Dive sites in Reunion

The Antonio Lorenzo was an illegal toothfish longliner seized in the southern waters by French authorities and scuttled off the western coast of Réunion to create an artificial reef. The hull rests upright on a flat sandy bottom, intact and colonized by encrusting sponges and soft corals. Due to the bottom profile, divers have limited bottom time, typically focusing exploration on the wheelhouse, open deck areas, and the marine aggregation hovering above the superstructure.

Located off the rugged headland near Saint-Leu on Réunion Island, this site features a dramatic volcanic drop-off plunging straight into the open ocean. Oceanic currents sweep the point, drawing large pelagic species along the outer wall while deep arches and overhangs host black coral and gorgonian sea fans.

Situated along the volcanic western coastline of Réunion Island, this reef site features an iconic natural basalt arch that divers can navigate. Light beams pierce the opening to illuminate colonies of soft corals and encrusting sponges clinging to the ceiling. The surrounding reef structure transitions into lava ridges and sand channels, offering shelter to cryptic critters as well as roving reef predators.

Le Banc Doré is a coral plateau located off the western coast of Réunion, within the marine nature reserve. The site gets its name from the dense schools of yellowfin goatfish that hover over the undulating volcanic substrate and hard coral formations. Divers follow low-relief spur-and-groove structures interspersed with sandy channels, where rays and benthic predators routinely hunt.

Situated along the sheltered western coastline near Saint-Leu, this site takes its name from the public picnic pavilions standing on the shore nearby. Divers navigate a network of gentle coral spurs and sandy channels that slope gradually seaward. Acropora table corals and diverse encrusting species blanket the hard bottom, creating shelter for reef dwellers and juvenile fish.

Located off the coast of Saint-Leu along the western side of Réunion Island, this site takes its name from a distinctive volcanic rock spur jutting out along the outer reef slope. Volcanic overhangs, canyons, and basalt faults define the underwater landscape, sloping down into deep blue water. Currents frequently sweep the drop-off, drawing pelagic visitors alongside resident reef fauna that shelter in crevices and coral outcroppings.

Formed by ancient volcanic activity along the western coast of Réunion, Les Arches features imposing basalt rock arches, overhangs, and swim-throughs. Sunlight penetrates the overhead rock formations, illuminating patches of hard corals, gorgonians, and crevices sheltered from swell. Divers navigate through these natural passageways while watching for resident reef dwellers and pelagics cruising the blue.

Le Sec Jaune is an offshore submerged rock formation situated off the coast of Saint-Leu on Réunion's western shore. The basalt plateau drops away into deeper water along steep edges encrusted with encrusting sponges and yellow Tubastraea coral polyps. Swept by oceanic currents, this pinnacle attracts both reef residents and schooling pelagic predators.

Located off the coast of Saint-Leu on Réunion Island's western shore, Maison Verte takes its name from a distinctive green house on the cliffside that local skippers long used as a navigation mark. The underwater landscape features a volcanic basalt base overlaid with hard coral formations, sloping gradually from the reef flat down toward deeper sandy channels. Gentle topography and sheltered coastal waters make it a favorite for both training dives and relaxed marine observation.

Passe de Trois Bassins cuts through the western fringing reef of Réunion Island, connecting the lagoon shallows to the open oceanic drop-off. The topography features volcanic basalt formations overlaid with hard corals, interspersed with sandy chutes and overhangs where sea turtles and rays rest. Because tidal flow moves water through the cut, currents can pick up and attract pelagic predators along the outer edge.

Passe de l'Ermitage cuts through the fringing barrier reef along Réunion's western coastline, creating a natural channel between the shallow lagoon and the open sea. Divers drift through a rugged seabed marked by coral spurs, sand chutes, and volcanic boulders. The tidal flow through the gap concentrates pelagic species and provides feeding grounds for resident sea turtles.

Sec à Zitte is an offshore volcanic reef formation situated off the western coastline of Réunion. The underwater landscape features basaltic shelves, gullies, and scattered boulders colonized by hard corals and sea fans. Because the site sits exposed in open water, pelagic species frequently cruise along the reef edge while reef fish shelter within crevices and undercuts.