Abyss Plongée - Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Abyss Plongée might be a wreck, but it’s definitely not one of those ghostly, intact vessels. Think more scattered debris, a collection of objects that were once a fishing boat, now resting on a sandy bottom. We’d suggest you go in the late morning, after the initial rush, when the sun is high and cuts through the water, making the metal gleam. What makes it special for us is the way marine life has completely taken over. You’ll spot charming hermit crabs scuttling amongst the plates, and often see humphead unicornfish grazing nearby. Look closely, and you might find a loggerhead turtle resting on a larger piece of hull. It’s less about penetration, more about observing the ecosystem that’s repurposed this man-made structure. We love it for its easygoing vibe and the sheer density of smaller critters, perfect for a relaxed dive where you can truly slow down and explore.

Location
Saint-Gilles & West Coast, Réunion, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-21.170568, 55.286907
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25-40m

Wreck History - Abyss Plongée

Vessel Type
unknown

This listing, "Abyss Plongée," refers to a dive site or dive center in Saint-Gilles on the west coast of Réunion Island, not a shipwreck. "Plongée" is the French word for diving, indicating this is a hub for underwater exploration in this stunning volcanic island in the Indian Ocean.

Réunion's west coast is protected by a coral reef, creating a calm lagoon and a dramatic outer reef drop-off that provides a rich habitat for marine life. Divers exploring from Saint-Gilles can encounter a vast array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and moray eels. Depending on the season, the waters are also a migratory path for humpback whales, offering the chance for truly unforgettable surface intervals and underwater encounters.

Marine Protected Area: La Pointe Au Sel

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Saint-Gilles & West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Abyss Plongée

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Abyss Plongée

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