Discover Réunion's marine fauna

To protect the coral reef, Réunion's marine nature reserve was created in 2007. This protects it from the various activities that are harmful to its environment. It protects a large part of the coral reef on the island's west coast and gives you the chance to see turtles in particular!

Dive into the lagoon's warm, clear turquoise waters and discover its most beautiful marine species. The coral reefs and multicoloured fish species will take your breath away! Accompanied by a guide, equipped with masks, flippers and snorkel, you'll discover the beauty and fragility of this reef, a showcase of remarkable biodiversity.

Next stop is Saint-Leu to discover the Kélonia sea turtle observatory. An aquarium, research centre and museum rolled into one, this place puts all its energy into protecting sea turtles. In the basement, the turtles' natural habitat has been recreated in vast basins. You can watch them evolve through large windows.

The care centre collects, feeds and cares for injured turtles before releasing them back into the ocean once they have recovered. Kélonia offers interactive activities to raise visitors' awareness of the need to preserve the natural environments that are vital to the turtles' survival.

Here's a seaside getaway you won't soon forget! If you dream of seeing dolphins, Réunion Island is one of the best places in the world to observe them in their natural habitat. The island enjoys a privileged location, and these mischievous animals put on a show for all to see, right next to the coast. So there are plenty of opportunities to see them!

You can take advantage of a trip out to sea to see the dolphins up close: on a relaxing catamaran cruise, in a small group on a RIB or even in a more original way on board a transparent-bottomed boat. Groups of playful dolphins often join in the fun, following the boat or leaping out of the water. Magic guaranteed!

You can also go snorkelling with the dolphins at certain diving clubs and service providers in Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu and Le Port. This encounter with the dolphins is always a marvellous moment, but it must be done with respect for their living space and the dolphin-watching charter. In all cases, remember to use the services of committed professionals who will be able to pass on their passion and allow you to observe these exceptional mammals in a way that respects them.

On Réunion Island, as well as the permanent spectacle of the dolphins, you can observe the majestic humpback whales during the austral winter, from June to October.

There are two options. The first is to watch the whales from the coast. The Grande Anse in the south and the Barachois de Saint-Denis further north, for example, are particularly good spots, as is the whole of Réunion's west coast. Cap La Houssaye and the beach at Boucan Canot are also magnificent places to admire them with your feet in the sand. On the other hand, whales never come very close to the coast, so don't forget your binoculars for a better view.

The second option, which is much more intense and impressive, is to sail out to sea to get as close as possible to them. Many companies offer excursions at sea to observe them in their natural environment. Better still, as with dolphins, some clubs organise scuba-diving trips, so you can swim close to these sublime mammals. During your boat trip, you'll probably be joined by groups of dolphins!