Diving in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Explore 47 dive sites in Saint-Gilles & West Coast, Réunion. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Saint-Gilles & West Coast occur in January, averaging 27.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • February: 27.9°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • March: 27.9°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • April: 27.9°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • May: 27.9°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • June: 27.9°C (air: 22.0°C)
  • July: 27.9°C (air: 21.1°C)
  • August: 27.9°C (air: 21.2°C)
  • September: 27.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • October: 27.9°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • November: 27.9°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • December: 27.9°C (air: 25.4°C)

Marine Life in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Home to 524 recorded species including 348 reef fish, 99 hard corals, 30 sharks & rays, 15 whales & dolphins, 9 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Dive Site Difficulty in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Saint-Gilles & West Coast has 19 beginner, 15 intermediate, 1 advanced, 4 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Based on average water temperature of 27.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

  • Grande Anse - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • La Pointe Au Sel - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ile De Petite-Ile - Biotope Protection Order (IUCN Category IV)
  • Terre Rouge - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Marine De La Réunion - National Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rochers Des Colimacons - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Grande Ravine - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rocher De Petite Ile - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Marine De Vincendo - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ravine Du Portail Aux Avirons - Land acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral (national seaside and lakeside conservancy) (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Saint-Gilles & West Coast - Nearest Airports

  • Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE), Saint-Pierre - 28 km away, approx 46 min travel time
  • Roland Garros Airport (RUN), Sainte-Marie - 35 km away, approx 53 min travel time
  • Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), Plaine Magnien - 262 km away, approx 300 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water visibility and temperature conditions for diving in Saint-Gilles and the West Coast?
While specific visibility data is not provided, the Saint-Gilles and West Coast sub-region offers excellent diving conditions with optimal water temperatures. During its best months, the water temperature averages a warm 27.85°C, creating a comfortable environment for divers. This consistent warmth is noted for Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Saint-Gilles and West Coast dive region?
The provided data does not specify particular marine life species found in the Saint-Gilles and West Coast dive region. However, with 47 diverse dive sites including reefs, wrecks, and walls, divers can generally expect a rich variety of tropical marine ecosystems. For more information on general marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites around Saint-Gilles and the West Coast, including any notable wrecks or unique geological features?
The Saint-Gilles and West Coast sub-region boasts 47 diverse dive sites. Notable wrecks include the Haï Siang (Haï Siang), THESEN (THESEN), and WARREN HASTINGS (WARREN HASTINGS). Unique geological features like the caves La Cheminée (La Cheminée) and Deux Arches (Deux Arches), as well as the Tour de Boucan (Tour de Boucan) pinnacle, offer varied diving experiences.
Is Saint-Gilles and the West Coast suitable for beginner divers, or are most sites for experienced divers?
Yes, Saint-Gilles and the West Coast is very suitable for beginner divers, offering numerous sites with easier conditions. Examples include the cave La Cheminée (La Cheminée), the reef Canyon (Canyon), and the wall Petit Tombant (Petit Tombant). Out of 47 dive sites, a significant number are designated for beginner levels, ensuring a welcoming experience for new divers.
How do travelers typically get to Saint-Gilles and the West Coast dive region of Reunion Island?
The provided data does not specify typical transportation methods to reach the Saint-Gilles and West Coast dive region of Reunion Island. However, as the main dive area, it is generally well-accessed by local transport options on the island. For detailed travel information, we recommend consulting local tourism resources for Reunion.
What are the best times of year to dive in Saint-Gilles and the West Coast, considering seasonal weather and marine life events like whale migration?
Based on the provided data, the best times of year for optimal water temperatures in Saint-Gilles and the West Coast are during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water averages a comfortable 27.85°C. The data does not include information on seasonal weather patterns or specific marine life events like whale migration. For more general information on dive seasons, visit our when to dive guide.
Are there strong currents to be aware of when diving in Saint-Gilles and the West Coast?
While the data lists Passe de 3 Bassins (Passe de 3 Bassins) as a beginner-level drift dive, indicating the presence of currents, the overall prevalence or strength of currents across all 47 sites is not specified. Divers should always consult with local dive centers for current conditions specific to their chosen dive sites. There are 6 dive centres in the area to assist with this.
Is it possible to see or swim with dolphins and whales while diving or snorkeling in Saint-Gilles and the West Coast?
The provided data does not contain specific information regarding the presence of dolphins or whales in the Saint-Gilles and West Coast dive region, nor does it mention opportunities for swimming with them. While the area is known for its diverse marine environment, details on specific large marine mammal encounters are not available in this context. For general wildlife information, please check our wildlife database.