The 13 best places to swim in La Réunion

The island of La Réunion is full of corners of paradise where to sting a head. Beaches, basins, waterfalls: here are the best spots to swim in La Réunion.

The volcanic pearl in the heart of the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the island of La Réunion offers a myriad of breathtaking landscapes. These are a dreamlike playground for adventurous holiday enthusiasts... but not that!

Too often, however, holidaymakers dreaming of farniente, beaches and coconut trees turn away from the Meeting and prefer other islands. The reason? Meeting beaches are sometimes dangerous, especially because of the large number of sharks.

Yet there are a thousand and one ways to swim in La Réunion safely, both in the ocean and in the heart of the land. The island is full of lagoons, basins and waterfalls that are both idyllic and safe. To give you an overview of their beauty and diversity, we have gathered here the best places to swim in La Réunion. All you have to do is put your shirt on, check the security instructions of the authorities, and enjoy!

The best beaches to swim in La Réunion

1. The beach of Hermitage

The large beach of Hermitage is one of the most popular beaches to swim in La Réunion. Indeed, thanks to the low water depth of the shore and the coral barrier that protects them, it is very safe. Located between Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains and La Saline, it runs kilometers of white sand, for the greatest happiness of holidaymakers.

It is also particularly appreciated by families, thanks to its safe swimming area and shaded areas. Finally, if you want to try snorkeling, this is one of the best places you can swim in La Réunion. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to observe corals and marine fauna in peace.

2. Saline-les-Bains beach

Hermitage bird, Saline beach is also one of the most popular among families to swim in La Réunion. It offers a supervised and shallow bathing area, as well as pleasant shaded picnic areas.

In addition, various nautical activities are offered on this beach. Finally, it wins the swimming palm accessible to La Réunion. Indeed, it includes a "handiplage" space specifically designed for people with reduced mobility.

3. Le Bassin pirogue de la plage de l’Étang-Salé

Made of black sand, the beach of Étang-Salé is one of the most amazing scenery where you can swim in La Réunion. It owes its dark color to a mixture of volcanic basalt and typical reunion coral!

Long 1.5 kilometers, however, it offers a more limited space for swimming. Indeed, this is only possible in the Porogue Basin, which is secure. But if you’re dreaming of prolonging your aquatic adventures, you should know that an aqualid park is close to the beach.

4. The beach of the Black Rocks

Located in the heart of Saint-Gilles, the beach of the Black Rocks seduces by its accessibility and living atmosphere. It is lined with a lively esplanade where concerts take place and there are many cafes, restaurants and glaciers.

But the beach of the Black Rocks is also one of the best spots to swim and swim in La Réunion. Indeed, it is lined with deeper water than previous ones. These are protected not by a coral barrier, but by an anti shark net. They are also conducive to the observation of fish, since the beach is part of the island’s marine natural reserve.

5. La piscine de la plage de Grande Anse

If you dream of fine sand and coconut trees, the beach of Grande Anse will probably be one of your favorite bathing places in La Réunion. Especially beautiful, this beach is ideal for sunbathing in an idyllic setting.

However, swimming can be dangerous because of powerful winds and currents. Fortunately, a natural swimming pool area has been specially designed for swimming. Moreover, the beach of the Grande Anse is well equipped, and lined with a large park ideal for picnicing or having fun.

6. The beach of Boucan Canot

Located next to Saint Paul, Boucan Canot Beach offers a supervised swimming area. Since it is not protected by the Reunion Coral Barrier, we bathe in deeper waters than elsewhere.

Moreover, swimmers who frequent her also like to have fun in the waves, or to observe subaquatic fauna. But the younger and less adventurous will also be able to swim peacefully in the natural pool sheltered by rocks.

7. Manapany Beach Basin

Even more confidential, this beach deserves its place in the list of the best spots to swim in La Réunion. Nestled in the hollow of the Manapany Bay , this black sandy beach offers a wilder decor, largely unknown to tourists. A pleasant basin lined with rocks was built in the ocean to allow swimming. On the other hand, it is dangerous and formally forbidden to bathe elsewhere in the bay.

The best rivers to swim in La Réunion

8. Le Bassin Bleu de Sainte-Anne

Between ocean and river, your heart swings? This falls well: the Blue Basin offers you a bit of both. Indeed, it is located at the mouth of a river, and forms a kind of lake with limpid waters. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to swim in La Réunion since it is as pleasant and refreshing as it is secure. Finally, it presents the advantage of being very easy to access, being located in the heart of Sainte-Anne.

9. The Marsouins River

The Marsouins River flows into the ocean at the level of the commune of Saint-Benoît. Slightly upstream is a small corner of paradise: the island Coco . Although sheltering a few homes, this river island is still preserved and particularly quiet.

In terms of swimming, the surroundings of the island offer very pleasant wild corners. What if you smoke the hustle of La Réunion beaches? Swimming in the Marsouins River is an equally idyllic experience, but much more peaceful!

10. The Boeuf Basin in Sainte-Suzanne

Often in La Réunion, swimming is a small victory that deserves. You will need to walk sometimes to get backward bathing spots. But their tranquility and unspoiled beauty are worth a visit! It is so for the Boeuf basin.

To reach this little corner of paradise, you will have to walk about fifteen minutes by going back to the stream. You will then arrive in a green haven of peace, ideal for a nap and a fresh bath in summer.

The best waterfalls to swim in La Réunion

11. La cascade du Voile de la Mariée

Here is one of the most spectacular places to swim in La Réunion. Modeled by volcanism, the reliefs of the island are home to many cascades, and that of the Sailing of the Bride is one of the most famous. She is named after a legend that a young wife’s veil would have hung on the cliff when she fell.

At the foot of this stunning waterfall is a natural swimming pool for swimming. It's hard to bet that you'll keep an unforgettable memory!

12. The Black Trou cascade

The Trou Noir waterfall is downstream of the splendid and famous Langevin waterfall, on the river of the same name. Less spectacular than her big sister, the Black Trou cascade is however more suitable for swimming. Indeed, it flows into a peaceful and very pleasant basin... provided that it is not afraid of fresh water!

A real green hole, this basin is a place full of charm. We recommend that you make a small detour on the road to the Langevin waterfall.

13. The Niagara cascade

Yes, you read well: The Meeting has its own Niagara Falls . Spectacular, the Niagara cascade doesn’t have much to envy its American cousins. It falls along a stone cliff surrounded by vegetation.

But it is especially the pool formed at its foot that interests us. With a small pebble beach, this one offers a perfect setting for swimming. In addition, the Niagara Waterfall has the advantage of being easily accessible from downtown Sainte-Suzanne. In short, as you will understand, we have one of the best places to swim in La Réunion!

Paradise beaches, idyllic rivers or spectacular waterfalls: there are swimming spots for all the desires in La Réunion. Why not vary the pleasures during your stay by alternating snorkeling sessions in the lagoon, farniente in the shadow of the filaos and refreshing dips in the middle of a hike?