Scuba Diving (Hermitage Reef)

Scuba diving on the Hermitage reef, off the Saint-Gilles-les-Bains lagoon on Réunion's west coast, is one of the island's main underwater activities. Réunion is an overseas department of France in the Indian Ocean, and its west coast is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, which gives it calm conditions and a fringing coral reef system. Dive sites lie between 200 metres and five kilometres from the marina at Port de Saint-Gilles, where Aqua Découverte, a PADI-affiliated centre, is based. A typical outing is a half day with two dives, lasting around four hours in total. Divers encounter coral formations, small canyons and lava-tube features, with marine life including turtles, moray eels, reef fish and, in season, humpback whale song heard underwater between July and October. Conditions suit both beginners on introductory dives and certified divers, although depth and site selection depend on qualification. Certified divers should bring proof of certification and logbook, while all equipment can be rented on site. First-time visitors can take an introductory dive or a full PADI Open Water course, priced at around €350. Participants need a basic level of fitness, the ability to swim, and a medical declaration; minimum ages for introductory dives are set by the centre, commonly around eight years. Safety procedures include a pre-dive briefing, buddy checks, controlled ascent rates and oxygen on board, with emergency evacuation to a hospital arranged through the emergency services and, for decompression incidents, referral to a hyperbaric facility. Divers should not fly within 18 to 24 hours of diving, which matters on the final day of a trip. Diving is possible year-round, with the best visibility from May to October, and June to September regarded as the best months. During the wet season, rainfall and swell can reduce visibility and limit access to some sites.