Plage de la Saline-les-Bains

Plage de la Saline-les-Bains lies south of Saint-Gilles on Réunion's west coast, about 50 km from Saint-Denis, and is known for having one of the widest and shallowest lagoons on the island. A coral reef runs parallel to the shore and holds back the ocean swell, leaving a broad expanse of calm, clear, pale-turquoise water that is easy to wade through. The sand is a mix of light coral sand and darker volcanic grains, and the beach is long and open rather than tucked into a cove. Filao trees provide natural shade along the back of the sand, with grassy picnic areas behind. Because the lagoon is so shallow, the water warms quickly and is a favourite with families with small children, while the gentle conditions also suit casual snorkellers who want to see small fish and coral patches without going far from shore. The atmosphere is local and unhurried. On Sundays and public holidays, Réunionese families set up picnics beneath the trees, and the beach takes on a festive feel, whereas weekdays are noticeably quieter than Saint-Gilles. Amenities include a shark net, lifeguards, toilets, showers, picnic areas and a car park, and visitors can find snack stands and small shops close by. Visitors should follow flag signals and the supervised swimming zones, since the water beyond the reef is not suitable for swimming. Access is easy: by car it takes about 50 minutes from Saint-Denis via the RN1, and Car Jaune Line 2 stops at La Saline. Parking can become tight at weekends, so arriving early is sensible. The beach works well in any month, though the dry season from May to October offers the most stable weather, and the location is slightly removed from the busiest tourist centres. At low tide parts of the lagoon become very shallow, with exposed coral underfoot, so sturdy water shoes are advisable. The beach holds a rating of 4.6.