Étang-Salé beach
Plage de l'Étang-Salé is the longest volcanic beach in Réunion, stretching along the southwestern edge of the island. The striking contrast of black sand, the incredible turquoise hue of the ocean, and the emerald needles of Australian pines make it one of the most picturesque coasts, while the high waves attract numerous surfers. Its convenient location, nestled between the outskirts of Les Avirons and the center of L'Étang-Salé (from which the beach derives its name), further enhances the appeal of this holiday destination.
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Beach description
The total length of this coast with basalt sand is approximately 2 km. The black sand absorbs heat from the sun effectively, making it impossible to walk along the shore barefoot due to the high risk of burns.
The entire coast of L'Étang-Salé is conditionally divided into two parts:
- The southern edge – a tranquil area protected by a coral reef, ideal for families with children and snorkeling enthusiasts;
- The northern side – devoid of reefs, offering open access to the ocean and high waves, perfect for surfing aficionados.
When the ocean waters are serene (a rarity), snorkeling is a treat, with the chance to observe large jacks and lobsters. However, L'Étang-Salé Beach is predominantly a surfer's haven, where:
- novices can practice the sport near the shore;
- seasoned surfers have the opportunity to challenge the towering waves further out at sea.
It is crucial to note that strong currents are a possibility here, as they are along the rest of Réunion's coastline. While enjoying the southern part of the beach, be mindful of sea urchins on the ocean floor. Swimming outside designated safe water zones is strictly prohibited due to the significant danger of shark encounters, which can occur even within the southern lagoon. Despite its popularity, the coast of L'Étang-Salé is seldom as crowded with tourists as many other beaches on the island, offering a more secluded experience.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Reunion for a beach vacation is during the southern hemisphere's summer, which runs from November to April. This period offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, ideal for beach activities.
- November to April: Peak Season - The weather is hot and humid, with occasional rainfall. This is the perfect time for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
- May to October: Off-Peak Season - Cooler and drier, this period is less suitable for beachgoers but great for those looking to explore the island's interior without the intense heat.
For the optimal beach experience, aim for the months of December to March, when the weather is at its best. However, be aware that this is also the cyclone season, so it's important to monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Outside of the peak season, April and November can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Video: Beach Étang-Salé
Infrastructure
Despite the considerable length of the beach, the infrastructure is quite well-developed:
- There are several small cafes and restaurants in the vicinity, and a couple of beach bars can be found right on the sand;
- Near the coast, there's an organized parking lot for vehicles;
- The shore boasts toilets and showers, and a lifeguard station is operational.
In general, the coast of L'Étang-Salé is wilder than the beaches on the west shore of the island. Adjacent to the southern edge of L'Étang-Salé beach, there is a quaint harbour with a marina for fishing boats and powerboats, operational since 1870. Here, you can rent a traditional boat for scenic trips or a powerboat for an exciting fishing adventure.
You can stay at the charming mini-hotel Chambre d'hôtes Le "Bassin Pirogues", just 200 meters from the beach.
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On the island, you can visit several interesting sights located next to the beach:
- The coastal coniferous forest of L'Étang-Salé is a thick strip of Australian pines of almost 1000 ha, directly adjoining the beach. It's an excellent place for hiking, bicycle and horse trips, for which there are appropriate trails. In the vicinity of the forest there's also a golf course, the Nile Crocodile Park and the largest water park on the island..
- The Abyss in L'Étang-Salé is a picturesque narrow natural ravine between black rocks, which the waves of the Indian Ocean loudly crash to. But it's inadvisable to approach the edge of the abyss when the ocean is raging. Fatal accidents have happened here more than once.
The city of L'Étang-Salé itself, often referred to as “the place between the forest and the sea”, is also an interesting place to visit.