Réunion Island is a spectacular fusion of volcanic peaks and dramatic landscapes—a destination rightly famous for its challenging hikes and awe-inspiring natural cirques. However, for those staying in the capital city of Saint-Denis, the call of the Indian Ocean, with its promise of clear, turquoise water and soft sand, is often irresistible.
While Saint-Denis sits on the coast, the best, safest, and most popular swimming spots are not found on the immediate northern coast due to natural currents and a lack of protective coral reefs. To find the quintessential tropical beach experience, a short, scenic drive to the island’s sunnier and calmer West Coast is essential.
This journey provides the perfect escape, transforming a city break into a coastal holiday in under an hour. It focuses on easily accessible beaches and lagoons around the Saint-Gilles-les-Bains area, which represent the nearest and most rewarding aquatic destinations for residents and visitors of the capital.
The lagoons of Réunion’s West Coast represent the island’s safest and most idyllic swimming environments. Formed by a continuous, ancient coral barrier reef situated a short distance from the shore, these lagoons are characterised by shallow, extraordinarily clear, and warm water. The reef acts as a natural breakwater, protecting the lagoon from the larger ocean waves and powerful currents, making these spots perfect for families, novice swimmers, and anyone seeking a tranquil aquatic experience. The accessibility of these specific areas from Saint-Denis makes them the primary objective for a coastal day trip.
L'Hermitage-les-Bains is perhaps the most famous and geographically significant lagoon on the island, and it is the easiest to reach from Saint-Denis via the main highway network. The lagoon here is vast, stretching for several kilometres, and its depth rarely exceeds two metres, even far from shore. This naturally sheltered environment provides exceptional clarity, making it a living aquarium.
The key features of L'Hermitage are its abundant marine life and its spacious area available for relaxation. Visitors are encouraged to engage in Palmes, Masque, Tuba (PMT), the local term for basic snorkelling, which allows for effortless viewing of colourful tropical fish within arm's reach. Adding to its appeal, the coastline bordering the lagoon is lined with dense groves of filao trees (casuarinas), which offer vital, natural shade, making it comfortable to spend an entire day by the water without relying solely on artificial shelters.
Moving slightly further south, the lagoon continues seamlessly into the area known as La Saline-les-Bains. While part of the same continuous reef system, this section offers a subtly different, often quieter, experience. La Saline is celebrated for having some of the softest, whitest sand on the island. The waters here retain the same protected calm as L’Hermitage, but the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and less congested, particularly during peak holiday periods. The large expanse of calm water makes this a perfect destination not just for swimming, but also for non-motorised water sports. It is an ideal starting point for trying stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, allowing visitors to gently explore the marine environment above the water’s surface, observing the reef’s inhabitants from a unique vantage point without disturbing the ecosystem.
A little further down the coast lies the Trou d'Eau lagoon, which is often considered the most tranquil of the easily accessible spots. This area maintains the protected, shallow environment characteristic of the other lagoons but is known for being generally more low-key and less developed, offering a truly relaxing break from the bustle of the more central West Coast towns. The appeal of Trou d’Eau is its simplicity and natural beauty. It is the perfect lagoon for those seeking solitude or a quieter family outing, where the focus remains purely on swimming, floating, and enjoying the serene tropical environment without the heavy tourist infrastructure found in the Saint-Gilles epicentre.
While the lagoons offer ultimate safety and calm, the open ocean beaches on the West Coast are where the vibrant atmosphere and full power of the Indian Ocean can be experienced. These destinations are crucial for visitors who desire waves, wider views, and a livelier coastal scene. It is important, however, that visitors adhere strictly to safety regulations, as swimming outside of designated, secured areas can be dangerous. The development of robust safety measures, including anti-shark nets and natural rock pools, has made specific oceanfront beaches viable and popular swimming spots near Saint-Denis.
