Réunion Island, a gem in the Indian Ocean, offers a breathtaking blend of volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and an underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life. For Dutch adventurers seeking an unforgettable diving holiday, a road trip across this island provides the perfect blend of terrestrial exploration and spectacular subaquatic discovery.
Imagine deep walls, vibrant coral gardens, fascinating caves, and even some intriguing shipwrecks, all within easy reach. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential information for planning your ultimate diving adventure to Réunion, ensuring a seamless and thrilling experience.
Embarking on an international adventure requires meticulous planning, and a trip to Réunion Island for diving is no exception. From vital documents to packing essentials, here's what you need to consider before you even set foot on the island.
As Réunion is a French overseas department, Dutch citizens enjoy the benefit of visa-free travel. You can stay for an unlimited period, making it ideal for an extended diving holiday. However, a Dutch passport is essential, and it should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. While not strictly required for entry, carrying proof of onward travel, such as your return flight ticket, is always advisable.
For peace of mind and in the unlikely event of a diving-related incident, comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers scuba diving activities is highly recommended. Check the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that the policy covers depths and activities relevant to your planned dives.
There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Réunion Island’s Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Saint-Denis. The most common route involves a stopover in mainland France, typically Paris or sometimes in other major European or African hubs. Flight durations, including stopovers, generally range from 14 to 20 hours.
To secure the best fares, it is advisable to book your flights well in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak seasons. Utilise flight comparison websites to check prices across various airlines and consider setting up price alerts to be notified of any drops in fare. Flights are often cheapest in September or January.
Réunion Island offers a diverse range of accommodations, catering to all budgets and preferences. For divers, staying on the west coast is highly recommended due to the proximity of numerous dive centres and popular dive sites. Options range from luxurious resorts with dedicated dive shops on-site to charming boutique hotels and more budget-friendly guesthouses. Many accommodations offer facilities like swimming pools, restaurants, and comfortable rooms perfect for relaxing after a day of underwater exploration.
When booking, consider proximity to your chosen dive centres, review recent guest feedback, and inquire about any specific amenities beneficial for divers, such as equipment rinsing areas or secure storage for gear. Travel websites provide extensive listings and reviews to help you find the perfect base for your diving adventure.
Packing smart for a diving holiday in Réunion is key to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The island’s tropical climate means lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Your diving gear will likely be the bulkiest item. While many dive centres offer rental equipment, bringing your own mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit ensures comfort and familiarity. Don't forget your dive computer, logbook, and any spare parts for your equipment.
Beyond diving, pack swimwear, quick-dry towels, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate coral ecosystems. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea for exploring the island's volcanic landscapes and trails. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
A basic first-aid kit with any personal medications, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes is also a sensible addition. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, particularly for evenings. For electronics, remember universal travel adapters, power banks, and waterproof cases for your phone or camera to capture those stunning underwater moments.
Réunion Island's volcanic origins have created a dramatic and diverse underwater topography, featuring impressive drop-offs, lava flows, caves, and vibrant coral gardens. The western coast, sheltered by a coral reef, offers calmer waters and is home to the majority of the popular dive sites. Meanwhile, the other coasts are home to hidden jewels.
Cap La Houssaye in Saint-Paul is often recommended for beginners and those embarking on their first diving adventures. This site provides a gentle introduction to Réunion's underwater world, starting at depths of just 4 metres. Divers can marvel at colourful reef fish, rocky crevices, and even explore a shallow cave at 6 metres. It's an excellent location for observing turtles, lobsters, and a variety of molluscs amidst vibrant corals. Even experienced divers will appreciate the dramatic underwater rock formations.
Moving on to Lagon de l'Hermitage in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, this area is primarily known for its outstanding snorkelling opportunities, but it also offers accessible diving within its shallow, protected waters. This coral-rich lagoon acts as a natural aquarium, teeming with parrotfish, cleaner shrimp, and juvenile reef fish. It's a fantastic place for macro photography and for observing the intricate symbiotic relationships within the reef. There’s also a marked underwater trail for those interested in guided explorations.
For those with more experience looking for the thrill of wreck exploration, the waters off Saint-Gilles-les-Bains house some intriguing submerged treasures. The Hïa Sïang, intentionally sunk in the 1980s, lies at a depth of 54 metres, inhabited by various fish and stingrays. Its imposing structure and metal framework make for a fascinating dive, though divers should be cautious of strong currents that require significant experience. Additionally, a smaller wreck, approximately 10 metres long, rests at 25 metres on a black sandbed and is also bursting with marine life.
Pointe au Sel in Saint-Leu is another popular drop-off site, renowned for its vibrant marine activity and the opportunity to encounter pelagic species. Divers can descend along a wall where they might see schools of jacks, tunas, and possibly even barracudas. The colourful coral formations along the wall enhance the beauty of this dive.
Lastly, Le Jardin des Kiosques, also located in Saint-Leu, offers a stunning reef diving experience. This site presents a diverse array of corals and reef fish, creating a serene and vibrant atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration and photography. It showcases the healthy ecosystem of the Réunion marine reserve, making it a must-visit spot for divers.
While the West Coast dominates the diving scene, other areas offer unique experiences. With their enchanting underwater environments and thriving marine life, both the south and east coasts provide unforgettable diving experiences for those ready to explore the depths.
The South Coast of Reunion Island is known for its rugged, volcanic landscapes and dramatic cliffs. Diving here often reflects this raw, wild beauty. The underwater topography on the South Coast is heavily influenced by lava flows, creating impressive arches, tunnels, and caves. These formations offer unique photographic opportunities with dramatic lighting effects.
While Etang-Salé and Saint-Pierre are technically on the southwest, they often serve as jumping-off points for these southern sites. These caves are often colonised by large groupers and feature beautiful gorgonians. Depths can range from 27 to 38 meters, making them suitable for experienced divers.
Heading towards the East Coast, another remarkable adventure awaits at the volcanic flows of Sainte-Rose. This unique location offers seasoned divers the chance to explore solidified lava flows that dramatically extend into the ocean. The underwater landscape here is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing the powerful geological history of the region.
As divers navigate this rugged terrain, they may encounter playful dolphins and, during the migratory season from June to October, the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales. However, it is essential to approach the East Coast with caution, as it can experience stronger currents and unpredictable weather conditions.
Safety should always be paramount when diving, and responsible practices ensure the longevity of Réunion's pristine marine environment.
Réunion Island is home to a protected marine nature reserve, established in 2007, which encompasses a significant portion of the western coastline. This reserve aims to protect the coral reef and its diverse inhabitants.
A road trip around Réunion Island offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore beyond the underwater realm. Renting a car is not just a convenience; it's an essential element for a truly immersive and diverse holiday experience. Imagine the thrill of driving the scenic coastal roads, pausing at breathtaking viewpoints that only a self-driven journey can afford.
A rental car gives you the autonomy to visit multiple dive sites across the island at your own pace, rather than being confined to the schedule of a tour operator. You can effortlessly travel between Saint-Gilles-les-Bains for its calm lagoons and Saint-Leu for its vibrant drop-offs, or even venture to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the south and east to witness the famous lava flows.
Book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and ensure availability. You will need a valid driving licence, a credit card for the deposit, and be over the age of 21. Consider opting for a car with good ground clearance if you plan to explore more rugged, unpaved roads, though most main attractions are accessible by standard vehicles.
Embrace the freedom of the open road and unlock the full potential of your Réunion Island adventure. A rental car is your key to an unforgettable journey, allowing you to seamlessly blend the exhilaration of diving with the breathtaking exploration of this captivating island paradise. Book your car today and prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!
