Réunion is often celebrated for its stunning volcanic landscapes, towering mountains, and beautiful beaches. While these natural wonders are truly breathtaking, another world awaits just beneath the surface of the island’s crystal-clear waters. Réunion’s rich marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to diverse species of fish and sea creatures, makes it an incredible destination for snorkelling and diving.
If you're a nature lover interested in marine life or looking for a new adventure, Réunion should be on your radar. This blog will guide you through the best spots for snorkelling and diving on the island, offer you a glimpse of the amazing marine life you’ll encounter, and help you make the most of your time on the island. Let’s dive in!
Réunion's marine life is as diverse as its landscape. With its warm waters and well-preserved coral reefs, The island boasts a wide variety of sea creatures. The Indian Ocean around Réunion is rich in biodiversity, and the island's coral reefs provide an ideal environment for aquatic life and visitors looking to explore the underwater world.
The warm waters of Réunion are rich with colourful fish, turtles, rays, and even larger species like sharks and whales. The marine reserve protection and protected areas make Réunion’s marine environment even more unique, which helps maintain a healthy and vibrant marine ecosystem.
The coral reefs around Réunion are some of the healthiest and most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. These reefs form the basis of the island’s marine biodiversity, hosting various species that thrive in these clear, warm waters. With over 300 fish species and numerous types of corals, the underwater environment is vibrant and diverse.
Réunion’s coral reefs are part of the Mascarene Plateau, a submerged mountain range in the Indian Ocean. The island's volcanic geology and location create dramatic underwater landscapes, including drop-offs and caves rich in marine life. The coral ecosystems are a haven for snorkellers and divers alike, offering unmatched views of the underwater world.
Réunion is committed to preserving its marine environment. The Réserve Marine de La Réunion is one of the island’s most important marine protected areas, 40km along the western coast. These protected zones ensure that the reefs and marine life are not disturbed by overfishing, pollution, or other harmful activities. As a result, these areas remain pristine and offer an exceptional environment for underwater exploration.
The reserve is home to many species of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and numerous fish species. It’s an ideal place for snorkelling and diving, with the added benefit of being a carefully preserved ecosystem that allows visitors to witness the island’s biodiversity in a natural, untouched setting.
Réunion’s diverse marine life and crystal-clear waters make it one of the best destinations for snorkelling. The island offers several spots where snorkellers can easily access vibrant coral reefs, colourful fish, and even sea turtles, all just off the shore. Here are some of the top snorkelling locations around Réunion:
Boucan Canot is one of Réunion’s most popular beaches, known for its beautiful white sands and inviting, calm waters. Due to its proximity to a well-preserved coral reef, it’s an excellent spot for snorkelling. The shallow waters make it ideal for beginners, as the conditions are generally calm and easy to navigate. Expect to see a wide range of fish species, such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish, and the occasional sea turtle swimming gracefully through the water.
Located on the west coast of Réunion, L'Ermitage is another fantastic snorkelling spot. The lagoon here is protected by a natural coral reef, creating calm waters perfect for snorkelling. The area is home to diverse marine life, including colourful tropical fish and large sea turtles. Families and beginner snorkellers will find the shallow waters of L'Ermitage accessible and safe.
Saint-Gilles is a popular beach destination and one of the island’s best snorkelling locations. This beach offers easy access to beautiful coral reefs, with calm, clear waters providing excellent visibility. You’ll encounter several marine life, including schools of vibrant fish, rays, and occasionally even dolphins. The coral gardens here are stunning, making Saint-Gilles a must-visit spot for those looking to experience the beauty of Réunion’s marine life.
Cilaos Bay is a hidden gem for snorkellers. This spot, located on the west coast, is less crowded and offers snorkellers a peaceful experience. The waters teem with colourful fish, and the coral formations are some of the most spectacular on the island. The area is also home to several endemic species, making it a unique place to explore.
For those seeking a more immersive underwater adventure, diving in Réunion is an experience like no other. With deep, clear waters and diverse marine life, Réunion’s dive sites are among the best in the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner looking to learn, Réunion has dive sites suited to all levels.
Saint-Leu, located on the island’s west coast, is one of the most famous diving areas in Réunion. The dive sites here feature spectacular underwater landscapes, including volcanic drop-offs and coral gardens. With warm water and excellent visibility, divers can fully appreciate the vibrant marine life. Divers can expect to see various species, from small colourful fish to larger predators like reef sharks. Saint-Leu is a must-see for any diving enthusiast.
The area near Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion’s active volcano, offers a unique diving experience for advanced divers. The underwater topography is shaped by volcanic activity, with rugged formations and hidden caves. The contrast between the rocky underwater environment and the lively coral reefs is awe-inspiring. This area offers an exciting and rare experience for adventurous divers, even though it’s not a typical dive site.
As mentioned, La Réunion’s Marine Reserve is one of the island's most popular dive sites. The reserve is a protected area where divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter schools of fish, and potentially see larger marine creatures such as manta rays and dolphins. The diversity of marine life and the pristine condition of the reserve make it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced divers.
The waters around Réunion are teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for snorkellers and divers alike. Here’s a closer look at some of the most remarkable creatures you can expect to encounter:
Réunion’s coral reefs are home to a spectacular variety of tropical fish. Expect to see vibrant species like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish, all darting around the coral formations. The warm, clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing you to look at these colourful creatures.
Sea turtles are around Réunion’s shores, particularly in protected areas like Boucan Canot and L'Ermitage. These majestic creatures are seen gliding gracefully through the water, feeding on seagrass, or resting on coral reefs.
For those with an adventurous spirit, diving in Réunion offers the chance to encounter rays and sharks. Reef sharks are common in the deeper waters around Saint-Leu and the Marine Reserve, while manta and eagle rays are seen gliding through the coral reefs. These majestic creatures are an unforgettable part of Réunion’s marine ecosystem.
Manta rays are among the most awe-inspiring creatures you can encounter while diving in Réunion. These giant rays have wide wingspans, gliding through the water with elegance and grace. Diving with manta rays is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Between July and September, Réunion is a great destination for whale watching. During this period, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to breed and give birth. Tours are available to get you close to these magnificent creatures, offering an incredible opportunity to witness one of nature's most majestic migrations.
While Réunion’s stunning beaches and diving spots may seem close by, the best snorkelling and diving locations are spread across the island. To make the most of your trip and explore the island’s marine life, renting a car in Réunion is the most convenient option. By renting a car, you can visit all the top snorkelling and diving spots at your own pace.
At Finalrentals, we offer numerous vehicles to suit all your needs. We have the perfect car, whether you're travelling solo or with family. Renting a car gives you flexibility, so you can spend more time exploring the island and less worrying about transport. From the bustling towns of Saint-Denis to the more remote snorkelling spots, a rental car ensures you won’t miss a thing.
Réunion is an island getaway and a marine wonderland ready to be explored. From vibrant coral reefs to majestic sea creatures, the underwater world of Réunion is a sight to behold. Whether snorkelling in calm, shallow lagoons or diving into deep, volcanic waters, the island offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
To enjoy everything Réunion has to offer, consider renting a car. You can easily explore the island’s top snorkelling and diving spots comfortably with your transport. Ready to take the plunge? Rent a car in Réunion today and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!
