In Réunion, beaches take a little effort to find: the island is above all volcanic and mountainous, and most of its coastline is wild. The real swimming beaches are concentrated on the west coast, sheltered by a coral reef that forms calm, translucent lagoons. The south, meanwhile, offers black-sand beaches and dramatic coves. To reach them easily, a rental car remains essential.
Because of the shark risk, swimming and water activities are only allowed inside the lagoons and in supervised or developed areas. Always follow the posted signs and never swim outside authorised zones, especially at dawn, dusk or in murky water.
1. L'Ermitage-les-Bains
West · Saint-Paul. The island's most iconic beach. Its shallow lagoon, lined with filao trees, stretches out turquoise water ideal for swimming and family snorkelling. Colourful fish can be seen just a few metres from shore. It is also the busiest beach at weekends, so arrive early to find a shady spot.
2. La Saline-les-Bains
West · Saint-Paul. Next to L'Ermitage, La Saline offers a wider lagoon and a more peaceful atmosphere. The sand is soft, the water calm, and the sunsets over the ocean are memorable. An excellent choice for a relaxing day away from the crowds.
3. Trou d'Eau
West · Saint-Paul. South of La Saline, this family beach charms visitors with its protected lagoon and shallow areas perfect for children. Coconut palms, crystal-clear water and sandy bottoms: a little slice of paradise that is often quieter than its neighbours.
4. Boucan Canot
West · Saint-Gilles. The stylish, lively beach of the west coast, lined with restaurants and terraces. The sand is pale and the setting superb, but swimming is only allowed within the supervised, secured zone. Ideal for soaking up the seaside atmosphere facing the ocean.
5. Les Roches Noires
West · Saint-Gilles. Right in the heart of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, this central, convenient beach has a lagoon and a supervised swimming area. Perfect for combining beach, shops and restaurants on foot.
6. Saint-Pierre Beach
South · Saint-Pierre. A lagoon beach right in the town centre, rare in the south. Practical and welcoming, it lets you swim and then enjoy the buzz of Saint-Pierre, its harbour and its terraces. A good seaside base for exploring the south.
7. Grande Anse
South · Petite-Île. One of the island's finest postcards: a cove of golden sand lined with coconut palms and framed by basalt cliffs. The sea here is dangerous, but a developed swimming pool lets you cool off safely. The spectacular setting alone is worth the trip.
8. Étang-Salé-les-Bains
South-west · Étang-Salé. A long beach of volcanic black sand, striking in its contrast with the ocean. It has a supervised swimming area and a pool. A unique landscape that recalls the island's volcanic origins.
9. Manapany-les-Bains
South · Saint-Joseph. This small southern village is home to a charming natural pool protected from the waves by rocks. Authentic and unspoilt, it is the ideal place to discover a more intimate Réunion, far from the tourist beaches.
10. Grand Bois
South · Saint-Pierre. On the edge of Saint-Pierre, Grand Bois offers a pretty cove with a developed pool and an open view over the ocean. Less well known, it appeals to travellers seeking peace while staying close to amenities.
How to make the most of Réunion's beaches
Choose the west coast for swimming
It is between Saint-Paul and Saint-Leu that the protected lagoons are found, and therefore the beaches where swimming is safest and most enjoyable. If the beach is your priority, stay on this side of the island.
Drive from one beach to the next
The beaches are scattered along the coast, and the finest are not always served by public transport. A car lets you string together a morning in the lagoon, lunch with your feet in the sand and sunset on another beach in the evening. The easiest option is to pick up your vehicle straight from the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim anywhere in Réunion?
No. Because of the shark risk, swimming and water activities are only allowed inside the lagoons protected by the coral reef and in certain supervised areas or developed pools. Always follow the posted signs.
Where are the best beaches in Réunion?
Most swimming beaches are concentrated on the west coast, between Saint-Paul and Saint-Leu, where the lagoon offers calm, turquoise water. The south also has beautiful black-sand beaches and coves such as Grande Anse.
How do you get to the beaches in Réunion?
A rental car is the most convenient way to reach the beaches, which are spread along the west and south coasts. Picking up your vehicle straight from the airport lets you explore the coastline freely.
