Saint-Pierre beach
Plage de Saint-Pierre, a sprawling sandy haven nestled near the heart of the eponymous resort, stands as one of the largest beaches in the southern expanse of Réunion Island, just west of the port sharing its name. Teeming with a vibrant tapestry of underwater flora and fauna, these local waters beckon snorkelers from far and wide. Moreover, its close proximity to the commune's center renders this beach an exceptionally accessible retreat for tourists seeking sun, sea, and sand.
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Beach description
Saint-Pierre Beach in Réunion is a stunningly long and expansive stretch of light sand, nestled within a picturesque lagoon, bordered by a vibrant coral reef. On one side, the city harbor and its bustling marina set a lively backdrop. Due to its prime location, the beach is a popular spot, often bustling with activity. It is a favorite among families with children and diving enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy their vacations.
The array of entertainment options for those who love active water sports includes:
- Fishing and sailing – Powerboat rentals are conveniently available at the pier, making it easy to embark on your nautical adventures right from the edge of the beach.
- Snorkeling – This activity is particularly thrilling here, thanks to the diverse and vibrant marine life. The local waters are teeming with colorful fish and intricate coral formations, offering an underwater spectacle not to be missed.
- Wreck diving – The lagoon houses the remains of a Belgian steamboat that sank in May 1897. Divers can explore the intact steam boiler and the remnants of the steering mechanism, adding a touch of history to their underwater exploration.
The approach into the water at Saint-Pierre Beach is gentle, with a sandy bottom for the initial 0.5-1 m. Just 2 m from the shore, the coral zone begins, providing a natural sanctuary for marine life. The beach itself boasts pristine white sand. Encircled in part by a coral reef, the beach offers a safe haven for relaxation, even for families with children, mitigating the fear of sharks that have, in the past, marred the island's reputation.
While Saint-Pierre Beach may not rival the Hermitage in certain respects, caution is still advised. The area can be windy, and at times, large waves may surprise visitors. Farther from the shore, one should be mindful of the potential for strong ocean currents.
When is the best time to go?
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 Saint-Pierre
Infrastructure
There are many shops and restaurants in the vicinity of the beach, a testament to the coast's proximity to the city center. The infrastructure is exceptionally well-developed and includes:
- A year-round operational lifeguard tower on the beach;
- Conveniently located toilets and showers along the coast;
- An engaging playground for children;
- A spacious parking lot for vehicles near the coast;
- Numerous bars and cafes along the city's promenade.
The resort also boasts a diving club, where you can rent the necessary equipment and benefit from the expertise of qualified dive instructors.
While vacationing on this idyllic beach, consider staying at the Alize Plage, situated directly on the coast. Additional rental options are available near the yacht marina and within the resort town itself. For instance, on the southern fringe of the resort, the La Villa Delisle & Spa offers 41 well-appointed rooms to guests.
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- When swimming on the beach of Saint-Pierre, you should be careful (rubber slippers won't help), as there are many sea urchins in the lagoon.
- The greatest interest for divers is the water area 200-300 m away from the coast of the beach, located to the right (if you look from the shore towards the ocean) from the marina. There are various colorful oceanic fishes, including a lagoon triggerfish. Underwater dives are also popular in the inner part of the lagoon – between the coast and the coral reef.
- Swimming between corals needs to be done very carefully, as their branches are very fragile and can easily break if you accidentally hit them. Despite the fact that the lagoon is protected, strong waves can occur in winter, making diving more difficult.
- You should definitely take a stroll along the city marina, where you can admire not only modern powerboats and yachts, but also traditional boats, which locals have long used for fishing. In the same place you can rent such a boat with a trip for fishing.
- Among the sights of the beach of Saint Pierre is a Dry Dock – a historical monument of the 19th century, which represents the place where the sailboats were repaired. The Gardens of the beach are also interesting – a recreational area of the city that goes in parallel with the promenade, with many different vegetation, in the shadow of which people most often organize picnics.