Saint-Gilles - L'Hermitage offers a range of beach and nautical activities not found anywhere else on the island.
The lagoon is the central activity. Snorkelling at the Marine Reserve of Trou d'Eau (La Saline-les-Bains) or in front of the beach of L'Hermitage: direct access from the sand, parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, leopard rays, green turtles depending on luck. Bring your mask-snorkel or rent on site (€10-15/day). Secure swimming year-round, perfect for children. Pedalos, paddles and kayaks for rent on the L'Hermitage beach (€15-25/hour).
Humpback whale observation (June to October) is the highlight experience. Boat outing from Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu (€60-80/person, 3h on average), with partial refund guarantee if no whale is observed. Several providers accredited by the Quiétude charter (respect for cetaceans): Le Grand Bleu, Bleu Marine Croisières, Mer Découverte. Possibility to swim with whales (regulated, €80-120/person, strict supervision).
Scuba diving is exceptional outside the lagoon. World-class spots around Cap La Houssaye, the Drop-off at Pointe au Sel, the Plateau de la Source. 2-dive outing: €80-110. Recognised centres: Bleu Marine Réunion (Saint-Gilles), Réunion Plongée (Saint-Leu), Plongée Salines (La Saline). Diving is not affected by the swimming-surfing ban.
Paragliding at Saint-Leu is the other great activity. Tandem discovery flights with instructor (€90-110, 15-20 min) from the slopes of Maïdo (800-1,200 m). Exceptional thermal conditions year-round, flight over the lagoon and the coast with landing on the beach. Book 2-3 days in advance in high season.
Kélonia (aquarium and marine turtle refuge in Saint-Leu, €9/adult): care centre and observatory of green and hawksbill turtles, educational exhibition. To combine with the Saint-Leu market (Saturday morning).
Saint-Paul street market (Friday 7am-2pm, Saturday 7am-12pm): one of the largest and most colourful in Réunion, 15 min from Saint-Gilles. Fresh products, spices, vanilla, rhums arrangés, crafts. Combine with a visit to the Saint-Paul marine cemetery (tombs of the poet Leconte de Lisle and the pirate La Buse).
Excursions from Saint-Gilles: Maïdo (1h30 of road, belvedere on Mafate at 2,205 m, to do at sunrise), Hell-Bourg and Trou de Fer (2h of road via Salazie), Piton de la Fournaise (2h of road, full day).
Read also
- West Coast Réunion — Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage, Saint-Leu and all the beach coast: markets, lagoon, paragliding, whales.
- Piton Maïdo — Belvedere at 2,205 m altitude over the cirque of Mafate, accessible from Saint-Paul in 1h30.
- The Cirques of Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie: the mountain experience complementary to your beach stay.
- Réunion — Complete guide of the intense island: formalities, budget, climate, regions to discover.