Reunion is often overlooked by travellers in favour of its famous neighbour – Mauritius. While Mauritius boasts postcard perfect white sand beaches with crystal blue water, Reunion tends to be known as a hiker’s dream. But between the many mountain trails, the French island also has a handful of swim spots of its own that could rival Mauritius’s.
Just because Reunion Island is surrounded by shark-infested waters doesn’t mean you can’t swim anywhere. You can cool off with a swim at a number of beaches in protected lagoons or at one of the many waterfalls and rock pools across the island.
These are some of the top spots we visited.
The Best Waterfall Hike: Grand Bassin
We almost didn’t do this hike but I am so glad we did because it was by far one of the most stunning we did in Reunion. The waterfall itself wasn’t much to look at during dry season, but the views on the way there were fantastic. Especially when the clouds started rolling in and casted dramatic shadows.
The hike starts off at the viewpoint overlooking a small hamlet that you can access from La Plaine des Cafres. There are picnic tables and toilets available here. The parking lot is quite big and you’ll have no issue finding a spot on the weekdays. But weekends likely fill up with locals visiting for a picnic.
From the viewpoint, you’ll head left to a dusty flat trail. This will take you along a 6km hike to the waterfall with 750m of descent. The path isn’t well shaded, so starting early is advisable. Once in the hamlet, follow signs towards Grand Bassin. There are many little paths in the hamlet, but they’ll eventually lead you there. Keep following towards the left if in doubt. You’ll have to cross a stream by jumping from rock to rock or alternatively wading through. Then you’ll follow another path heading left and descend around to Grand Bassin. The last bit of the trail goes through thick reeds.
You can swim in the basin, but the water is very cold.
To head back, follow the trail you came on.
The best time of day to get to the basin is before 11am when you still have a chance of sun and clearer skies. We got there at noon just as the clouds were rolling over. Most people got there by 11 and the area was quite empty by 1pm. In any case, it never felt crowded – like most places in Reunion, the tourist traffic is minimal.
The Prettiest Waterfall: Grand Galet Waterfall (Langevin Waterfall)
This waterfall is one of the most beautiful on the island, and very easy to access. From the car park, it’s only a 5 minute walk. However, the road getting there is a bit scary. It’s tight and very windy and steep (22%) at one point.
You can swim in the waterfall at your own risk or go down to one of the pools in the stream below. But just pay attention to sudden changes in water levels.
Alternatively, there are guided tours that will zipline you into the waterfall and take you down the stream.
The Best Hidden Waterfall: Bassin des Aigrettes
This series of basins and waterfalls is technically closed to visitors. However, locals still come here regularly to swim. The trails are not maintained, so hiking is at your own risk.
You can park at Snack Bar Les Cormorans (they ask that you purchase something or pay €5 for parking). The parking fills up quickly so aim to get there before 9am if you want a guaranteed spot.
There are three waterfalls in this area, but Bassin des Aigrettes is the most popular and beautiful. To get here, go around the gate that is to the left of the snack bar. Stick to the paths that go right. Eventually you’ll come to a canal wall that you’ll follow along. Where a gate blocks your path you will need to hike up to the left to get around the gate. Continue onwards to the waterfall along the canal wall.
The Best Rockpool Swim Spot: La Roche Ancrée
This swim spot is hidden between Roche Plate and Grand Place in the Cirque de Mafate. You can access it on a multi-day hike.
The Best Sunset Beach: Grand Anse
Located south of Saint-Pierre, Grand Anse is a gem of a beach. It also happens to have a spectacular view of the sunset.
It’s set back from the road, but with helpful facilities like showers and restrooms and water taps. The beach itself is a rough sand studded with coral. Palm trees line the shore front. Within the shade of the trees, there are bbq areas and picnic spots. On the far left of the beach, there’s a secured swimming area where you can safely snorkel without the fear of sharks.
The parking area is large, but you can also find space along the road leading to the beach.
The Best Snorkeling Beach: Plage de l’Hermitage
Located in the northwest of the island, this beach has a very wide lagoon where you can safely swim and snorkel. Although popular, the beach stretches out a lot and so it doesn’t feel crowded.
There are toilets and showers along the beach in the tree area. While there is a parking lot, this can fill up quickly, but there’s always space on the side streets if you’re willing to walk 5-10 minutes down to the beach from there.
The Best Black Sand Beach: Plage de L’Étang-Salé
This is the longest stretch of black sand beach on the island, located in the northwest. Unlike many of the others, this one has bigger waves that appeal to body surfers and surfers. Lifeguards on duty keep a lookout for the sharks.
Because it’s a black sand beach, it’s also extremely hot. The sand feels like it’s on fire if it’s sunny outside.
There is some parking around the neighbourhood streets. Bathrooms and showers are available here to use.
