorful, for the greatest happiness of baptisms that experience diving for the first time.

Here too, turtles are present, as well as a wide range of reef fishes such as rascasses, streak idols, butterfly fish, angels or parrots. The divers at ease with the orientation will be able to reach the site of the stone at the prefect by following the falling south for a little hour.

5. The salt tip

Just south of Saint-Leu, the falling from the point to the salt is considered by many as one of the most beautiful spots where diving on the island of La Réunion. Accessible to Levels 2 and 3 , the falling begins to 27 metres and dives up to 71 metres . Of course, the divers in the air will stop 60 metres , a depth well enough to enjoy the abundant fauna that pops the spot.

The site is exposed to current information, which makes it a dive reserved for experienced divers, but also a hunting place for large pelagics. You will often see tunas of different species, or tuna benches. Sharks and mantas rays have also been seen in the area in recent years.

6. The tomb of Posedon

Few clubs offer diving on this site which remains a well-kept secret of connoisseurs. Come on. 30 and 60 meters deep , we'll have to be Level 2 or level 3 to fully enjoy it. During your dive, you will be able to cross beautifully sized cribs that come to contact by curiosity. Always keep an eye in the blue looking for pelagic and enjoy the impressive reliefs of the falling.

To 50 metres , you can pass under an arch of all beauty, before going back to a geological curiosity that gave its name to this spot. An ancient lava casting forms a nearly perfect staircase. He would have been borrowed by Poseidon The God of the Sea. Like many divers before you, take off your palms and start on the bare feet staircase!

Other spots on the island of La Réunion

• Wonderful rocks : several rocky potatoes covered with majestic gorgones at a depth of 50 metres. You can observe barracudas, large-headed carangues, tunas and a huge anchor;
• Yellow dry : one of the most beautiful diving spots on the island of La Réunion accessible from the Level 1, in the bay of Saint-Leu. A very rich coral tray invaded by anemone inhabited by clown fish, sponges and surrounded by black sand for a beautiful color contrast;
• The wrecks of Navarra to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (55 metres) and ofAntonio Lorenzo near Saint-Leu (from 38 meters)
• The tower of Boucan : in front of the famous beach of Boucan Canot, the underwater landscapes will dazzle you on the 3 buoys fixed on the pool, the fault and the tower of Boucan, between 6 and 22 metres. You can reach the sites of Maharani and Petite gorgone during the same dive;
• The caves of the gate : a rich network of tunnels between 10 and 38 metres, near the pond-Salé, which will fill the scuba diving lovers.