Boucan Canot is one of Réunion’s most iconic white sand beaches. Situated slightly north of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, it offers a stunning, sweeping stretch of coastline directly exposed to the open ocean. This exposure means that when the swell is up, it is popular with bodyboarders and surfers. Crucially for swimmers, the beach is equipped with multiple safety provisions. It features a constantly monitored anti-shark net, which creates a large, secure swimming area within the open ocean environment.
Furthermore, when the sea is too rough, a large, natural sea pool protected by a barrier of rocks provides a safe, ocean-fed bathing zone. The overall atmosphere at Boucan Canot is lively and energetic, often considered a social hub for young people and families alike. Visitors should always check the current safety flags and net status before entering the water.
Located directly adjacent to the bustling marina of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Plage des Roches Noires is an exceptionally vibrant and well-located beach. Its proximity to the town means it is surrounded by coastal bars, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent spot for combining a swim with lunch or an evening drink. Similar to Boucan Canot, Roches Noires offers safe ocean swimming via a secured anti-shark net. This allows bathers to enjoy the waves and the feeling of open ocean swimming within a regulated zone. It is a fantastic place for people-watching and is particularly popular at sunset, when its western orientation provides spectacular views over the water. The beach itself is a mix of sand, which can sometimes be darker due to the volcanic nature of the island, lending it a unique character.
While most frequently mentioned for its exceptional lagoon, the physical sand beach that runs parallel to the L'Hermitage lagoon is a destination in its own right. This long, continuous stretch of shoreline is defined by the massive, spreading filao trees that line the coast. Even if one is not swimming, this beach is the island’s primary destination for picnics, walks, and pure relaxation under the generous shade. The beach offers ample space for families to spread out, play games, or simply nap to the gentle sound of the lapping lagoon water. The sand here is light and soft, making it an ideal environment for those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land while still enjoying the coastal atmosphere and proximity to the famous blue water.
Exploring the West Coast from Saint-Denis requires practical planning, primarily centred around the drive itself. The following tips will help ensure a smooth journey to and from the beaches.
The journey from the capital to the Saint-Gilles-les-Bains area typically covers approximately 35 to 40 kilometres, but travel time is highly variable. The drive generally takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, travellers must take note of the heavy traffic, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, as travel times can be considerably extended, sometimes doubling the journey length. It is highly advisable to consult live traffic apps before setting off to choose the most opportune departure time.
Beyond avoiding peak traffic, timing your visit enhances the experience. The West Coast is sunniest year-round. However, arriving early in the morning not only guarantees better parking and shade but also often provides the calmest water conditions for swimming and snorkelling before any midday wind picks up. The late afternoon is also highly recommended for visitors looking to enjoy the famous Réunion sunsets at beaches like Roches Noires.
Finding parking near the most popular lagoon spots, such as L'Hermitage and Boucan Canot, can be highly challenging, particularly on weekends, public holidays, and during school vacation periods. Many visitors recommend arriving early, ideally before 9:00 AM, to secure one of the limited, often free, public parking spaces close to the beach access points. Later arrivals will almost certainly face a longer walk to the sand. Where public car parks are provided, they are often marked and should be prioritised over roadside parking, which may be restricted.
While the sun is fierce throughout the day, the coastline is lined with excellent, natural shade provided by the dense groves of filao trees. Strategically planning your arrival to secure a spot under these trees can significantly enhance the comfort of a long day at the coast. Don’t forget to carry sufficient water, high-factor sun cream, and, ideally, water shoes, as the lagoon floors can sometimes be rocky or contain broken coral fragments.
The coastal gems of Réunion Island are not on Saint-Denis’s doorstep, but they are absolutely within reach with a car. A simple and scenic drive connects the metropolitan buzz of the capital to the soothing calm of the tropical West Coast. From the safe, crystalline waters of the L'Hermitage lagoon to the exhilarating swimming spots of Boucan Canot, the coasts offer a diverse and unforgettable array of aquatic experiences, catering to every type of coastal adventurer.
To truly maximise your beach hopping and comfortably transport all your gear, rent a car on Final Rentals for the duration of your stay in Saint-Denis! With a rental car, you can freely discover these coastal gems and relax at your favourite beaches at your own pace.
