Snorkelling at L'Étang-Salé, Bassin Pirogue, Réunion Island
Explore the Bassin Pirogue snorkelling area at L'Étang-Salé, a peaceful spot with clear waters, perfect for observing marine life with the whole family!
Practical information
Go snorkelling at L'Étang-Salé, in the Bassin Pirogue, just on the edge of Réunion Island's marine reserve. Guided by passionate local instructors, you'll explore the reefs in a peaceful setting and in small groups.
- Shallow basin (-2m at high tide)
- Water temperatures between 23 and 28°C depending on the season
- Visibility up to 7m
Course of events
- Meet your guide at the Plongée Salée dive centre in L'Étang-Salé, 10 minutes before departure
- Receive your snorkeling equipment and listen to a short briefing in the tropical garden
- Walk 50 m to Bassin Pirogue, a calm and shallow lagoon on the edge of the Réunion Marine Reserve
- Snorkel for 45 to 60 minutes at your own pace, while your guide shares insights and stories about the local marine life
- Explore colourful coral reefs and spot tropical fish in a preserved, uncrowded environment
- Return to the dive centre, enjoy a hot shower and a refreshing drink
- Browse through marine identification guides to recognise the species you have seen
Activity requirements
All participants must be able to swim to take part in this activity.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Written parental permission is required for minors (14+) taking part in this activity unaccompanied by an adult.
Special terms
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
Photos/videos are available at an additional cost, payable on site (€40 for camera hire, please bring your own micro-SD card).
This activity is not recommended for people with cognitive or mental disorders.
Pets are not allowed to take part in this activity.
Spoken languages:
French, English, GermanIncluded
- Professional guide
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Safety buoy
- Buoy available
- Hot shower
- Access to fish identification booklets
Excluded
- Camera rental (€40)
- Micro-SD card
Do not forget to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sun cream
- Water bottle
- Micro-SD card (for camera rental)
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
French, English, GermanCancellation: Flexible
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Dive into a tropical interlude with a snorkelling trip at L'Étang-Salé, on the west coast of Réunion Island. Just 50 metres from the diving centre, the Bassin Pirogue awaits you: this calm, little-frequented natural basin borders the island's marine reserve. With water temperatures varying between 23 and 28°C depending on the season and shallow waters, it's the ideal place for an introduction to snorkelling at L'Étang-Salé. What's more, the experience is accessible to families and beginners alike!
The adventure begins in the heart of the centre's tropical garden, the only diving centre based in L'Étang-Salé. Welcomed by qualified and enthusiastic guides, you will be fitted out before walking to the lagoon. Known locally as the Bassin Pirogue, this snorkelling area in L'Étang-Salé stands out for the clarity of its waters and the richness of its biodiversity. During the excursion, you can meet coral fish in their natural habitat. If you're lucky, you might even spot a turtle or a stingray!
For 45 to 60 minutes, you'll explore the seabed with a guide, surrounded by coral and colourful fish. This snorkelling experience at Étang-Salé is also a chance to discover the local ecosystem, enriched by explanations and anecdotes shared throughout the outing.
Back at the centre, a hot shower and a refreshing drink await you. Marine identification aids are available to help you recognise the species you come across, and a camera can be rented to capture your snorkelling memories at L'Étang-Salé.
This guided snorkelling trip to the Bassin Pirogue, in the heart of a protected and unspoilt environment, invites you to discover the marine wonders of Réunion Island in an authentic and safe atmosphere! Don't hesitate to book for this magical experience during your stay in L'Étang-Salé!